The Philip J. Dinosaur Museum is a place for indoor family fun year-round. This winter, there are even more reasons to enjoy the facility outdoors, too. 

A community skating rink and fire pits are available during business hours for people who want to get some fresh air before or after satisfying their inner paleontologist. These features can also be accessed by anyone looking for a new spot to glide across the ice or warm up to some crackling flames. 

“Our focus right now is on offering safe indoor and outdoor experiences for our visitors,” says Executive Director Linden Roberts. “We’re looking forward to restrictions being lifted and the opening of three new exhibits.” 

Head of operations, Amanda Boucher adds, “We're hoping to have it up and running by mid to end December. Just depends how the weather cooperates. We also have two separate fire pits that are available for personal use so they would need to call the front desk to book a time.” 

There is limited attendance inside the museum to meet safe distancing protocols. Visitors are asked to book ahead to ensure they don’t have to wait in line. The Museum is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a mask policy in the museum. 

Families or groups can also book the Aykroyd Family Theatre to enjoy a movie of their own – on DVD or Blu-ray – or museum staff can provide a streamed selection as a result of a generic license. 

If you're looking for a unique Christmas gift this year the museum has offered area artisans space in the gift shop during December to feature their hand-made items on consignment so residents have another venue to shop local during holiday shopping. Gift cards are also available for anyone wanting to wrap up an experience at the museum for a friend or loved one, including a Paleontologist for A Day/Half Day or summer camp. Memberships to the museum are also available as gifts. Gift cards can be purchased via the museum’s website by clicking Christmas Gift Cards at www.dinomuseum.ca.

While you’re at the museum, visitors to the facility or residents from the area can enjoy a great dining experience at Café on 43 inside the museum, featuring a variety of appetizers, lunch, entrees and desserts. The home-style cooking and service will keep patrons returning for more. The café is open Tues-Thurs, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 10a.m.-8 p.m. 

Call 587-771-0662 for bookings or information. Enquiries can also be made at visitorservices@dinomuseum.ca. Other museum details can be found at www.dinomuseum.ca.