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Top Exhibits At Durham Museum This Summer

There are two things you can count on with The Durham Museum each summer. One, they’ll have an exciting special exhibit. Two, there will be fun special activities. This year is no different. 

Disclosure: This sponsored post has been created because of a museum ambassador partnershership I have with The Durham Museum. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own.

Dinosaur Revolution logo

What’s new in summer 2022 at The Durham

My daughter and I stopped by The Durham early in June to check out two special exhibits, Dinosaur Revolution and Mandela. I’ll write mostly about the dinosaurs because if you’re visiting the museum with youngsters, that’s what they’ll gravitate toward.

Playing with large paws at Dinosaur Revolution at The Durham Museum in Summer 2022

The exhibit is more interactive than typical exhibits at The Durham Museum, which is great for families. It’s set up as a maze, and families complete three Mesozoic missions as a way to learn more about the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. 

My 10-year-old was a little big for some of the activities, like stomping around with dinosaur “feet” or trying to climb the climbing wall. However, she was at a great age to do the trivia questions. 

The climbing wall at Dinosaur Revolution

Dinosaur Revolution is open through Sept. 4, 2022. You can time a visit to coincide with one of these kid-friendly activities, too:

  • Prehistoric Storytime, Wednesdays, June-July, 10:30 a.m. 

Stomp down to The Durham on Wednesdays in June and July for a weekly read aloud and craft! Each week will feature a different dinosaur-themed book and craft led by one of the museum’s engaging educators. Registration is not required, and activities are included with museum admission or membership. All ages are welcome! 

  • Fossil Fridays, Fridays, June-July, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Gather the whole family for Fossil Fridays! Each Friday in June and July, you’ll enjoy games, crafts and giveaways when you come to visit Dinosaur Revolution. Try a new path through this maze-style exhibit each week, along with activities to expand your prehistoric knowledge. Plus, on the first and third Fridays of each month, we’ll be joined for a special presentation by Dinosaur Ranger Anthony, from Stomp Chomp Roar (10 a.m. to noon)! Registration is not required, and activities are included with museum admission or membership.

Tip: The museum is operating under Summer Hours now through Aug. 31, 2022. It’s open Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.  Admission is only $5 after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays!

Wall featuring photo and quote by Nelson Mandela

You have a few more weeks to visit the other special exhibit, “Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition,” which ends on July 3, 2022. I did not anticipate my 10-year-old being so interested in learning about the iconic leader, but once she started reading some of the accounts, she had to read ALL.OF.THEM.

It is not a fluff exhibit. There are sections that may stir emotions, especially covering the violence surrounding protests, and there are some graphic pictures. They can be great starters for discussions, though.

I thought the exhibit was so well done, featuring previously unseen film, photos and the display of over 150 historical artifacts and personal effects. We both left with a new, deeper appreciation for Mandela and his fight for equal rights.

One of the displays at

And as it turns out, we spent more time in “Nelson Mandela” than in “Dinosaur Revolution”!

If you’ve never ventured to the museum, this summer would be a great one to do so! While it definitely appeals to an older audience there is plenty for kids to enjoy there. Here’s my guide for visiting with children

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