REVIEW - TRICERATOPS: EAT, ROAM, REPEAT | MANCHESTER MUSEUM

Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat a roar-some, hands-on dinosaur adventure for curious kids and grown-ups alike

Hosted at Manchester Museum, Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat is an immersive, family-friendly exhibition centred around one of the most recognisable dinosaurs of all time. Designed to be interactive, accessible and engaging, it blends real fossil discoveries with hands-on learning, playful design and plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore at their own pace.

The Exhibition Experience

From the moment you enter, it’s clear this exhibition has been thoughtfully designed with families in mind. On the left-hand side as you arrive, there’s a dedicated sensory-friendly station, offering ear defenders and printed information cards in a dyslexia-friendly font — a small but hugely appreciated touch that immediately sets a welcoming tone.

Rather than overwhelming visitors with text-heavy displays, the exhibition breaks information into colourful, easy-to-follow sections focusing on how Triceratops survived, moved and evolved. Bold headings such as Cretaceous Survival, Awesome Frill and Bird-Like Beak guide visitors through the space, keeping children engaged while still offering depth for adults.

One of the standout moments is coming face to face with the real Triceratops fossil skull. Impressively large and beautifully lit, it is genuinely awe-inspiring. Importantly, this is a skull only, not a full skeleton, which allows visitors to focus on the detail of the horns, frill and beak and better understand how this dinosaur used its features to survive.

Interactive Highlights

The exhibition truly shines when it comes to interactivity. Touchscreens invite visitors to explore how scientists believe Triceratops moved, while matching activities encourage children to connect fossils to illustrations in a fun and accessible way.

The Dino Dig area is a particular highlight. Children can put on high-vis vests and goggles, pick up brushes and magnifying glasses, and carefully search for fossils hidden beneath the surface. It’s imaginative, hands-on and encourages curiosity and teamwork — Alice and Leo were completely absorbed and could easily have stayed there much longer.

There is also a creative felt wall where children can build prehistoric scenes using dinosaurs, plants and landscapes, adding another layer of play-led learning.

Family-Friendly & Sensory Considerations

This exhibition deserves special praise for how inclusive it feels. The clear layout, manageable noise levels, optional sensory equipment and calm colour palette create a comfortable experience for visitors of all ages.

Everything is clearly signposted, staff are friendly and approachable, and there is plenty of space to move at your own pace without feeling rushed.

The Gift Shop

The gift shop at the end of the exhibition is well stocked with dinosaur-themed items, including tote bags, T-shirts, plush toys, puppets, mugs, magnets and books — offering plenty of choice for families looking for a souvenir.

While dinosaur plushies are an obvious draw, there are also alternative options available, such as fidget toys. On our visit, frog and axolotl fidgets priced at £12 proved just as popular and made for a small but enjoyable way to round off the experience.

Conclusion

Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat is a brilliantly designed, family-friendly exhibition that manages to be educational without ever feeling dull. With its mix of real fossils, thoughtful accessibility features and genuinely engaging interactive elements, it invites children to learn through play while giving adults plenty to admire.

Admission is free, but advance booking is required, and tickets can be booked via the Manchester Museum website.

Big horns, brilliant discoveries and a dino day out the whole family will remember.

Top Info ℹ️

📍 Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL

📆 Now open until 22 February 2026

⏰ Tues–Fri 10am–5pm | Sat 8am–5pm | Sun 10am–5pm | Mon closed

💰 Free – advance booking required via the Manchester Museum website

♿ Step-free access | 🦻 Ear defenders available | 🚾 Facilities on site | 🍽️ Café nearby