Geology Rocks!

Unearth amazing rocks and fossils, marvel at unique shows and guided tours, and witness spectacular demonstrations, all with a roar-some twist for 2026 that will delight adventurers of all ages.

This incredible day of free family fun is your chance to celebrate the fascinating world beneath our feet like never before. This year’s event is extra special with a thrilling theme – dinosaurs! Perfect for budding palaeontologists, it’s a day packed with jaw-dropping discoveries and prehistoric surprises.

Don’t miss this chance to dig deep into history, explore the wonders of geology, and step into a world where science and excitement collide. It’s going to be dino-mite!

Event organised in partnership with Yorkshire Geological Society.

Event Schedule (more to be announced!):

Fossil Identification
10am-1.30pm (Free, drop-in) Conference Centre

Bring your rock, mineral and fossil specimens to be identified by experts. Join in with hands-on activities as well as geological exhibits and displays.

Rock Cutting
10am-1.30pm, (Free, drop-in) The Hub

Bring along a rock from your collection to see it get cut open and polished.

Surface Walks
10.30am, 12pm & 2pm (Free and pre-bookable, meet at Café)

Discover the rocks around the museum and explore the area around the Lister-Kaye Tunnel.

A Geologist’s Rucksack Activity
11am-11.45am (Free, drop-in) Conference Centre

Discover what a geologist carries in search of dinosaurs, plus other rocks and fossils, and find out fascinating facts about dinosaurs from the Yorkshire coast.

Science Shows – The Rock Showman
11.30am-3.30pm (Free, drop-in) Learning Space, The Hub

Join the Rock Showman and learn all about coal, fossils, dinosaurs & minerals that can be discovered beneath your feet.

Makers’ Shed
12pm-4pm (Free, drop-in) Pit Yard, The Hub

Unearth the past and get creative to make your own dinosaurs.

The Rock ‘n’ Coal Show
12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm, (Free) Learning Space, The Hub

Discover how coal was formed and how we know where to find it! Meet famous people from history such as the Father of Geology William Smith and Marie Curie who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her scientific discoveries.

Meet the Trees Walk (suitable for 8 years and over)
1.30pm (Free, Meet outside The Hub)

Join us for a relaxed guided walk through our Nature Trail. Discover different trees and get hands-on with nature.

Yorkshire Geological Society Dinosaur Talks
1.45pm – 4.50pm

Experience a series of short talks from YGS members and special guests, all about dinosaurs – from the secret life of dinosaurs to Yorkshire’s jurassic coast.

Timings subject to change, and more events TBA!