Lifelike Dinosaurs in Palma: Family Exhibition in a Tent at Nou Llevant

Big tent, even bigger reptiles – a short trip into prehistoric times

If you've driven along Palma's eastern outskirts in recent days, the large white tent in the Nou Llevant industrial area catches the eye: a temporary fossil depot full of life — or at least full of very loud models. Inside, more than 30 life-sized, motorized dinosaurs await, from the growling Tyrannosaurus to the majestic Diplodocus. Children cheer, the machines hum quietly, and some adults stop for a moment — half fascination, half "how did they do that?".

A short research holiday for the family

The centerpiece is the excavation zone: little archaeologists dig with brushes and shovels for "fossils." Sand flies, shoes fill with sand, and everywhere you hear that typical delighted sound of children who have just found something. Three-year-olds, seven-year-olds, even Uncle Toni with too much curiosity — everyone takes part with great enthusiasm. After an hour you'll see more sand in hair than on the ground, but everyone returns to everyday life dirty and happy.

Practical tips for your visit

The organizers have families in mind: opening times are scheduled so a visit after school is possible — weekday evenings, weekend mornings and afternoons, with a midday break to give the equipment a rest and the children a pause. Tickets cost about 12 euros per person and can be booked online (there are also ticket booths on site, but queues can form, especially on Sundays).

A few everyday hints from the site: parking is available but busier on Sundays; a light jacket is useful because the tent cools down quickly in a chilly wind; sneakers are usually more practical than sandals because the sand can be slippery after rain. Photography is allowed — the T-Rex supposedly provides the best selfies, according to my niece.

Why Nou Llevant?

The industrial area is pragmatic: lots of space, good access roads, close to the city. It's not a museum presentation with explanatory panels and dimmed lighting, but a traveling show — loud, colorful and entertaining. For an afternoon with little explorers, it's just right: not a serious lecture, but hands-on, wonder and then an ice cream in town.

More than just fun: small opportunities for learning

While the tent doesn't replace a science museum, the exhibition sparks interest in paleontology in a playful way. Teachers, grandparents or parents planning an excursion will find an easy entry point into topics like evolution and Earth's history. With a bit of preparation — a few questions, a small worksheet or a follow-up museum visit — the trip can become a real learning moment.

For anyone still looking for a birthday program: digging together, photos, a short picnic in front of the tent and then an ice cream in Palma — it works well and will be remembered. And if you just want to hear the T-Rex roar, this is the perfect Sunday program.

Important information:
Location: event tent in the Nou Llevant industrial area (eastern outskirts of Palma)
Opening hours: weekday evenings, weekend mornings and afternoons (midday break for rest and machine protection)
Ticket price: approx. €12 (bookable online).