Derbion Dino’s return!

Get ready to step back in time this Easter as we bring dinosaurs to Derbion! This year, we’re welcoming back 14 gigantic, life-like animatronic dinosaurs!

Follow the Free Dinosaur Trail

Explore the centre and come face-to-face with 14 roaring, moving dinosaurs! Whether you’re a dino expert or just love an adventure, this is a must-see experience for all ages. Stand beside the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex and capture the ultimate photo. Watch a Pteranodon prepare to take flight! See its wings flap as if it’s about to soar through the skies. Or step inside a Baby Dino Egg! A fun photo opportunity that’s perfect for all explorers.

Collect one of our trail maps from the Customer Service Desk, to see if you can find all the dinosaurs in the centre. Plus you can test your knowledge by answering 5 questions. Once you have found the answers to all 5 questions, take the trail map to Sprit Crystals on level 1 for the chance to win a free fossil.

Best of all? The Dino trail is completely FREE!

New for 2025 – Fossil Finders Dig!

Ever dreamed of being a palaeontologist? Now’s your chance to dig, discover and piece together ancient dinosaur fossils. Hunt through the sand to uncover hidden bones, then work together at the assembly table to recreate a dinosaur skeleton!

🔎 Grab Your Tools & Start Digging – Sift through the sand to uncover hidden dinosaur bones, just like a real fossil hunter!
🦕 Reassemble a Dinosaur Skeleton – Work as a team at the assembly table to piece together a prehistoric creature.
🔬 Learn & Explore – Discover fascinating facts about dinosaurs and fossils while having hands-on fun.

This interactive activity is ideal for young adventurers and future scientists, combining education with excitement.

The Fossil Finder Dig is open from 7th – 19th April.

Opening times: 9:30am – 3:30pm

Tickets are £2.50 per child.

Book now and don’t miss this prehistoric adventure – join us at Derbion this Easter for an unforgettable experience!

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To celebrate the return of the ‘Derbion Dinos,’ the Derby City Lab is hosting a dinosaur-themed colouring competition for youngsters, with the winning entry receiving a Derbion gift voucher!

For more details please visit here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

We have 14 animatronic dinosaurs coming into the centre. These dinosaurs wil be in fixed locations around the centre but move and make noises. This is a free trail around the centre.
In addition to this, customers can enhance their experience by attending the palaeontologist workshop where kids can dig for fossils in the sand and put together a dinosaur skeleton. This workshop is ticketed and needs booking via our website.
In addition to the above there is also a photo opportunity where customers can have a photo inside a dinosaur egg alongside a baby dinosaur.

Where are the dinosaurs located?

The dinosaurs themselves are located around both level 1 and level 2 of the centre. The Workshops are on level 1 outside Boots.

How do I buy tickets for the workshops?

Tickets can be purchased in advance throughout website. We recommend you book in advance as tickets are limited per day and are likely to get booked quickly. Tickets cannot be refunded or transferred to another date. Please note that you cannot purchase or make changes to your tickets via our Customer Service Desk or Reception. This is a cashless ticket system and must all be booked on the website.

YOU DO NOT NEED TICKETS TO DO THE DINOSAUR TRAIL, ONLY THE WORKSHOPS

Can I book tickets at the customer service desk?

Tickets booked on the day will need to be booked through your own device and paid for via card. Very limited tickets can be booked this way, and this might mean that you don’t get to attend the event at your preferred time. We recommend that you book in advance to avoid disappointment. This is a cashless ticket system, and all tickets must be booked on the website.

Will I receive a ticket once I have booked?

Once you have placed your booking, you will receive an e-mail which will include your booking reference confirmation of payment and your E-ticket.

Do I need to print my tickets, or can I just bring them on my phone or mobile device?

You can bring your ticket confirmation with you either printed out or on your mobile device.

Do adults need a ticket?

This event is recommended for children between 3-12 and therefore adults will not need a ticket.

When should I arrive?

We recommend arriving just before your booked time to allow time for checking in and to ensure your visit runs to time. Please do not arrive before this time in order to help us minimise queues to enter the experience.

Can you take photographs?

You can take personal photos both in the workshops and on the trail.

What age are the workshops for?  

This experience is recommended for children between 3-12 years of age but we would believe you should decide if the event would suitable for your child.

Will my child get messy?

The palaeontologist workshop can get a little dusty, so we ask customers to bear this in mind when dressing for the workshops.

I am bringing a buggy; is there somewhere to leave it out of the way?

We have a designated buggy park right next to the event, please make sure you tuck them out the way and remember any valuable are left at your own risk.

Can I drop my child off for the event while I go shopping?

No. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event, and they will be fully responsible for the child in their care.

I’ve left something; where will it be?

All items that are left behind will be kept safe by our event site manger until the end of the day, after this it will be taken to Customer Service team to be looked after until you come back.

Is there wheelchair access?

There is space for a wheelchair in the event area.

Are the workshops suitable for children with disabilities, and will the staff act accordingly if necessary?

The workshops are suitable for children with a range of disabilities. We do recommend that you mention details of your child’s disability to the staff before purchasing your ticket so that you can decide whether the experience would be both suitable and enjoyable for your child.

The dinosaur trail is suitable for people with disabilities; however, we would like customers to be aware that they do make sudden movements and noises