Name: Dinosaur Alley: Traveling Natural History Adventure Museum
Start: 2026-07-23T10:30
End: 2026-07-23T14:30:00-04:00
Location: Main Library

Dinosaur Alley: Traveling Natural History Adventure Museum

For families with kids pre-K through grade 5+

2026-07-23 10:30:00 2026-07-23 14:30:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis Dinosaur Alley: Traveling Natural History Adventure Museum Main Library - Community Room

Thursday, July 23
10:30am - 2:30pm

Add to Calendar 2026-07-23 10:30:00 2026-07-23 14:30:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis Dinosaur Alley: Traveling Natural History Adventure Museum (Pre-K–grade 5+) Drop in and unearth a story with Ohio's Historical Archaeological Society. Get hands on with dino relics, rocks, fossils, insects, plants, and more! No tickets are required. Main Library - Community Room

Main Library

Community Room

(Pre-K–grade 5+) Drop in and unearth a story with Ohio's Historical Archaeological Society. Get hands on with dino relics, rocks, fossils, insects, plants, and more! No tickets are required.

Please enjoy all snacks before and after visiting Dinosaur Alley. We ask all attendees, including children, to refrain from eating while visiting this experience so that all participants can focus on and engage with the activities together.

Note that the Exploration Lab in the Kids Area will be closed today.

AGE GROUP: | Kids Ages 5-12 | Kids Ages 0-5 |

EVENT TYPE: | STEAM/STEM | Exhibit/Display |

TAGS: | |

Main Library

Hours

About the library

Upcoming events

Pokemon Trading Hour - For kids ages 6–11 on their own

Mon, Jul 13, 10:00am - 11:00am

Main Library - Community Room B

(Ages 6–11) Drop in, meet other Pokemon fans, and trade cards! For important info about active card trading and other program details, read the full event description or call 317.814.3992.

This Program Rocks! - National Rock Day celebration for grades 3–8

Mon, Jul 13, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Main Library - Community Room

Drop in to show off your rock collection, trade rocks, make a pet rock, or design a box to keep your favorite rocks. Registration recommended but not required.

Creating On Canvas: Celebrating America 250! - For kids entering grades 3–5 on their own

Mon, Jul 13, 3:45pm - 4:45pm

Main Library - Discovery Room

(Grades 3–5 only) Join us on either 6/3, 6/4, 7/13, or 7/14 to paint an American flag sky. For info about required registration and program details, read the full description or call 317.814.3992.

This event is full

Queer Book Group - An LGBTQ+ book discussion group for adults

Mon, Jul 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Board Room

Our book group with an intentional LGBTQ+ focus. Registration is required.

Creating On Canvas: Celebrating America 250! - For kids entering grades 3–5 on their own

Tue, Jul 14, 10:00am - 11:00am

Main Library - Discovery Room

(Grades 3–5 only) Join us on either 6/3, 6/4, 7/13, or 7/14 to paint an American flag sky. For info about required registration and program details, read the full description or call 317.814.3992.

Sip 'n' Stitch

Tue, Jul 14, 10:00am - 11:30am

Main Library - Meeting Room A

A casual craft group for adults.

Behind the Book with Linda Castillo

Tue, Jul 14, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Main Library - Community Room B

Bestselling author Linda Castillo shares her book "A Dark Path." Registration is required for this free author event.

Getting to Know Your Camera - 1-on-1 session at the Digital Media Lab

Tue, Jul 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Main Library - Digital Media Lab

Have a digital camera but don’t know how to use it? Sign up for this class to learn the basics of your digital camera in a 1-on-1 session with a Digital Media Lab specialist. Registration required.

This event is full

Getting to Know Your Camera - 1-on-1 session at the Digital Media Lab

Tue, Jul 14, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Main Library - Digital Media Lab

Have a digital camera but don’t know how to use it? Sign up for this class to learn the basics of your digital camera in a 1-on-1 session with a Digital Media Lab specialist. Registration required.

This event is full

Happily Ever After - Book discussion group for adults

Tue, Jul 14, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Board Room

Read and discuss books in the romance genre. This group is open to adults ages 18 and over.

Summer Babies - For kids ages 0–18 months and their caregivers

Wed, Jul 15, 9:30am - 9:50am

Main Library - Discovery Room A

(Ages 0–18 mo.) Join us for rhymes, songs, and stories for babies. For important info about required tickets and program details, read the full event description or call 317.814.3992.

Summer Babies - For kids ages 0–18 months and their caregivers

Wed, Jul 15, 10:30am - 10:50am

Main Library - Discovery Room A

(Ages 0–18 mo.) Join us for rhymes, songs, and stories for babies. For important info about required tickets and program details, read the full event description or call 317.814.3992.

Summer Babies - For kids ages 0–18 months and their caregivers

Wed, Jul 15, 11:30am - 11:50am

Main Library - Discovery Room A

(Ages 0–18 mo.) Join us for rhymes, songs, and stories for babies. For important info about required tickets and program details, read the full event description or call 317.814.3992.

Demystifying the Audio Rooms - Introductory recording class for teens and adults

Wed, Jul 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Main Library - Digital Media Lab

Interested in recording a podcast or making music in one of the library's Audio Rooms but don't know where to start? Learn everything you need to get started with a Digital Media Lab specialist.

Gen Z Nostalgia Night - A retro event for ages 18–25

Wed, Jul 15, 5:00pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Teens Program Room

Reconnect with your inner child at an evening of coloring, arts and crafts, Lego, robotics, and tinkering in the Kids Area Exploration Lab. Pizza and snacks provided. Registration recommended.

