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THE MARTIN G LOCKLEY DISCOVERY CENTER IS CLOSED FOR REMODEL

Open for Camp, TriceraTOTs, and Special Events Only until further notice

GO ON A GUIDED FIELD TRIP FOR GROWNUPS WITH DINO RIDGE!

Details here!

Camps

Dinosaur Ridge Camps are an Unforgettable Adventure!

Our award-winning camps keep kids moving and discovering in the incredible setting of the Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas National Natural Landmark. Experiences are designed to foster excitement and wonder for science, art, and the outdoors while engaging in hands-on educational curriculum.

Small group sizes give each camper the opportunity to play, explore, and expand their knowledge.  Camp offers exploration of the Dinosaur Ridge fossil sites, hands-on science projects, and expert guest presenters in the fields of paleontology, geology, art, earth science, survival skills, and local plants and animals.

Camps at Dinosaur Ridge

Summer Camp 2025: Registration Now Open!

Join us for another exciting and educational experience at our awarding-winning summer camp, where young explorers dive deep into the worlds of paleontology, geology, and earth science!

This hands-on, science-based camp takes place within a unique setting and is perfect for curious minds who love adventure and discovery. Dino Ridge Summer Camp is a thrilling way to expand your camper’s imaginations and understanding of life on Earth!

Summer Camp 2025 has moved to a new location!

Camp now has dedicated indoor classroom spaces at The Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center located at Red Rocks Entrance #1, 17681 W Alameda Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401

Themes & Dates:

  • Fossils & Fun (ages 5-10) May 26-30 (Wait-list only)
  • Rockstars (ages 11-13) June 2-6 (Spots Available)
  • Dinosaur Discovery (ages 5-10) June 2-6 (Wait-list only)
  • Prehistoric Protectors (5-10) June 9-13(Wait-list only)
  • Jr. Scientists (ages 8-11) June 9-13 (Spots Available)
  • Nature Trekkers (ages 5-10) June 16-20 (Wait-list only)
  • Fossils and Fun (ages 5-10) June 23-27 (Wait-list only)
  • NO CAMP JUNE 30 – JULY 4
  • Dinosaur Discovery (ages 5-10) July 7-11 (Wait-list only)
  • Dinosaur Discovery (ages 8-11) July 7-11 (Wait-list only)
  • Dinosaur Discovery (ages 5-10) July 14-18 (Wait-list only)
  • Prehistoric Protectors (ages 5-10) July 21-25 (Wait-list only)
  • Jr. Scientists (ages 8-11) July 21-25 (Wait-list only)
  • Fossils & Fun (ages 5-10) July 28-August 1 (Wait-list only)
  • Nature Trekkers (ages 5-10) August 4-8 (Wait-list only)
    Camp Information

    To read about our Summer Camp, as well as what to bring to camp each day, you can check out the following. The itinerary will be sent out about two weeks prior to the start of the camp session.

    Camp Pricing
    • $410 weekly rate with discount options for members, multiweek registrations, and sibling discounts available.
    • $75 weekly rate for Aftercare.
    Camp Scholarships

    We do have scholarships available for our camp sessions! Please follow this link to read and fill out our scholarship request form. If you have any questions, please contact us at Camps@dinoridge.org.

    Scholarships are closed for the 2025 season.

    Camp Cancellation Policy

    • Up to March 31 – refunds are available in full
    • April 1 – 15 – refunds will be full minus the $100 deposit (per registration)
    • April 16 – 30 – refunds will be 50% of the session cost (After-care refunded automatically)
    • May 1st through the end of the camp season: no refunds *

    *At any time you can cancel and choose to place paid funds into your ACTIVE Family Account for future use at Dinosaur Ridge Camps (Summer, Winter Break, Spring Break, etc.). You can also choose to give any or all of the paid funds to Dinosaur Ridge as a tax-deductible donation.

    Register Here!

