Dinosaur Train Nature Trackers

When: Saturday, April 28, 1pm-3pm
Where: Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Cost: Free and Open to the Public
for children of all ages

Event Overview

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Old National Bank, WSIU and Buddy the T-Rex from the PBS KIDS TV series Dinosaur Train invite area families to join us for a day of fun-filled activities that teach children of all ages how to become good stewards of the environment. Children and families will have the opportunity to participate in a number of educational nature-themed activities.

Featured Activities

Families will have the chance to visit activity stations that allow children to interact with plants, animals and the environment.

Station 1: Video Viewing Station – Watch Dinosaur Train and sing along.
Station 2: Fossilization Station – Learn about fossils from SIUC’s Geology staff and students.
Station 3: Recycling Station – Learn to sort recyclable products.
Station 4: Nature Nation Station – Take a walk to complete your Nature Trackers Guidebook (Be sure to turn in your guidebook at the Club Membership Station to earn your membership!)
Station 5: Buddy Bank Station – Meet and greet Buddy the T-Rex. BRING YOUR CAMERA to take photos!
Station 6: Crafts Crest Station – Make a windsock and a recyclable bag.
Station 7: Sculpture Station – Take rubbings and learn from life-like dinosaur sculptures.

About The Nature Tracker Club

Dinosaur Train Nature Trackers Club is a community of young children, their families and educators committed to learning about nature and doing good things for their environment. Nature Trackers enjoy exploring and having adventures, respecting their environment, collecting things, tracking and observing plants and animals, and challenging themselves to get outside and make discoveries every day. For more information about the Nature Tracker Club, visit the Nature Trackers webpage at pbskids.org.

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs

1. What is the age range for this event?

While Dinosaur Train is targeted for preschool-age children, the Nature Trackers event is geared toward families and features activities for children of all ages. If younger children will be in attendance, please consider bringing a stroller. TIP:  It will take approximately two hours to complete all Nature Trackers activities.

2. Can I purchase tickets in advance?

The Nature Tracker event is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. No reservations or tickets are needed. No purchase is required.

3. Will there be food provided?

Families should eat lunch before the event, as no refreshments will be served. Water will be available.

4. Is there a “Rain Check” date for this event?

The event will go on as scheduled rain or shine.

5. Where should families go once they have arrived at the event?

Free parking is available. Families should proceed to the Mitchell Museum for check-in and to obtain their event agenda and other Nature Trackers materials.

About Dinosaur Train

Dinosaur Train features Buddy, an adorable preschool-age Tyrannosaurus Rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family as they board the Dinosaur Train and embark on whimsical voyages through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans. The program embraces and celebrates the fascination that children have with both dinosaurs and trains and encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology. Dinosaur Train airs weekdays at 8:30am on WSIU-TV.

Dinosaur Train Website, Dinosaur Train for Parents, Dinosaur Train for Teachers