Exploring Dinosaurs Through Every Sense: A Family Adventure at NHMLA

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, families from Partners for Pediatric Vision (PPV) were treated to a one-of-a-kind experience at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLA). Thanks to the incredible Education Team at NHMLA, families enjoyed a multi-sensory program for children with visual impairments, filled with opportunities for touch, sound, and rich description.

The day began in the museum’s Grand Foyer, home of the iconic Dueling Dinosaurs—the dramatic skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops locked in an eternal battle. Families explored a tactile model of the scene, feeling the texture of the bones and the size of these prehistoric giants. From there, the group made their way into the renowned Jane G. Pisano Dinosaur Hall, where educators brought paleontology to life—teaching how fossils are unearthed, cleaned, and studied to reveal stories of the past. Children were able to touch real fossil replicas, explore models of teeth that distinguish plant-eaters from meat-eaters, and even handle a piece of coprolite (fossilized dinosaur poop)—a moment that inspired both curiosity and laughter!

NHMLA’s Dinosaur Hall is one of the most extraordinary dinosaur exhibits in the world, featuring over 300 fossils and 20 complete dinosaur and ancient mammal skeletons, including one of the most complete T. rex growth series ever discovered—from baby to adult. The Education Team’s creative use of tactile objects and vivid descriptions ensured that every child could engage and imagine these prehistoric creatures in their own way.

PPV extends heartfelt thanks to the NHMLA Education Team for their thoughtful design and warm welcome. The museum staff’s commitment to accessibility was evident, especially as they applied strategies learned through training with PPV’s Executive Director, Dr. Diane Christian, who previously led a staff workshop in preparation for this event. It was wonderful to see inclusive practices come to life throughout the day, like incorporating tactile models and lots of verbal description.

Curiosity, laughter, and imagination filled the halls as our children explored the prehistoric past—reminding us all that with the right support, every child can experience the joy of discovery. We may even have a few future paleontologists in our PPV family!

Learn more about the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles (NHMLA): https://nhm.org

900 Exposition Park

Los Angeles, California 90007

Contact Partners for Pediatric Vision for more on our hands-on events for children with visual impairment and their families.