REVIEW - DINO TAKEOVER | LIVERPOOL WORLD MUSEUM | 13/08/2025

Item: Dino Takeover at Liverpool World Museum
Rating: 5
Author: Sarah Monaghan

Sarah Monaghan
Aug 27
4 min read

Text "Dino Takeover" in bold letters with reptile skin pattern. Green and red dinosaur heads at edges, surrounded by jungle leaves.

Text "ALL ABOUT FUN" in white on black background with five purple stars below, framed in purple. Bold and playful design.

🦖✨ Dino Takeover at Liverpool World Museum – A Roarsome Family Day Out!

🚂 Getting There

Having seen some exciting footage of the Dino Takeover online, I knew I had to take my two little dino-fans, Alice (7) and Leo (6), to try it out for ourselves. We travelled by train from Manchester Victoria to Liverpool Lime Street, which took just 30 minutes — quick, stress-free, and perfect when travelling with children. From Lime Street, it was only about a six-minute walk to the museum, so the whole journey felt easy and straightforward for a family day out.

As we approached the museum, excitement levels soared when we spotted our first dinosaurs outside – a towering diplodocus and a cheeky baby T-Rex carried by one of the handlers. Alice and Leo were instantly grinning from ear to ear, and I knew we were in for something special.

Dinosaur costume entertaining people on a sunny day; trees and cars in the background. A person in orange guides the dinosaur.

Person in an orange shirt holds a feathered dinosaur puppet outdoors. The bright light and watch on the wrist are noticeable.

🎂 A Prehistoric Welcome

Before diving into the dino fun, we stopped off at the café for lunch. The kids enjoyed pick & mix lunch boxes (£5.50 each), which included a choice of sandwich, a drink, a piece of fruit, a snack, and a treat — a well-balanced little meal that kept them happily fuelled for all the activities ahead. The café also serves hot children’s meals and has a good selection of options for adults, so there’s something for everyone.

If you prefer to bring your own food, the museum also has a picnic area where you can sit and enjoy packed lunches, making it super convenient for families. While we were there, we treated ourselves to Iggy the Iguanodon’s special birthday cake (£3.25 per slice!) – a sweet nod to Iggy’s 200th birthday. Just by the information desk, we also spotted a party-hatted Iggy statue, which made for the perfect photo stop.

world museum cafe - People browsing a grocery display with juice cartons, sandwiches, and snacks. Bright packaging. Shelf labeled "Kids Juice."

Dinosaur-themed birthday cake with "Happy Birthday" text, surrounded by plates and scones. Sign reads "Iggy, our Iguanodon is 200."

🦕 Fossil Fun & Hands-On Activities

Our first stop was Dino Dig on Floor 2, which takes place in the Bug House classroom. Alice and Leo unearthed hidden fossils in a giant sandpit using brushes and magnifying glasses. They then made their own clay fossil casts to take home – Leo proudly picked a shark tooth while Alice chose a leaf fossil.

We then headed up to Little Dinosaurs Story Time on Floor 4. We caught the end of the session but still managed to meet some baby dinosaurs, including a newly hatched T-Rex poking out of its egg – magical! Nearby, the Draw a Dino activity was a huge hit. The children coloured dinosaur templates, were scanned into a machine, and watched their creations stomp and roar across a giant screen. Alice and Leo squealed with delight every time one of their dinos appeared.

Young boy in a yellow Pokémon shirt uses magnifying glass and brush in a sandbox. Other kids play nearby. The setting is playful and engaging.

Child in gray kneels in sand, using a brush and magnifying glass to uncover a dinosaur fossil. Wooden edge and another child in background.

🐊 Dinosaurs Around Every Corner

As we explored more of the museum, we kept bumping into dinosaurs – from a ferocious Spinosaurus to cheeky Velociraptors and even a friendly Styracosaurus. These giant puppet dinosaurs and baby dino puppets brought the whole event to life, turning the museum into a prehistoric playground.

Child in a Pikachu shirt smiles at a digital stegosaurus spraying water, set against a vibrant prehistoric backdrop with palm trees.

A child in a museum gently touches a dinosaur statue wearing a pink party hat. The statue's sign reads "Hello, my name is Iggy."

🌟 Roars, Smiles & Magic Moments

What makes the Dino Takeover so special is how immersive it feels. The combination of giant dino puppets, hands-on fossil digs, trails, treasure hunts, storytelling, and interactive art meant there was never a dull moment. The whole museum buzzed with laughter, roars, and wide-eyed wonder.

Child touches a baby bird hatching from a large egg held by a person in an orange shirt and hat. Indoor setting, curious mood.

💛 Dino Team Magic

The staff and performers were simply fantastic. From the café team to the activity leaders, everyone went above and beyond to make families feel welcome. The puppeteers were especially brilliant – the way the baby dinosaurs interacted with Alice and Leo, pausing for cuddles and photo moments, was one of the highlights of our day.

Children interact with a colorful dinosaur puppet held by a person in an orange shirt. Background: museum sign, bright sunny day.

Child smiles and waves at a dinosaur puppet operated by a person in orange. Man in background looks at phone. "No entry" sign visible.

🎉 Final Roar

The Dino Takeover at Liverpool World Museum is a roaring triumph! 🦖 With so much to do – and all for free – it’s the perfect family adventure this summer.

Before we left, we popped into the museum gift shop, which had a fantastic selection of dinosaur-themed goodies. Leo picked out a little dinosaur plushie for £7, and Alice chose a cute little bee plushie, tying in with the museum’s bee exhibition. The children loved having their new souvenirs with them as we finished our day.

Alice and Leo couldn’t stop talking about their favourite dinosaurs and all the fun activities, from fossil digs to puppet encounters. If you’re looking for a day out that’s fun, educational, and totally dino-mite, this event is not to be missed. We left with big smiles, tired feet, and memories that will last a lifetime.

“The Dino Takeover is dino-mite fun for the whole family – a free day out packed with fossils, roars, and unforgettable encounters!”