A prehistoric adventure is coming to Scunthorpe town centre as Church Square is transformed for the exciting free Dino Discover Day event.
Taking place on Friday 25 July 2025 from 11am to 4pm, families can enjoy a full day of dinosaur-themed activities and entertainment. The event marks the launch of Summer in the Square, six weeks of free activities in Scunthorpe funded by the Towns Fund.
There will be plenty to see and do throughout the day, including:
- Dinomania Live Shows – Enjoy three 45-minute shows packed with entertainment. Watch a T. Rex and Ankylosaurus battle it out, meet three friendly baby dinosaurs, see a hatchling emerge from its egg, and come face-to-face with Nancy the Raptor and Sally the Smilodon.
- Meet Zelva the Animatronic Tortoise – See the world’s only walking animatronic tortoise, created by The Flying Buttresses – known for their work on major films including Prometheus and Guardians of the Galaxy.
- Dino Dome Immersive Experience – Step inside the giant dome for a fully immersive 360-degree film exploring the prehistoric world. Dinosaurs at Dusk takes visitors back in time to learn about flight, feathered dinosaurs, and the extinction event.
- Mini Museum and Fossil Dig – Handle real and replica fossils, including a huge Allosaurus skull and Triceratops leg bone. Budding palaeontologists can take part in the fossil dig and even keep what they find.
- Dino Ranger Training – Sign up at Dinosaur Base Camp to learn how to care for and control dinosaurs – expect lots of roaring and fun.
- Lab Rascals Prehistoric Experiments – Get stuck into prehistoric slime-making, dry ice fun, and interactive science activities.
- Photo Opportunities – Take a picture with the giant five-foot dinosaur egg prop.
- Baby Dragon Show – Meet Dreygo the baby dragon as he learns to flap his wings and blow smoke.
The event is supported by NL family, the council’s fostering team and family hubs offering activities and crafts, alongside a chance to connect with members of the wider Children and Families team showcasing different social care career avenues. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a free day out and find out more about the support available to families.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see these free events returning to Scunthorpe town centre again this summer. We’re proud to be supporting families with a wide range of activities where people can have fun, learn something new, and enjoy everything the town has to offer.”
“These events are about bringing people together, creating opportunities for children to try new things, and making sure families can enjoy quality time together.”
Dino Discover Day is part of Summer in the Square, a series of free events taking place in Scunthorpe town centre over the summer holidays, made possible thanks to funding from the Towns Fund. The full programme features other great events including:
- Wednesday 30 July – Discover Sports
- Friday 8 August – Discover Music
- Wednesday 13 August – Discover Play
- Wednesday 20 August – Teen Takeover
- Wednesday 27 August – Discover Creativity
Each event offers free activities for families to enjoy in the heart of the town centre.