For the budding paleontologist, there’s no better time to be in Colorado. A Triceratops fossil unearthed during a recent construction dig in Thornton—now on display at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science—joins a variety of dinosaur exhibits, permanent and temporary, at museums and attractions around town. October is a happening time for dino fun in metro Denver.

View the Triceratops Fossil A local construction crew in Thornton dug up more than just dirt on August 25. Paleontologists say that the fossil they found is a 66-million-year-old adult Triceratops, on display now at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science prep lab. Insider tip: Visit the lab Monday through Friday, 9 to 10 a.m. or 4 to 5 p.m., to view the fossil with less of a crowd. dmns.org

Ultimate Dinosaurs Denver Museum of Nature & Science is also hosting a new dinosaur exhibit, opening October 6. Ultimate Dinosaurs showcases spectacular fossils of some lesser-known dinosaurs that inhabited the southern hemisphere, unearthed in recent years. Special exhibition effects allow visitors to walk alongside life-size dinosaur projections, explore a dinosaur skeleton, and try out fossil prep lab activities. dmns.org

Dinos! Live at Denver Zoo, running through October 31, features 21 ‘terrible lizard” sculptures, 18 of which move and roar as guests go by. Every Friday and Saturday evening in October, view lighted dinos and special performances at Dinos! After Dark. denverzoo.org

And Don’t Forget These Dino Favorites:

Morrison Natural History Museum offers historic and modern fossil finds, and boasts a touchable Tyrannosaurus rex skull. mnhm.org

Dinosaur Ridge Trail Visit the 1.1-mile paved trail to see dinosaur tracks and bones, accessible by foot, bike, or guided tour. dinoridge.org

Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center Fossils from North America’s Cretaceous period are featured at this world-class museum. rmdrc.com