Jurassic Quest x Brick Fest has officially arrived in Ventura, and it’s an exciting, family-friendly experience that’s especially perfect for dinosaur-loving kids. The event features life-size dinosaur models, interactive kids’ zones, live shows, and hands-on activities, plus a LEGO-building experience through Brick Fest.
We attended on opening day, and it truly did not disappoint. As a parent to an autistic child who struggles with loud noises and unfamiliar crowds, I approached this outing cautiously. Before going, I reviewed the event website and showed my son photos ahead of time to help him prepare. I was encouraged to learn that Jurassic Quest is inclusive and even offers a sensory-friendly hour. Seeing a positive review from Kids Rock the Spectrum, an inclusive indoor playground we’ve visited before, gave me the confidence to try attending during regular hours.
While we were mentally preparing my son, my three-year-old daughter had the opposite reaction. The moment she heard we were going to see dinosaurs, she immediately started roaring and stomping around like a T-rex. Her excitement made the anticipation even more fun.
We arrived around 5:00 pm on Friday, which turned out to be the perfect time to go. The last few hours of the day were noticeably less crowded, lines were short, and the overall environment felt calm. Staff mentioned that earlier in the day had been much busier, so late afternoon or early evening is a great tip for families looking to avoid crowds.
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The event is hosted at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, and right upon entering we were greeted by a massive, life-size Spinosaurus, a clear sign that we were in for something special. Jurassic Quest spans San Miguel Hall, Anacapa Hall, and Santa Cruz Hall, while Brick Fest is located in Santa Rosa Hall near the entrance. We chose to explore Jurassic Quest first and save Brick Fest for the end.
San Miguel Hall features the Kids Zone and the Dino Dig out front, along with several ride-on dinosaurs that gently move or rock. There are also bounce houses (including a toddler option), a soccer game, and a small play area. This section alone could easily fill an entire visit.
Anacapa Hall showcases life-size dinosaur exhibits set in natural habitats. While older dinosaur fans may linger longer here, my kids enjoyed a quick walkthrough before moving on. One standout feature was the Jurassic Quest team members walking around with “baby dinos” that kids could meet and pet.
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Santa Cruz Hall includes more activities such as crafts, face painting, photo opportunities, and a dinosaur-themed gift shop. The highlights here were the Walking Dino Ride and the Train Our Raptor show—both were engaging, memorable, and a huge hit with my kids.
We ended our visit at Brick Fest, where kids can build LEGO creations at multiple stations, including a car derby racing track. It was a great way to wind down after all the dinosaur excitement.
Throughout the entire event, the Jurassic Quest team stood out. Every staff member we encountered was kind, patient, and attentive, helping each child feel welcome and included.
I would recommend Jurassic Quest x Brick Fest for families with preschool and elementary-age kids, especially those looking for an inclusive, high-energy indoor outing or just love dinosaurs.
Jurassic Quest x Brick Fest will be in Ventura through January 11. Ticket prices range from $23 to $85, depending on the experience selected. It’s a fun, weekend activity that is sure to make a great start to the new year. You can buy your tickets here: https://www.jurassicquest.com/events/MVB4HX
