Leaping Lizards! ‘Jurassic Quest’ transforms O.C. fairgrounds into a drive-through dinosaur safari

A 50-foot megalodon shark? A photo shoot with baby dinosaurs? A close encounter with a T-Rex?

All this, and more, will soon be on the menu as the popular “Jurassic Quest” dinosaur-themed drive-through event begins its migration to the Orange County fairgrounds.

The immersive experience that has seen more than 250,000 vehicles pass through since its mid-July debut comes to Costa Mesa from Feb. 5-14 (except for Monday and Tuesday). The exhibit features more than 70 life-like animatronic dinosaurs that viewers of all ages can “track” from the safety of their vehicles.

A guided online audio tour, available in English or Spanish, will provide a deeper look at life during the Jurassic Period of roughly 150 million to 200 million years ago, as safari members peer at scenes and figures painstakingly crafted in collaboration with expert paleontologists to ensure each reptile is lifelike and accurate.

“Jurassic Quest” offers an up-close dinosaur experience as participants enjoy a safari from the safety of their vehicles.

(Courtesy of Jurassic Quest)

Participants can visit with baby dinosaurs and their dino trainer handlers and capture the moment by posing for a safari-style photo of their vehicle against a Jurassic backdrop. One photo per vehicle is included in the price of admission.

Tickets start at $49 for vehicles of up to eight passengers and must be purchased online before the event. Special online “Quest Packs” provide fun and creative add-on experiences and surprises for an additional cost.

The program lasts for about one hour, and COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions must be adhered to throughout the event. Crew and audience members will wear masks, and equipment, figures and workstations will be regularly sanitized.

For more, including showtimes, visit jurassicquest.com.

“Jurassic Quest” creators collaborated with paleontologists to ensure their animatronic dinosaurs gave an accurate look at the period.

(Courtesy of Jose Charo)

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