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.

Meet Dr Dean Lomax, one of the country’s most celebrated dinosaur experts and uncover the secret lives of dinosaurs.

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

Exhibits and Activities:

Yorkshire Geological Society Exhibits
10am-1.30pm (Free, drop-in) Conference Centre

Join in with hands-on activities and practical demonstrations, and discover geological exhibits and displays from local groups and societies. 

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

Bring your rock, mineral and fossil specimens to be identified by experts. 

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

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

Dino Trail
10am-5pm, Free, pick up at the Visitor Welcome Desk, The Hub

Explore almost 50 acres of the Museum and discover more about the links between dinosaurs and coal.

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

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

Tours

Surface Walks
10.30am, 12pm & 2pm (Free, just turn up) Meet at the Café

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

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.

Talks and Shows

Working With Dinosaurs – The Rock Showman
10.30am-11.30am, 1.30pm-4.30pm (Free, drop-in) Learning Space, The Hub

Join professional fossil safari tour guides, The Rock Showman & Fossiliam & get hands-on with real dinosaur fossils discovered along the Yorkshire Coast. You’re invited to step into this ‘boot’s and all’ activity & see if your feet measure up those of Yorkshire’s own Jurassic dinosaurs.

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. Aimed at 7-12 years.

Dino-riffic Textiles
11am-4pm (Free, drop-in) Project Space, The Hub

What do fossil fuels have to do with polyester clothes? And why do fossils have such cool patterns? Discover the surprising links between fossils, fuels, and fashion, then join our fun stitching activity to make a special take‑home reminder of what you’ve learned.

The Geology Rocks Family Trivia Quiz – Dinosaur edition!
12-12.45pm (Free) Conference Centre

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.

2pm – Giant Reptiles with Dr. Mike Romano
2.30pm – Dinosaur Footprints of the Yorkshire Coast with John Hodgson
3.15pm – The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs with Dr. Dean Lomax

Meet Dr. Dean Lomax, one of the country’s most celebrated dinosaur experts and discover his new book The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs, a unique look at prehistoric behaviour in some of the world’s extraordinary fossils. A Q&A and book signing will follow the talk.

There’s even more to enjoy as part of fantastic family day out, enjoy Horsekeeper talks and pony feeding, face painting, pop up stalls, take a walk around our Nature Trail, explore fossil-themed discovery spots, try you hand at rag rugging, and lots, lots more.

Timings and events subject to change.