July 11 — August 6, 2026
Dig up discovery during this Greatest Hit as we travel 67 million years into the past to the age of dinosaurs! From examining real fossils to testing your T. rex trivia, dino lovers of all ages will unearth fascinating details about these prehistoric creatures.
Special Events
The Intro: Dino Days of Summer
Saturday, July 11, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this kickoff celebration of the Dino Days of Summer, visitors can stop by the below interactive stations as the distant past roars through the Museum's halls.
A Vacation to Hell Creek, 67 Million Years Ago
Journey through one of MPM's most iconic exhibits to learn more about T. rex, Triceratops, and their neighbors, as well as the artistry behind an exhibit that has thrilled (and terrified) visitors for decades. MPM educators will also point out some of the diorama's lesser-known details.
Shell Sorters
What does the day-to-day work of a paleontologist look like? Learn what fossils can teach us as YOU do the work sorting shells to further scientific research and understanding!
Shell Sorters is part of a National Science Foundation grant supporting the research of MPM Paleontologist Jon Hendricks. Sorted fossils will become part of our permanent collections, where they will help current and future paleontologists understand more about the world around us.
Dino or Di-No?
Think you're an expert on dinosaurs? Does your knowledge stand up to the geological pressure when put to the test? Learn what sets dinosaurs apart from other prehistoric creatures.
Mary Anning: Paleontologist Extraordinaire
Learn about Mary Anning, 19th-century fossilist, geologist and paleontologist. Dig through her famous finds to unearth your paleontology skills!
Storytimes and Activities for Early Learners
Families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6) are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes all about some of our favorite dinos.
Located in the Ground Floor Early Learning Classroom
Dino Family Trivia Night
July 23, 2026
6:30-8 p.m.
Are you a di-know-it-all? Test your di-knowledge at Dino Family Trivia Night! Compete for the ultimate bragging rights as the MPM Dino Trivia Champ. Recommended for dino experts ages 6 and up.
Cost and Reservations
$15 per person
Science on Tap
Thursday, July 16, 2026
6-8:30 p.m.
Bewildering Biodiversity: What Florida's Ancient Seashells Reveal About Species Extinction and Survival
Presented by Dr. Jonathan R. Hendricks, Robert & Sally Manegold Associate Research Curator of Paleontology at Milwaukee Public Museum
Just beneath Florida's surface are quarried deposits that contain countless fossil seashells that lived and died during the past several million years. These shell beds are some of the richest accumulations of fossils anywhere in the world, and they are critical for understanding the ancient roots of modern bivalve and snail biodiversity in this region. Thousands of mollusk species have been reported from these beds, and more await discovery. Some of the fossils represent species that have gone extinct. Others, however, remain alive today, and the features of their shells may help us to learn why they survived and how they will fare in the future.
You can help us with this research! From 6-7 p.m., grab a drink and participate in Dr. Hendrick's research during the Science on Tap social hour. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m.
Cost and Reservations
Onsite: $10 per person; $5 for members; free for Sustainer+ members
Virtual: $5 per person; free for members; $25 groups of 10 or more
Learn more about the speaker here.
The Finale: Dino Days of Summer
Thursday, August 6, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this closeout celebration of the Dino Days of Summer, visitors can stop by the below interactive stations as the distant past roars through the Museum's halls.
Admission to the Museum is FREE for Kohl's Thank You Thursday!
A Vacation to Hell Creek, 67 Million Years Ago
Journey through one of MPM's most iconic exhibits to learn more about T. rex, Triceratops, and their neighbors, as well as the artistry behind an exhibit that has thrilled (and terrified) visitors for decades. MPM educators will also point out some of the diorama's lesser-known details.
Shell Sorters
What does the day-to-day work of a paleontologist look like? Learn what fossils can teach us as YOU do the work sorting shells to further scientific research and understanding!
Shell Sorters is part of a National Science Foundation grant supporting the research of MPM Paleontologist Jon Hendricks. Sorted fossils will become part of our permanent collections, where they will help current and future paleontologists understand more about the world around us.
Fossil Challenge
What is a fossil? Put your paleontology skills to the test and see if you can decipher which objects are fossils, which are not, and why!
Storytimes and Activities for Early Learners
Families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6) are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes all about some of our favorite dinos.
Located in the Ground Floor Early Learning Classroom
Month-long Programs
MPM closed Tuesdays
Dino Dash
July 11-August 6, 2026
We're bringing the Dino Dash 5K back from its 2002 extinction! This time, the annual run that used to be held through the streets of downtown Milwaukee, has been reimagined as a virtual race. Participants can register to receive an exclusive Dino Dash T-shirt and medal, then complete the 5K on their own route and schedule. Tag the Museum along the way for a chance to be featured on our social media:
Cost and Registration
To guarantee that you receive the exclusive Dino Dash T-shirt and finisher's medal by July 11 (the start of Dino Days), you must register for the race by June 15. Registrants can pick up their shirt and medal at the Museum beginning July 11.
Packet Pick-up dates:
- Saturday, July 11, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Thursday, July 16, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
$40 members; $45 public
Not a member? Join today!
Museum Dino Dash Walking Course
Want to log some distance at MPM? Visitors paying general admission can follow the stops on a self-guided, quarter-mile walking tour through our three floors of exhibits, including the Dino Dash finish line on the Ground Floor. The route will be up throughout the duration of the Dino Days Greatest Hit. Purchase of a Dino Dash T-shirt and medal not required to complete the MPM course.
Learn more about the history of the Dino Dash at the display on the Ground Floor.
Education Stations
Weekdays, July 13-August 6, 2026 (MPM closed Tuesdays)
During the week, Museum experts will be at one or more of the following hands-on learning stations. Programming based on daily availability, times may vary.
Shell Sorters
What does the day-to-day work of a paleontologist look like? Learn what fossils can teach us as YOU do the work sorting shells to further scientific research and understanding.
Hosted every Friday by one of MPM's paleontologists!
Fossil Challenge
What is a fossil? Put your paleontology skills to the test and try deciphering which objects are fossils, which are not, and why!
Dino or Di-No?
Think you're an expert on dinosaurs? Does your knowledge stand up to the geological pressure when put to the test? Learn what sets dinosaurs apart from other prehistoric creatures.
Mary Anning: Paleontologist Extraordinaire
Learn about Mary Anning, 19th-century fossilist, geologist and paleontologist. Dig through her famous finds to unearth your paleontology skills!
Dinosaur Name-o-saurus
Curious about how dinosaurs got their names? What would your name be if you were a dinosaur? Learn about how scientists name species and put it to practice by creating your own dino name!
Dino Days Reading List
Can't get enough dinos? We've curated a list of books for both young and adult readers! Download (PDF).
MPM's Greatest Hits features a lineup of five different month-long celebrations of special events and programs highlighting MPM's most popular and impactful exhibits—or “greatest hits.”