Dinosaurs rule downtown Wheaton this fall

Ten life-size animatronic dinosaurs will rule downtown Wheaton starting Monday, Sept. 25 in the Dinos Downtown Wheaton exhibit presented by Innovator ETFs.

The Downtown Wheaton Association free outdoor exhibit will transport children and adults alike to a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, allowing visitors a close-up look at these prehistoric creatures that move and roar - just like the real thing!

"This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our community to explore downtown Wheaton," said Downtown Wheaton Association Executive Director Allison Orr. "Our businesses are as excited as we are to welcome visitors to this free outdoor exhibit, where they'll find all kinds of dinosaur-related products, activities, and even dino-inspired menu items at our shops and restaurants. Everyone is getting ready for dinosaurs to take over downtown Wheaton!"

Dinos Downtown Wheaton features 10 species from around the world, including the Herrerasaurus, Amargasaurus, Iguanodon, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Oviraptor, Neovenator, Protoceratops, Triceratops, Leallynasaura, and the Minmi, from Sept. 25 to Oct. 8 at locations throughout downtown.

Perhaps no creature on Earth has sparked imagination quite like dinosaurs. Dinos Downtown Wheaton, produced by Imagine Exhibitions, utilizes state-of-the-art technology to showcase these magnificent dinosaurs the way they would have appeared some 65 million years ago, true to size and appearance. The animatronics are engineered to create smooth, lifelike movements as the dinosaurs move their heads and mouths, limbs, tails, and even roar.

The exhibit is free and open to the public, thanks to generous community sponsors.

To register for the classes, shows or tours, or to set up tour groups or field trips, visit www.DowntownWheaton.com/dinos.

Guests can venture throughout shopping and dining areas across downtown Wheaton as they search for Herrerasaurus, visit the Iguanodon, or even escape the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex. A full list of dino-inspired offerings from participating restaurants and shops will be available at DowntownWheaton.com/dinos.

Educational excursion

Dinos Downtown Wheaton is not just a showcase of dinosaurs but an educational tool for teaching about geology, evolution, ecology, and more. The exhibit provides educators bringing students with an educational guide structured in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards, and includes information on each dinosaur species on display along with activities, games, and work sheets that engage students at every grade level.

Many of the dinosaur species exhibited in Dinos Downtown Wheaton represent relatively new discoveries in paleontology.

Popular well-known dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Triceratops are joined by the Herrerasaurus, discovered in 1991 in Argentina; the Minmi, discovered in 1964 in Queensland, Australia; and the rare Amargasaurus, whose only known skeleton was discovered in 1984.

Dinosaur art classes

The DuPage Art League is hosting Dinosaur Art Classes at WHIM, a studio space at 120 W. Wesley St. in downtown Wheaton.

Decorate your very own canvas tote bag with acrylic paint! This 30-minute class includes sponging paint over a dinosaur stencil. Younger children will use a premade stencil. Older children can draw and cut their own stencil.

The 30-minute sessions, instructed by Gretchen Hoenecke of WHIM, will be offered at 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 25-26.

Cost is $25 per person. Each child must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult. This is not a drop off activity. Advance registration is required.

Walking Tours with Paleo Joe

Enjoy this walking tour with real-life paleontologist Paleo Joe, as he leads the way throughout the Dinos Downtown Wheaton exhibit. Along the way, he will share fun facts about these dinosaurs and stories of his real dinosaur dig experiences/

The tours will be offered at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, and 10, 11 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.

Cost is $25 per person. Advance registration is required.

Joseph "PaleoJoe" Kchodl is a professional paleontologist, children's book author, storyteller, and yes, a real dinosaur digger!

For over 30 years, Paleo Joe has shared stories about his dinosaur dig site adventures and the relationships between dinosaurs in a way that keeps kids - and adults - on the edge of their seats. Most recently, Paleo Joe returned from a Triceratops dig in Montana/ Previously, he has dug up dinosaurs in Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Everyone in attendance needs a ticket, including chaperones. Walking tour will happen rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for weather and walking. Strollers are permitted.

Dinosaur Improv Show

Westside Improv is hosting an improvised, interactive, dinosaur-themed comedy show for the whole family. The cast will improvise sketches, songs, and games, all based on your suggestions. You might even get a chance to join them on stage.

The Dinosaur Improv Show will be 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1; and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, and 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, at Westside Improv Studio, 125 W. Front St.

This show, appropriate for all ages, is $25 per person. Advance registration is required.

Everyone in attendance needs a ticket, including chaperones.

Dino Dancin'

This class will get the imagination going and your kids' bodies moving. No dance experience necessary, wear comfortable athletic clothes and sneakers while we groove to dinosaur themed songs and learn some easy fun choreography at The Moment on Main, 122 N. Main St.

The 30-minute instruction will be led by LOVV The Dance Studio owner/director Aretese Low. It will close out with a 10-minute dance party where kids can show off their best moves and free dance to upbeat music.

It will be offered on Monday, Oct. 2, and Thursday, Oct. 5. For kids, age 4 to 7, will be 5:30 to 6:10 p.m., and kids, age 8 to 12, can join in from 6:30 to 7:10 p.m.

Cost is $25 per person. Advance registration is required.

As part of this package, parents will receive coupons to downtown businesses, so this is an opportunity to use those for some shopping during class. Drop-offs encouraged, but limited standing room available for parents to watch the class.

Dinos Downtown Wheaton is made possible by generous event sponsors including Presenting Sponsor Innovator ETFs, and sponsors: 302 Wheaton; E.P. Doyle & Son, LLC, TeamUp Coworking; Wheaton Bank & Trust.

The Downtown Wheaton Association is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization driving economic growth and opportunity in Downtown Wheaton by connecting business and community. For more information, visit www.DowntownWheaton.com.