    Theme Descriptions

    Fossils and Fun (ages 5-10)
    Unearth a world of prehistoric wonders at Fossils and Fun! Join us on a thrilling adventure to discover the secrets of ancient life.  Your child will have a blast while learning about paleontology and the importance of preserving our planet’s history. Campers must have finished kindergarten if they are 5 years.
    Prehistoric Protectors (ages 5-10)
    Join us on a thrilling adventure through time, where we’ll explore the prehistoric world and learn about the importance of protecting our planet. From crafting dino-inspired eco-friendly crafts to embarking on exciting nature hikes, your child will have a roaring good time while developing a love for the environment. Campers must have finished kindergarten if they are 5 years.
    Dinosaur Discovery (ages 5-10) and (ages 8-11)
    Embark on a thrilling journey back in time to the age of dinosaurs! Join us for a week of prehistoric fun, where your camper will become a dino expert. From expert guest speaker to creating their own dinosaur world, they will learn about these incredible creatures and the world they once ruled. Get ready for a roaring good time! Campers must have finished kindergarten if they are 5 years.
    Rockstars (ages 11-13)
    This exciting camp is perfect for curious minds eager to learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils. From field trips to identify rock formations to hands-on experiments in a paleo lab, your camper gain a deeper understanding of Earth’s history and its ongoing processes. Join us for a week of fun, discovery, and scientific exploration! Campers will get the opportunity to learn more about paleontological and geological methods in this joint camp with our sibling museum, the Morrison Natural History Museum.
    Jr. Scientists (ages 8-11)
    Become a young scientist and explore the wonders of the natural world! Join us for a week of exciting experiments, hands-on activities, and outdoor adventures, your camper will learn about science in a fun and interactive way. Unleash their inner scientist and discover the world in a new light!
    Nature Trekkers (ages 5-10)
    Embark on a thrilling adventure through nature’s wonders! Join us for a week of outdoor exploration, where your camper will hike through forests, discover hidden creatures, and learn about the plants and animals that call these places home. Whether they are a seasoned explorer or a curious newcomer, they’ll have a blast while connecting with the natural world. Campers must have finished kindergarten if they are 5 years.
    Campers In a Tree

    Campers explore Morrison Park.

    Hiking Dinosaur Ridge

    Campers hike Dakota Ridge Trail at Dinosaur Ridge

    Iguanodon Camper Parade

    Campers show off their crafts in front of our life-size dino models.

    Exploring the Lyons Formation

    Campers scamper over 280 million year old sand dunes.

    Learning Geology
    Triceratops Trail Tour
    Archaeology Day at Lamb Springs
    Hiking the Dakota Hogback
    Exploring Matthews Winters Park
    Exploring Matthews Winters Park
    Guest Speaker Mike Dempsey
    Exploring the Dinosaur Ridge Bone Bed
    Digging Dinosaur Bones
    Lookout Mountain Nature Center Program
    Building Wild Structures
    Exploring Lamb Springs Archaeological Site
    Gettin’ Muddy at Matthews Winters Park
    Snake handler shows kids a specimen at Dinosaur Ridge.
    Guest Speaker Mike Dempsey with Serpentations
    Create Your Own Bird Craft
    Guest Speaker Mike Dempsey with Serpentations
    Lookout Mountain Nature Center
    Exploring at Lookout Mountain Nature Center
    Exploring Lookout Mountain Nature Center
    Exploring the Wilderness of Morrison
    Exploring Deposition
    Backyard Bones Dig
    Build Your Own Stego
    Build your own stego 2
    Fossil Sculpting with Morrison Natural History Museum
    Fossil Sculpting with Morrison Natural History Museum
    T-Shirt Day!
    T-Shirt Day!
    Learning Sauropods with Matthew Mossbrucker at Morrison Natural History Museum
    Exploring the Ute STEM Kit from History Colorado

    Dinosaur Ridge has a dedicated camp staff!

    Seeking Energetic Junior Camp Counselors

     

    Junior counselors are volunteers between the ages of 14 and 20 who gain valuable experience in what it takes to create a fun, educational environment for campers. Gain new leadership skills, earn volunteer credit in support of your school or college application goals, and enjoy time outdoors at the site of our National Natural Landmark.
    Note: all Jr. Counselors must be available for 2 weeks of camp (weeks need not be consecutive). There may be an opportunity to volunteer for more than 2 weeks (please ask).
    Apply Here
    photo of camp directors

    Our Camp Directors are Unbeatable!

    Erin LaCount and Amanda Rea co-lead multiple weeks of camp experiences year-round with activities that are a blend of fun and learning. Spaces sell out quickly and many campers return year after year, some to become Junior Camp Counselors themselves.

    Amanda Rea (She/They)

    Camp & Collections Director

    In May of 2021, Amanda began working for Dinosaur Ridge as a Summer Camp Leader before transitioning to a Tour Guide after the summer season and on October 2024 was promoted to Camp and Collections Director.

    Amanda earned a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Biology from The University of Texas at Arlington. Their passion for the outdoors and science drove them to work in outdoor and STEM education. Prior to moving to Colorado, they worked in Texas at a variety of day and resident camps. Amanda seeks out fossil hunting, rockhounding, hiking, and rock climbing in their personal life.

    Erin LaCount (She/Her)

    Education Programs Director

    In April of 2002 Erin joined the staff at Dinosaur Ridge as a summer school tour guide and camp assistant. More than 20 years later Erin is the Education Programs Director overseeing the educational components of school and public tours, special events, camps, and exhibits.

    Erin has an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in geology and museum studies. She has a passion for learning about the ancient world and sharing that knowledge with all ages!

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