If you're driving down the New Jersey Turnpike near Leonia, you might spot something weird poking out of the trees. It’s a Brachiosaurus. It’s huge. It looks like it’s munching on the canopy right next to the highway. This is Field Station: Dinosaurs NJ, and honestly, it’s one of those places that people either absolutely love or find kind of confusing if they go in with the wrong expectations.
It isn't Disney World.
Let's get that out of the way immediately. You aren't getting high-tech hydraulic motion simulators or $200 million immersive dark rides. Instead, what you get is a 10-acre wooded park in Overpeck County Park that feels more like an expedition than a theme park. It’s low-tech in a way that’s actually refreshing once you get used to the pace. You walk along a gravel trail, and as you round a bend, a T-Rex starts roaring at you from behind a bush. The dinosaurs are animatronic, meaning they move their heads, blink, and make noise, but they stay put.
Why Field Station: Dinosaurs NJ Isn't Just for Toddlers
Most people think this is just a place to take a three-year-old who can’t stop talking about Triceratops. While it’s definitely a hit with the preschool crowd, the "Field Station" part of the name is there for a reason. They really lean into the science.
The park was designed with help from actual paleontologists, including guys like Jason Schein from the New Jersey State Museum. They didn't just buy random statues from a factory; they tried to make them look like what we currently think these animals actually looked like. That means feathers. You’ll see a feathered T-Rex, which usually sparks a debate between parents who grew up with Jurassic Park and kids who are learning the latest fossil record.
One of the coolest things is the "Found in New Jersey" aspect. A lot of people forget—or never knew—that the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton in the world was found in Haddonfield, NJ, back in 1858. It was the Hadrosaurus foulkii. Field Station: Dinosaurs NJ makes a big deal out of this. It gives the whole place a sense of local history that you don't get at a generic amusement park.
The Live Shows and "The T-Rex Whisperer"
You have to see the shows. If you just walk the trail and leave, you’re basically paying for an expensive walk in the woods.
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The "T-Rex Games" or the "Feeding Frenzy" shows are where the staff really shines. They aren't just teenagers reading a script. They’re performers. They use a 15-foot T-Rex puppet—controlled by a person inside—and it’s surprisingly lifelike. It’s sort of like War Horse but with more teeth. Kids get to interact with it, and it’s arguably the highlight of the whole experience. Honestly, the puppet is more intimidating than the big animatronic ones because it can actually chase you.
What to Bring (and What to Skip)
Don't overpack, but don't go in empty-handed either. The park is outdoors.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even though it's in a park, parts of the trail are wide open.
- Good shoes. It’s gravel. Don’t wear flip-flops unless you want rocks in your toes all day.
- Water. They sell it, but it’s pricey.
- The Passport. When you enter, the kids get a little "Passport to Adventure." They get stamps at different stations. It sounds cheesy, but it’s the only way to keep some kids moving through the educational bits.
The Move from Secaucus to Leonia
If you visited years ago, you might remember the park being in Secaucus under the shadow of Laurel Hill. It was a very different vibe back then—kinda rocky and desolate. Since moving to Overpeck County Park in Leonia, it’s gotten much greener. The trees provide better "cover" for the dinosaurs, making it feel a little more like a jungle.
However, the move changed the layout. It’s a bit more spread out now. Some regulars miss the old verticality of the Secaucus site, but the Leonia location is way more accessible. Parking is generally easier, and you’re right next to other park amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas.
The Cost Factor: Is It Worth the Ticket Price?
This is the big question. Tickets for Field Station: Dinosaurs NJ usually hover around $20 to $25 depending on when you buy them and if you're doing the "Commander's Pass" which includes the Jurassic Zoo and Paleontologists' Laboratory.
Is it worth $100 for a family of four?
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If your kid is obsessed with dinosaurs, yes. The look on their face when they see a life-sized Argentinosaurus is worth the price of admission. If your kid is "meh" about prehistoric creatures, you might find it a bit steep for a two-hour walk.
One tip: Check Groupon or local New Jersey "mom blogs." They almost always have a discount code or a deal running, especially in the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall). Also, keep an eye on the weather. If it rains, the park can get muddy fast. They do have a rain policy, but it’s better to just aim for a clear day.
The Paleontologists' Lab
If you decide to spring for the extra activity passes, the Lab is the one to get. It’s hands-on. Kids get to dig for fossils and actually talk to staff about how bones are cleaned and categorized. It’s not just a sandbox with plastic toys buried in it; they use real techniques. It’s the kind of thing that might actually spark a career in science for a seven-year-old.
Some Real Talk About the "Animatronics"
Let’s be real for a second. These aren't the latest robots from Boston Dynamics. They move in loops. They growl on a timer. Some of them might show a little wear and tear from the New Jersey weather—after all, they sit outside in the humidity and the wind.
But that’s kind of the charm. It feels like a throwback. It feels like a roadside attraction from a different era, just with better scientific accuracy. It’s tactile. You can smell the trees and hear the birds mixing with the dinosaur roars. It’s a sensory experience that a screen just can’t replicate.
Dinosaurs After Dark
In the fall, they do this "Dinosaurs After Dark" event. It is awesome.
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They give you a flashlight and you walk the trails in the pitch black. The animatronics are still going, but you can’t see them until your light hits them. It’s spooky but not "haunted house" scary. They usually have a campfire with s’mores and a big sing-along at the end. If you’re a local and you’ve already done the daytime visit, this is the version you should try next.
Practical Logistics for Your Visit
Getting there is pretty straightforward. It’s located at 40 Fort Lee Rd, Leonia, NJ 07605.
If you're coming from New York City, it's a quick trip across the George Washington Bridge. You can actually take a bus from the Port Authority that drops you off within walking distance. For drivers, Overpeck County Park is massive, so follow the signs specifically for the dinosaur area or you'll end up at the crew racing docks on the other side of the creek.
Food-wise, there’s a concession stand called the "Paleo Picnic." It’s basic stuff: hot dogs, burgers, pretzels. It’s fine for a snack, but if you want a real meal, you’re better off heading into downtown Leonia or nearby Fort Lee after you’re done. Fort Lee has some of the best Korean food in the country—it’s a great way to end the day.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your day at the Field Station, follow this specific game plan:
- Buy tickets online in advance. You save a few bucks and you get to skip the ticket booth line, which can get backed up on Saturday mornings.
- Arrive 15 minutes before opening. The park is best when it's quiet and the mist is still on the ground. It feels more "prehistoric."
- Check the show schedule immediately. Plan your walk around the "T-Rex Games." Do not miss that show; it's the anchor of the whole experience.
- Bring a portable charger. You're going to take more videos of the moving dinosaurs than you think, and the "Passport" app (if you use it) can drain your battery.
- Pack a lunch. There are plenty of picnic tables in Overpeck Park right outside the Field Station gates. Eat there, save $50, and then go back in for a second loop of the trails.
- Talk to the staff. Ask them about the Hadrosaurus. They love it when people show interest in the actual paleontology and not just the "scary monsters."
Field Station: Dinosaurs NJ is a bit of an outlier in the world of modern entertainment. It's low-key, high-info, and unapologetically nerdy. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday without the sensory overload of a massive theme park, provided you’re ready for a bit of a hike and some old-school animatronic fun.