SF Zoo’s Dinos Rule! Extended Until January 2027
Dinos Rule! Extended Until January 2027
Popular Robotic Dinosaur Exhibit to Stay 4 More Months
SAN FRANCISCO – September 11, 2026 – Due to popular demand, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens has announced that Dinos Rule! —the life-sized, animatronic dinosaur exhibition originally intended to "go extinct" on September 12—has been extended until January 3, 2027.
“The dinosaurs have been a proven hit, with guests coming here just to see them,” said Cassandra Costello, CEO and Executive Director. “We knew that dinosaurs were going to be popular when we brought them here in late June, but they have exceeded our expectations. And while guests may have come here specifically to see dinosaurs, they ended up experiencing more of the Zoo itself, and rediscovering what fun it is to be here.”
Dinos Rule! features 21 realistic, scientifically-informed dinosaur models based on fossil evidence. Each individual dinosaur uses advanced robotics to enable natural movements like blinking, breathing and tail-swaying. Themed to evolution and extinction, the dinosaurs will be grouped by era and geographic origin, and in dynamic interactions displaying behaviors like nesting, hunting and scavenging.
Dinos Rule! is a separate fee for all guests and is $9 per person/$8 SF Zoo members (children 2 and under are free) and is not included with general zoo admission. Each ticket is valid for one-time use on any date during the run of the exhibition. Reservations are not required. Tickets will be available both online and in-person. Visit the web page here.
During the month of September, the Zoo is offering with new memberships purchased free Dinos Rule! exhibit tickets (two for Senior and Individual level memberships, four for Family Memberships and higher), and a free commemorative dinosaur Zoo Key that activates talking storyboxes.
Upcoming Events:
- Saturday, October 3 – Hispanic Heritage Celebration
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy a day filled with culture, stories, music, and fun for the whole family. Experience lively folklorico performances, bilingual storytimes in Spanish and English, and special keeper talks that highlight the connections between culture, animals, and conservation. Plus, the café will be offering limited-time authentic foods and snacks.
- Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 16-18 – ZOOtoberFest
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Try delicious German fare at the Zoo Brew Haus (Leaping Lemur Café), where a smorgasbord of sausages and sauerkraut will be offered along with a selection of craft beers. Guests can tap their toes while dining to the sounds of lively European polka music.
- Saturday, October 31 – Boo at the Zoo
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Boo at the Zoo, one of the Bay Area’s most popular family Halloween events, will take place on Halloween Day this year, providing a fun day time event for kids and adults alike.
Highlights include: a favorite, fun costume parade and contest, a trick-or-treat station, crafts and activities and special pumpkin treats for the animals.
To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the residents, guests are kindly asked not to wear full-face masks, as they can easily startle the animals.
Boo at the Zoo activities are free with paid daytime admission or Zoo membership. Tickets can be purchased online at sfzoo.org.
Highlights include: a favorite, fun costume parade and contest, a trick-or-treat station, crafts and activities and special pumpkin treats for the animals.
To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the residents, guests are kindly asked not to wear full-face masks, as they can easily startle the animals.
Boo at the Zoo activities are free with paid daytime admission or Zoo membership. Tickets can be purchased online at sfzoo.org.
About San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Established in 1929, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects people to wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action. An urban oasis, the Zoo & Gardens is home to nearly 1,500 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing up to 200 species as well as seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. Located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean where the Great Highway meets Sloat Boulevard. Visit www.sfzoo.org for more information.
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