Public Programs

Ages 65+, 90 minutes, $10 per person

Discover ancient plants with the Royal Tyrrell Museum experts: palaeobotanist Dr. Christopher West and horticulturalist Dawn Christian. Examine real plant fossils and learn what they can tell us about life in the past. Prepare your own terracotta pot and plant a modern species propagated from the Museum's Cretaceous Garden to take home. Activities will be followed by time to socialize over light refreshments.

Please Note:

• The program will take place in a well-lit space with tables and seating.
• The program is accessible for wheeled mobility devices.
• Aprons will be available to protect participants' clothes during the program.
• Dietary information shared in the registration process will be used to inform planning; however, allergen-free food and an allergen-free environment cannot be guaranteed.
• A support person accompanying a participant may attend at no cost in an assistance role. Please provide advance notice to our Bookings Office: tyrrell.bookings@gov.ab.ca or 403-820-6246.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 1:30 PM

Ages 65+, 90 minutes, $10.00 per person

Wander the badlands, discover fossils, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape on this low-impact hike with Royal Tyrrell Museum palaeontologist Dr. Jim Gardner. The hike will be followed by time to socialize over light refreshments.

Please Note:

• The hike involves minor elevation changes over unpaved, uneven terrain.
• The hiking distance is about 1 - 1.5 km.
• Participants must wear sturdy outdoor footwear and bring water.
• Participants are stongly encouraged to wear hats and use sunscreen.
• Not accessible for wheeled mobility devices. Hiking poles are welcome.
• Dietary information shared in the registration process will be used to inform planning; however allergen-free food and allergen-free environment cannot be guaranteed.
• In case of inclement weather, an indoor gallery tour with Dr. Gardner will be offered instead.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 9:30AM

Search for fossils, see real dinosaur remains still in the ground, and learn about the creatures and environment of ancient Alberta on this 90-minute journey through the badlands. (Hike information: 3 km return trip along uneven path; moderate trail with a few hills.)

Adult: $12 (18 and over), Child $12 (2-17), Baby: Free (Under 2 years)

Adult Supervision: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

This program is recommended for ages 4+ due to the 3 km round-trip distance, the uneven terrain, and the potentially hot conditions in the badlands.

Sturdy outdoor footwear is required (running shoes, hiking boots or hiking sandals). Water bottles, hats, suncreen, insect repellant and clothing suitable for the weather are recommended. To secure your spot, advance registration is recommended.

This program is inaccessilble to wheelchairs and strollers due to uneven terrain.

Programs begin promptly at start times. Latecomers will not be admitted.

Make your own fossil replica, discover why casts are important to the Museum, and learn the differences between fossils and casts during this 45-minute indoor workshop.

Ages 4+: Adult: $10 (18 and over), Child $10 (4-17)

Adult Supervision: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult. All people attending the program will pay the program fee. There will be no unpaid adults to assist their children, and all adults are permitted to make a cast.

Caution: Silicone moulds are used in the making of the casts.

This program is delivered in a lab setting using dental plaster which sometimes settles to the floor, so for health and safety reasons toddlers under the age of 4 are not allowed in the room. Program content is intended for ages 4+.

To secure your spot, advance registration is recommended.

Programs begin promptly at start times. Latecomers will not be admitted.

Using real tools and techniques of palaeontology, you will uncover fossil replicas in our simulated dig site, unearth their unique stories, and hold real fossils.
Experience the thrill of excavation on this 75-minute realistic dinosaur dig, designed for ages five and older. (Hike information: 2 km return trip along uneven path; moderately challenging with one steep hill to navigate. A rope hand rail is in place to hold on to.).

Ages 7+: Adult $17 (18 and over), Youth $17 (7-17)

Adult Supervision: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

The program terminology and educational content is geared for an audience of 7+, thus encouraging children and adults to attend.

Sturdy outdoor footwear is required (running shoes, hiking boots, or hiking sandals.) Water bottles, hats, sunscreen, insect repellant and clothing suitable for the weather are recommended. To secure your spot, advance registration is recommended. In case of wet conditions, an indoor version of this program will be offered.

Programs begin promptly at start times. Latecomers will not be admitted.

Explore the badlands, discover fossils, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape on this adult exclusive experience. 90 minutes.

Ages 16+: $18 per person

Programs begin promptly at start times. Latecomers will not be admitted.

Participate in an indoor dig and work on real fossils.

Protected from the heat and rugged badlands terrain, Express Dig Experience provides a unique indoor opportunity to uncover real fossils using palaeontological tools. This hands-on activity is designed to easily fit into your schedule, and is accessible for a wide range of physical abilities.

Ages 5+: Adult: $10 (18 and over), Child $10 (5-17)

Adult Supervision: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

To secure your spot, advance registration is recommended.

Programs begin promptly at start times. Latecomers will not be admitted.