Dinosaur Day

Dinosaur Day History

Dinosaur Day commemorates the fascinating world of these prehistoric creatures. The main objective of this observance is to educate people of all ages about the history, diversity, and importance of dinosaurs as well as to promote interest in paleontology and the preservation of fossils. The day is filled with various dinosaur-centric activities, including museum visits, educational sessions, and themed events to engage people and raise awareness about the significance of these ancient beings.

The origin of Dinosaur Day goes back to the early 1990s, when it was conceived by the Dinosaur Society, an American organization founded by Don Lessem. The event has since grown in popularity across various countries, including the United Kingdom. The UK has a rich history of dinosaur discovery and research, dating back to the early 19th century when the first dinosaur fossils were found on British soil. Several prominent dinosaur species were discovered and described in the UK, such as Megalosaurus, Iguanodon, and Hylaeosaurus. The term "dinosaur" itself was coined by the British paleontologist Richard Owen in 1842.

Dinosaur Day is celebrated through a range of events that aim to educate and entertain participants. These include special exhibits at museums, educational workshops at schools, and themed events organized by local communities. People are encouraged to visit sites of historical significance, such as the Jurassic Coast in Dorset or the Isle of Wight, which are known for their rich fossil deposits. While the date for Dinosaur Day varies in different countries, the event typically takes place on the third Tuesday of May.

Dinosaur Day Facts

• According to amnh.org, the earliest known dinosaurs appeared during the Triassic Period (200-250 million).
• To date, about 700 species of extinct dinosaurs have been discovered.
• Palaeontologists are scientists who study the history of the Earth using fossil records. Fossils are the remains of plants and animals preserved in ancient rock. These fossils allow us to learn more about long-extinct animals and how they lived.
• The smallest dinosaurs, like Compsognathus, were about the size of a chicken, while the largest, such as Argentinosaurus and Patagotitan, could grow up to 100 feet long and weigh over 100 tons.
• Birds are considered to be a type of theropod dinosaur, making them the only living descendants of dinosaurs.
• Dinosaur comes from the Greek words deinos (terrible) and sauros (lizard) - Sir Richard Owen, a British paleontologist, coined the term in 1842.

In the News and Trending for Dinosaur Day

Dinosaur Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Sign up for the education group's Life Long Ago workshop and learn all about dinosaurs.
• Visit the Natural History Museum in London and discover all the dinosaurs they have on display.
• Watch a movie or documentary about dinosaurs. Here are our suggestions:
  Jurassic World (2015)
  Walking with Dinosaurs (2013)
  Dinosaurs Alive! (2007)
• Watch Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur (2016). Sir David Attenborough investigates the discovery of a 37-metre-long fossil, believed to be a titanosaur, discovered in Argentina.
• Take the opportunity to learn about various dinosaur species and their characteristics. Watch educational videos or documentaries online to expand your knowledge about these amazing creatures.