Since the first dinosaur fossil was discovered, humans have been infatuated with the gigantic creatures who roamed the Earth over 66 million years ago. This summer, visitors to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center can see life-size dinosaurs similar to the way they were during prehistoric times at Dinosaurs Alive! which opens on July 1.

Anticipation is building at the Science Center for the arrival of Dinosaurs Alive! which features five life-size dinosaurs. The dinosaurs look, move, and sound like the real thing – one even spits! The featured dinosaurs are Acrocanthosaurus, Deinonychus, Dilophosaurus, Parasaurolophus, and Tyrannosaurus rex. The dinosaurs range in size from the large Acrocanthosaurus at 28 feet long, to the smaller, feathered Deinonychus at 12 feet long. The Tyrannosaurus rex is a juvenile at 20 feet long. An adult Tyrannosaurus rex could be nearly 40 feet long.

The Science Center will host special programs to coincide with the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit. On Tuesday, July 9 and again on Tuesday, July 16, the Science Center presents “Meet the Dinosaurs of Dinosaurs Alive!” for adults and children ages 12 and up. Participants will get to know the dinosaur species through an illustrated indoor presentation followed by a walk to the gigantic animatronic dinosaurs. The program will finish with a visit with a live modern day dinosaur. “Meet the Dinosaurs of Dinosaurs Alive!” costs $8 per member and $10 per non-member.

On Wednesday, July 10 and again on Wednesday, July 31, the Science Center presents “Discover Dinosaurs Alive!” for families with children ages 4 and up. Participants will explore the trail to Discover the Dinosaurs and learn about when the dinosaurs lived and how they survived. After dinosaur games, the program will wrap up with a visit from a live modern day dinosaur. “Discover Dinosaurs Alive!” costs $8 per member and $10 per non-member.

Dinosaurs Alive! is generously sponsored by the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative and Meredith Village Savings Bank.

Visitors will be able to see the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit for a limited time, from July 1 through September 30, in natural settings along the live animal exhibit trail. Dinosaurs Alive! is included in regular trail admission ($20 for adults; $17 for seniors 65+; $15 for youth ages 3 to 15; free for children 2 and under; free for members).Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is open every day from 9:30 AM. to 5 PM. with the last trail admission at 3:30 PM.Visit www.nhnature.org for more information.