[Image]  We had to go to Provo recently to do some errands, and we thought that we'd try to find something fun for the kids to do. We decided to go visit the BYU Museum of Paleontology, which is open Monday through Friday from 9-5.

[Image]  Desert Boy was delighted as soon as we stepped in the door. We could see dinosaur skeletons everywhere!

[Image]  I was impressed with the Icthyosaur fossil, which is the state fossil for Nevada.

[Image]  I had never seen fossilized dinosaur eggs before, so that was really cool.

[Image]  The Dimetrodon looked really neat.

[Image]  The kids could identify this fossil as a pterodactyl, stars of the PBS show Dinosaur Train.

[Image]  The scutes on this dinosaur were impressive.

[Image]  I couldn't resist getting the kids to pose for a photo with the T-rex skull. Yummy!

[Image]  The Allosaurus, the state fossil of Utah, towered over the exhibit hall.

The museum isn't huge, but there was hardly anyone in it, so we got to take our time and enjoy it. We even went through the museum twice to make sure we hadn't missed anything. (Ha! We go through museums at a rapid speed, so I was able to read a few more signs on the second trip through. We'll still need a few more trips to see it all.)

[Image]  Although the trilobite display might not have been as dramatic, I was fascinated by all the localities where the trilobites, corals, and other smaller invertebrate fossils had been found. Some were virtually in our backyard (as long as you consider our backyard has about a 100-mile radius).

[Image]  The museum is free, but does accept donations--if you're willing to stick your hand into the skull!

[Image] This was a really great museum experience for all of us. I am looking forward to going back some day soon.

And if you're interested in paleontology, don't forget to put National Fossil Day, October 13, 2013 on your calendar!