Life-size dinosaurs will roam Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center this weekend with Jurassic Quest, a traveling dinosaur museum and fair. Visitors can gawk at an 80-foot-long Apatosaurus, a 60-foot-long Spinosaurus and a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex as they become immersed in a world millions of years old.

Dinosaur expert Marty Hoffman, who goes by Park Ranger Marty, said the show isn’t just entertainment — it’s a gateway science. Young participants with an interest in dinosaurs may soon find themselves delving into the fields of biology, geology or astronomy.

Hoffman’s favorite part of the job is watching the smiles on the faces of kids as they experience one of the exhibit’s 80 life-sized dinosaurs for the first time.

“Their eyes, light up, their jaw drops a little bit,” he said. “They actually get to experience the majestic size of these animals firsthand.”

Several new attractions have been added to the exhibit this year, said Nick Schaefer, who is best known as Prehistoric Nick. The animatronic herd has expanded to include the “Utahraptor” and “Giganotosaurus” and kids will be able to lasso stray dinosaurs in “Rope-a-Raptor” and race against notoriously fast dinosaurs in “Raptor Run.”

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Oregon dinosaurs

Oregon’s topography is less prone to erosion and as a result, few fossils have been discovered in the state, Hoffman said. The majority of dinosaur fossils discovered in the U.S. have been in Western states where the climate is drier, such as Utah, South Dakota, North Dakota and Arizona, he said.

Two fossils have been found in Oregon, however — both of the hadrosaur family. These duck-billed dinosaurs lived from the late Jurassic period into the Cretaceous Period and were large herbivores, according to Schaefer. Some actually grew larger than the T.rex.

“They’re kind of like the cows of their time,” Schaefer said.

But since the fossils were discovered in fragments, it’s difficult to determine the exact type of dinosaur, Hoffman said. He continued that since everything we know about the species was learned through fossils, when we make a new discovery, it changes our knowledge about that animal.

Hoffman is regularly expanding his knowledge so he can continue to educate others about the now-extinct animals.

“I jokingly say that I’m continuously living my best 8-year-old life,” he said.

Hoffman hosts weekly short videos on the company’s social media channels deemed ‘Fossil Friday’ and ‘Science Sunday’ in which he provides free education to the public on dino-related topics. He will gladly answer any questions for those who text him at 844-DINO-6411.

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Fostering a sense of wonder

Geoff Hinds, executive director of Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, said he is excited to include Jurassic Quest in the event center’s lineup.

“We believe Jurassic Quest will not only captivate audiences but also foster a sense of wonder and curiosity about the magnificent creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago,” he said.

“It’s an event that promises to create lasting memories for families and visitors.”

The show is primarily geared toward children ages 2-10, but its educational component has much to offer dinosaur enthusiasts.

If You Go

What: Jurassic Quest

When: noon-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond

Cost: $26 Adults and standard admission for kids, $43 unlimited admission for kids, $23 seniors

Contact: jurassicquest.com