The Putnam Museum and Science Center invites dinosaur lovers of all ages to embark on a prehistoric adventure during Dino Days, taking place Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16.

For one exciting weekend, the Putnam (at 1717 W. 12^th St., Davenport) will transform into a dinosaur-filled destination featuring hands-on activities, family entertainment, educational experiences, and blockbuster dinosaur-themed films. The museum will be closed to general admission guests during the event.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet a real paleontologist, come face-to-face with a life-sized Dilophosaurus, dig for fossils in a new giant Dino Dig, create prehistoric cave art, participate in dinosaur games and activities, enjoy face painting, and snap memorable photos at the Dino Days photo booth. Families can also indulge in a build-your-own dirt sundae bar, attend storytimes, create dinosaur costumes, and march in a Dino Parade.

This year’s event also offers a special chance to connect with the Putnam Dino Expedition team, where guests can learn more and ask questions about the Triceratops coming to the museum in late 2027.

Guests can choose to experience either “The Good Dinosaur” or “Jurassic Park” at the Putnam’s Giant Screen Theater.

Adding to the excitement, Dino Days will be one of the first major public events to showcase the Putnam Giant Screen Theater’s newly upgraded projection technology. The theater is receiving its first major technology upgrade in more than a decade, bringing enhanced image quality and an even more immersive viewing experience to the region’s largest movie screen.

Additional highlights include:

NEW! Giant Dino Dig (indoors)

Meet a Paleontologist & Dilly the Dinosaur

Face Painting

Dino Costume Making & Parade

Educational Activities in the Fab Lab

Create Your Own Dirt Sundae Bar

Dino Twister and Tricera-Toss

Reptile Show (Saturday only)

Pre-School Storytime

Dino Hatchery & Adoption Add-On Experience

The event will also offer a Sensory Friendly Dino Days experience on Sunday morning, including a sensory-friendly screening of “The Good Dinosaur.”

Admission costs this weekend are:

• Event Only: $15 (activities only, no movie)
• General Admission: $25 (includes all activities and one movie of your choice)
• VIP: $50 (includes all activities, movie ticket, VIP seating, and exclusive Dino Days T-shirt)
• Ultimate VIP: $75 (all activities, movie ticket, VIP seating, Dino Days T-shirt, Dino Hatchery experience, and a small concessions combo)

Tickets are on sale now, available at www.putnam.org/events/dino-days-2026/.

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Jonathan Turner

Jonathan Turner -- who has called the Quad Cities home since 1995 -- has decades of experience as a professional journalist and pianist. His experience writing for daily newspapers, public radio and local TV encompasses a wide range of subjects, including the arts, politics, education, economic development, historic preservation, business, and tourism.

Jonathan most loves writing about music and the arts (which he now does as a freelancer for the River Cities Reader and Visit Quad Cities). He has a passion for accompanying musicals, singers, choirs and instrumentalists, including playing for QC Music Guild's 2023 productions of RENT and SWEENEY TODD. He is assistant music director and accompanist for the spring 2025 Music Guild show, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. He wrote an original musical based on The Book of Job, which premiered at Playcrafters in 2010. Jonathan penned a 175-page history book about downtown Davenport, that was published by The History Press in 2016, and a travel guide about the QC published by Reedy Press in 2022.