13 Dino-mite things to do this Dino Day

Dino Day is back and bigger than ever, with a day of free family entertainment in Barrow town centre. From thrilling performances to incredible photo opportunities, get up close to these prehistoric giants and experience a day of Jurassic fun. With brand new arena shows and even more activities, this year promises to be an even more memorable day out for audiences of all ages.

1. Arena Shows

See the mighty T-Rex roar into action or come face to face with the Raptors, with thrilling performances taking place throughout the day at arenas on Town Square and Dalton Road (sponsored by Barrow Town Council). Get up close to the dinosaurs as they roam among the crowds, while expert rangers share fascinating facts and bring these prehistoric creatures to life.

2. New Arena - Baby Dinos

A brand new addition for 2026, the new arena at the Outdoor Market will be home to Spike and Trixie - two adorable baby dinosaurs who love running around and meeting the crowds! Catch these cute new additions in 3 performances throughout the day. 

3. Ranger Training

With all these dinosaurs on the loose, someone has to help tame them! This hands on experience is perfect for younger dino enthusiasts, who can learn from expert dinosaur wranglers how to care for these prehistoric beasts. 

4. The Bridge 

The perfect place to relax during an action packed day, The Bridge will be filled with chill out activities for all ages.

Join Barrow Library in the storytelling corner, where families can enjoy dinosaur themed tales throughout the day. Adults can also pick up a free Quick Reads book as part of the National Year of Reading.

Get creative with BarrowFull and make your very own dinosaur to take home, thanks to craft workshop sponsor University of Cumbria. Younger visitors can also stop by Dr Bones’ Hatchery, where they’ll learn how to care for the newly hatched dinosaurs - just be sure to keep quiet around the hatchlings!

Visitors can also snap a photo on the giant deckchair and tag us on social media for the chance to win a £30 gift card for The Works.

5. Baby Dino Meet and Greet

Get ready to meet some of Dino Day’s youngest residents at Barrow Town Hall, where rangers will be bringing out the baby dinosaurs to greet the crowds throughout the day. Perfect for younger visitors, this special experience offers a one to one opportunity to get up close to the adorable prehistoric youngsters.

6. Shop Local

Explore everything Barrow Town Centre has to offer as local businesses join in the prehistoric fun with dino-tastic displays, themed decorations and special activities throughout the day. From colourful shop windows to roaring surprises, visitors can enjoy a Jurassic adventure around every corner while supporting the town’s fantastic independent and high street businesses. 

7. Crazy Golf

Compete against family and friends on the craziest golf course in Barrow Town Centre. Sponsored by University of Cumbria, this free to play course is harder than it looks, and will take some serious skills to complete! 

8. PhotoHoof Photobooth

Strike a pose at the free PhotoHoof Photobooth and take home the perfect memento of the day. Dress up with the dino themed props and capture the moment, then take home your very own photo from the day.

9. Dino Dig

Calling all paleontologists! See what you can uncover at the Dino Dig on Dalton Road, perfect for all ages. 

10. Eat and Drink

Hungry from all the prehistoric action? Check out one of the incredible food and drink businesses in the town centre. From quick bites to delicious drinks to cool you down, download the Barrow Buzz App to find your perfect lunch spot.

11. Jurassic Jeep

All the way from Isla Nublar, the Jurassic Jeep has made its way to Barrow ready to be part of this great day out. Get your photo taken in the Jeep and meet Dino Mike’s prehistoric pals. 

12. Grand Finale

Catch all the dinos of the day in the thrilling finale! They’ll be battling it out at the Town Square at 3:40pm to be crowned Dino Day 2026’s favourite dinosaur. 

13. Stamp Trail 

Enjoy free activities across the town centre with the Dino Day Stamp Trail! Visit locations along the trail, take part in an exciting activity, and collect a stamp for your chance to win a prize. Don’t forget to download the Barrow Buzz App to unlock the hidden 7th location and visit it to receive an extra bonus prize. Our 2026 Stamp Trail includes: 

• Cookie decorating at Tina’s Custom Cakes on the Outdoor Market
• Gaming fun at South Lakes Game Exchange on Duke Street
• Prehistoric colouring at The Works on Dalton Road
• Count a Dino at Footwear and Fascinators on Portland Walk
• Dinosaur taming at Ranger Training on Dalton Road
• Paint your own dinosaur at Shot At Photography on Scott Street
• Collect a dino prize at the bonus Buzz App location!

Dino Day 2026 is brought to you by Barrow Town Centre businesses and sponsored by University of Cumbria and Barrow Town Council.