What Is the Dinosaurs Around the World Exhibit at Dow Gardens?

Dinosaurs Around the World is a seasonal exhibit at Dow Gardens featuring ten life-sized animatronic dinosaurs placed along the garden trails and the forest paths of Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens. It opens May 19 and runs through October 25, and it is included with admission — no separate exhibit ticket is required.

What you'll see

• Ten life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. These are moving, mechanical models rather than static sculptures, so expect motion and sound as you walk past them.
• A trail-based layout, not a single building. The dinosaurs are distributed across two connected properties: Dow Gardens itself and Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens. You cover ground on foot to see the full exhibit.
• Two kinds of scenery. The exhibit is split between cultivated garden trails and forest paths, so the walk changes character as you move between the two areas.

Because the models are spread out rather than gathered in one hall, plan the exhibit as part of a longer walk rather than a quick stop.

When to go

The exhibit runs for roughly five months, so timing is flexible. Two practical notes:

• Check the day. The gardens are currently open Tuesday through Sunday. A Monday visit would mean no entry at all, exhibit included.
• Check the season. A May or June visit and an October visit are different experiences — the gardens change with the seasons, and the forest paths at Whiting Forest are a large part of the walk.

Cost

The exhibit is included with admission. There is no separate upcharge for Dinosaurs Around the World, so you do not need to budget an extra exhibit fee on top of your entry ticket.

Admission is purchased through the gardens — the site's "Visit Us" section links to a purchase page for admission. Specific admission prices are not stated in the material available here, so confirm current rates on the official Plan Your Visit page before you go.

How to plan the visit

1. Pick a day that isn't Monday. The gardens are currently closed Mondays.
2. Arrive with enough time to walk both areas. The exhibit spans Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens, so a rushed visit will cut the exhibit short.
3. Buy admission before or on arrival. Use the admission purchase link on the site's Visit Us section.
4. Confirm current hours and prices. Hours are seasonal and the posted schedule can change; the Plan Your Visit page is the authoritative source.

Common questions

Do I need a separate ticket for the dinosaurs? No. The exhibit is included with admission.

Is it indoors? No. It runs along garden trails and forest paths, so it is an outdoor, walking experience. Weather and footwear matter.

How long is it running? May 19 through October 25.

Where exactly is it? Across Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens — two adjacent properties, both part of the same visit.

Is it suitable for young children? The material describes life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, which move. That is generally a draw for children, but the walk covers a fair amount of ground across two properties, so strollers and pacing are worth considering.