Rowan University has a gem standing tall over in Mantua, where families can go to learn, explore, discover, and have fun- The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, my family and I had the opportunity to check out Edelman’s fossil quarry and museum! We attended a Halloween inspired family movie night with The Flintstone's (1994) as the featured film. From pumpkins and popcorn buckets to a fully costumed dinosaur roaming around; they had it all! Continue reading the information below to see what they had to offer and how it went!
- First, we took a walk over to their quarry area, unfortunately, we did not have time to experience the quarry because the sun was going down, but plenty of other families did. I was able to get some snapshots of my own from a distance, but their marketing team shared some close-ups with me that you can see in the slideshow above! (Yay! So thankful! )
It’s amazing that a dinosaur quarry exists right in our backyards; you can literally dive in, get dirty, and find real fossils- AMAZING! Also, the thing is HUGE! When you plan a trip to EFM, you won’t have to worry about space in the quarry; there is plenty to go around. Just be prepared to get dirty, I saw many kiddos leaving with earthly fingers! (Which is fantastic, “let them little” is what they say... but also, the quarry is completely suitable for teenagers, adults, and everyone in-between and beyond!)
- Next, we walked to the other side of the property and entered the museum; we had the chance to walk around and explore! My son was in his glory! He just turned 3 and has become a huge fan of all thing's dinosaur. The museum held many immersive activities and sights to see. Their replica statues of various dinosaurs were my favorite part- they all looked so real! My son ran from one to another, yelling their name out loud while his little feet led him to the next one.
The museum itself is not very large, but it is packed with so much to see and do, and it is most certainly educational. One of the exhibits that truly spoke to me was one that's about our environment, and how much of an impact that us humans have on it. I don't want to give it all away, but it was very powerful and something everyone should see.
- After meandering through the exhibits, we made way towards the entrance of the building and found a beautiful store with all things Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous! My children even left with a little something- a T-Rex for my son and a Pterodactyl, that my daughter named Lucas.
There is also a concession area where you can purchase a variety of snacks such as:
- Popcorn
- Soft Pretzels
- Yummy dessert-type beverages
- Cookies
- Fruit Pouches for the kids
- String Cheese
- Uncrustables
- Cold beverages
- & more!
We decided to get some popcorn and were lucky enough to get a fresh batch that they had just popped in their popcorn machine! WIN!
- The museum staff had various tables placed out with fun Halloween themed stickers spread around for the kids to use to decorate their popcorn buckets! My daughter made a silly face on hers.
- Lastly, we had the pleasure of watching The Finestones (1994) on their large movie screen, on the Veranda. The Veranda was SO cool! It’s an open-air type of room, similar to a patio, that contains seating and a movie screen. Off to the right of the screen is an outdoor space where you can walk around, sit, or look at the quarry view surrounding the building. Your own blankets and chairs are welcome and encouraged!
It was such a great night, filled with many surprises- I mean the fact that you can participate in a fun-filled event packed with education, dinosaurs, snacks, a movie, and Halloween-themed fun... what more could you ask for??
Please read my other article titled, A visit to Edelman Fossil Park in Mantua, which is about their dinosaur playground that is on the museum grounds: HERE
Please be sure to visit Edelman Fossil Park & Museum! They are open daily, and you can find their pricing, location, hours, and a museum map: HERE
You can check out their full website and future event listings: HERE
I also frequently add their events to our Macaroni KID Gloucester calendar, so keep an eye on that as well! I will link that: HERE
The images above were provided by The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum at Rowan University and me, Eva Amendolia, the publisher for Macaroni KID Gloucester, NJ.
(Barter-sponsorship opportunity.)