Sip 'n' Stitch

Wed, Jul 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Meeting Room A

A casual craft group for adults.

Behind the Book with Lo Patrick

Wed, Jul 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Community Room B

Bestselling author Lo Patrick shares her new book "The Sins of Summer Daughters." Registration is required for this free author event.

Read Between the Wines - A book discussion group for adults

Wed, Jul 15, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Off-Site

Social group that focuses on casual discussion in a restaurant setting. Registration is required.

This event is full

KPop Demon Hunters Dance Class - For kids ages 8–11 on their own

Thu, Jul 16, 1:00pm - 1:45pm

Main Library - Community Room A

(Ages 8–11) Learn choreography for the song "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters! Read the full event description for info about registration and program details. No younger or older siblings may attend.

"Golden" KPop Dance Party - For families with kids of all ages

Thu, Jul 16, 2:00pm - 2:30pm

Main Library - Community Room B

Families can sing and dance along to the song "Golden" and other kid-friendly KPop hits. Costumes are encouraged! No tickets or registration are required. Caregivers must stay with their children.

KPop Demon Hunters Dance Class - For kids ages 8–11 on their own

Thu, Jul 16, 2:00pm - 2:45pm

Main Library - Community Room A

KPop Demon Hunters Dance Class - For kids ages 8–11 on their own

Thu, Jul 16, 3:00pm - 3:45pm

Main Library - Community Room A

Sun Printing - Cyanotype Workshop with a Digital Media Lab Specialist

Thu, Jul 16, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Main Library - Event Lawn

Create sun prints with the Digital Media Lab. Design your own composition and set it using sunlight. Registration is required.

Creative Corner - A crafting social hour for adults

Thu, Jul 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Main Library - Meeting Room C

A casual crafting get-together for adults. Registration is required.

Getting to Know Your Camera - 1-on-1 session at the Digital Media Lab

Fri, Jul 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Main Library - Digital Media Lab

Have a digital camera but don’t know how to use it? Sign up for this class to learn the basics of your digital camera in a 1-on-1 session with a Digital Media Lab specialist. Registration required.

This event is full

Photographing Paris - Photography presentation for teens and adults

Sat, Jul 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Main Library - Meeting Room B

Hear advice about travel photography and learn more about the artistic process that goes on behind it with the Digital Media Lab. Registration is required.

Unearth the Mummy's Curse - An Egyptology murder mystery game for adults

Sat, Jul 18, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Main Library - Meeting Room B

Participate in a "whodunit" murder mystery set on at 1930s archaeologic dig in Egypt. Registration is required.

This event is full

Paws to Read - For kids ages 6–12

Sat, Jul 18, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Main Library - Discovery Room A,Discovery Room B,Kids Study Room 1A,Kids Study Room 1B

(Ages 6–12) Like dogs? Come read for 15 minutes to a Paws & Think therapy dog! For important info about required registration and program details, read the full event description or call 317.814.3992.

Rescheduled

Francis of Assisi 800 Years On

Sun, Jul 19, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

New date Sunday, July 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Main Library

Author Jon Sweeney explores the life and legacy of Francis of Assisi. Presented by the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana, Carmel-Cortona Sister City Committee, and the CCPL Foundation.

Francis of Assisi 800 Years On

Sun, Jul 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Main Library - Community Room

Author Jon Sweeney explores the life and legacy of Francis of Assisi. Presented by the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana, Carmel-Cortona Sister City Committee, and the CCPL Foundation.

Sun Printing - Cyanotype Workshop with a Digital Media Lab Specialist

Mon, Jul 20, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Main Library - Event Lawn

Create sun prints with the Digital Media Lab. Design your own composition and set it using sunlight. Registration is required.

Genealogy Drop-In

Mon, Jul 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Main Library - Meeting Room C

A drop-in session for genealogy enthusiasts or those who would like to get started with this popular hobby.

Books After Lunch - Book discussion group for adults

Mon, Jul 20, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Main Library - Board Room

Books After Lunch is the library's monthly mid-day book club.

Dabble: Yarn Art - For kids ages 7–11 on their own

Mon, Jul 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Main Library - Discovery Room

(Ages 7–11) In this monthly series, you will learn about an art style, technique, or artist and then create a related art project. Read the full description for registration info or call 317.814.3992.

This event is full

Dabble: Yarn Art - For kids ages 7–11 on their own

Mon, Jul 20, 4:45pm - 5:45pm

Main Library - Discovery Room

Dabble: Yarn Art - For kids ages 7–11 on their own

Mon, Jul 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Main Library - Discovery Room

Tech Talk: Passwords, Passkeys and Peace of Mind - An information session for older adults

Tue, Jul 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Main Library - Meeting Room B

If you use email, banking, shopping, or social media, secure sign-ins are essential. We'll cover authentication best practices, passwords and passkeys, what they are and how to manage them.

This event is full

Pokemon Trading Hour - For kids ages 6–11 on their own

Tue, Jul 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Main Library - Community Room B

(Ages 6–11) Drop in, meet other Pokemon fans, and trade cards! For important info about active card trading and other program details, read the full event description or call 317.814.3992.

Michael Armstrong: Teen Artist in Residence - A solo exhibition through the month of July

Wed, Jul 22, All day

Main Library

Artwork exhibited on the Teen Art Wall at the Main Library.

Page Turners - Book discussion group for adults

Wed, Jul 22, 9:30am - 10:30am

Main Library - