Dino-sized family event in Barrie supports a good cause

Families in Barrie can take a step back in time over the holidays, exploring a prehistoric world filled with inflatable fun and life-sized dinosaurs.

Jurassic Jump is running at the Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery now until Mon., Dec. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This unique event features a massive inflatable fun zone packed with obstacle courses, bouncy castles, slides, and a maze (height restrictions apply).

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It also offers a close-up look at animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, including species like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Dilophosaurus, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, and Velociraptor.

Families attend Jurassic Jump featuring inflatables at Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery in Barrie, Ont., on Fri., Dec. 27, 2024. (CTV News/Chris Garry)

The event is designed for kids aged three to 12, but there's plenty to entertain adults as well.

“We have everything here,” said Karen Roy, owner of Moonwalk Entertainment. “Adults can come out and see the dinosaurs, play some games, and even go in the inflatables with their children.”

For younger visitors, Jurassic Jump offers a chance to meet baby dinosaurs Chomper and Rexy.

Other highlights include a magic show, character meet-and-greets, and family-friendly activities like face painting and balloon art.

Families attend Jurassic Jump featuring life-sized dinosaurs at Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery in Barrie, Ont., on Fri., Dec. 27, 2024. (CTV News/Chris Garry)

Beyond the fun, Jurassic Jump serves a greater purpose. Proceeds from the event will support Canada's Dinosaur Park, a registered charity in Lindsay, Ontario, that operates a reptile sanctuary.

Organizers hope to draw around 4,000 attendees during the four-day event.

“This is the only way we bring money into the sanctuary,” Roy said, adding they hope to raise $10,000 for the sanctuary to support the reptiles through the winter months.

Tickets are available online and cost $20 for children (30 inches tall to 13 years) and $10 for adults aged 13 and up.