
This summer, families can meet Sue, the most complete, best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found, in the Lou! The Saint Louis Science Center will welcome SUE: The T. rex Experience beginning June 8. The special exhibition features the latest scientific discoveries about the species as a whole as well as an immersive, sensory exploration of life in the Cretaceous period.
“Because SUE was discovered in such great condition and as a nearly complete specimen, scientists have been able to learn so much about dinosaurs and the lives they lived from this fossil,” Kaylia Eskew said. “SUE: The T. rex Experience displays the latest discoveries of what’s known about Tyrannosaurus rex — the composition of their bodies, the foods they ate, the way they moved, the sounds they made, how they aged, and more. The Science Center is honored to host this special exhibition so that our guests can immerse themselves in the wonder of SUE’s life.”
Through this traveling exhibition that is presented in English and Spanish, guests can explore the sights, sounds and smells from SUE’s world and get up close with an exact replica of the original SUE skeleton, which measures 40 feet from snout to tail and 13 feet tall at the hip, permanently on display at the Field Museum in Chicago.
Observers will note that this updated cast includes repositioned shoulder blades and arms and added gastralia (belly ribs). Scientists weren’t sure of the true positioning for these items when SUE was first revealed in the 1990s but have been able to more accurately place them through extensive examination of the fossil and additional research. Other full-scale displays present a T. rex battling one of its favorite prey, the duck-billed herbivore Edmontonosaurus, and a skeleton of T. rex’s biggest enemy, the Triceratops.
“Guests will use all of their senses to bring dinosaurs to life during SUE: The T. rex Experience,” Eskew notes. “In addition to viewing life-sized specimens, interactive stations will give guests a chance to smell prehistoric plants and the T. rex’s rancid breath, hear the rumblings of the T. rex’s mighty roar and feel the texture of SUE’s bones and dinosaur skin.”
To present a deeper look into prehistoric life among the landscape where SUE was discovered, the exhibition features:
Beyond the special exhibition, guests can visit the Science Center’s Earth Sciences gallery to:
While admission to the Science Center is free, tickets are required for SUE: The T. rex Experience. Tickets for this special exhibition will go on sale May 8, 2024, at slsc.org/SUE or through the Science Center box office. Tickets are $12 for adults (ages 13-59); $8 for children (ages 5-12), those ages 60 or older and military personnel; and $6 for current or new Science Center members. Children 4 and under are free but must obtain a ticket to enter the exhibition.
Explore songs, finger plays, music and more during this Music & Movement class for ages 0-6. Some sessions are held in person at various branches of the St. Louis County Library. Some sessions are virtual.
Is it time to potty train your toddler? The St. Louis County Library is offering Potty Training 101 to parents of children ages 2-3. This free workshop for parent and child includes a potty-themed storytime, and parents & caregivers will receive information to get them started on the potty training process. Attendees will also receive a potty seat, step stool, training pants and a potty-themed board book.
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.
Attend a complimentary tour of the newest World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) exhibitions, “Crown Jewels: Donation Highlights” and “Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets.” WCHOF Curator Emily Allred will show exhibition highlights, and the St. Louis Aquarium’s Senior Educator Maxene Van Damme will offer insight into the animals represented in “Paws and Pawns.”
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.