Rock Out at the National Coal Mining Museum with the return of family geology event

The free annual celebration of rocks, fossils and the world beneath our feet promises a fun, interesting and action-packed day out.

This year’s Geology Rocks event introduces an exciting new twist with a special dinosaur theme, bringing prehistory to life through interactive demonstrations, hands on activities and unique family friendly experiences.

From spectacular live shows to expert-led guided tours, the museum will be packed with opportunities to uncover the secrets of Earth’s ancient past.

This year is set to be the biggest yet, offering a free day of fun that combines science with the fascinating history of coal mining.

A highlight of the day will be the appearance of Dr Dean Lomax, one of the UK’s leading dinosaur experts. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear Dr Lomax share insights from his new book The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs, revealing fascinating discoveries about prehistoric behaviour.

Throughout the day visitors can get involved in a wide range of geological themed activities delivered in partnership with the Yorkshire Geological Society.

People can meet experts from local groups, explore geological exhibits, take part in practical demonstrations and even bring their own fossil, mineral or rock specimens for onsite identification.

A rock cutting station will also be available, where visitors can watch their own collected samples being cut and polished to reveal their hidden beauty.

Young adventurers can explore the museum on a fun Dino themed trail and in the Makers’ Shed, families can unleash their creativity by crafting their own dinosaur-themed masterpieces to take home.

A day of unique guided tours offers visitors the chance to explore the museum’s natural landscape.

Surface walks focus on the geological features of the museums spaces and includes a closer look at the coal seam near the historic Lister Kaye Tunnel.

Meanwhile, the Meet the Trees Walk, suitable for children aged eight and over, provides a gentle, nature rich journey along the museum’s trail, helping families connect with the landscape through the stories of the trees that inhabit it.

Children aged seven to 12 can go behind the scenes with A Geologist’s Rucksack, discovering the essential tools of the trade and learning how geologists search for fossils in the field.

The Dino-riffic Textiles session reveals unexpected links between fossils, fuels and fashion, followed by a hands on stitching activity.

Families can test their knowledge in the lively Geology Rocks Family Trivia Quiz: Dinosaur Edition, hosted by The Rock Showman.

The ever-popular Rock ’n’ Coal Show returns to uncover how coal was formed and trace its geological story through time, featuring appearances from influential scientific figures including William Smith and Marie Curie.

The Yorkshire Geological Society will also host a series of short specialist talks throughout the afternoon, exploring giant reptiles, dinosaur footprints and newly uncovered insights into dinosaur behaviour.

Alongside this will be all the usual fun including horsekeeper talks, pony feeding, pop-up stalls, nature trail experiences, fossil themed discovery spots and opportunities to try heritage crafts such as rag rugging.

For more information visit www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/geology-rocks/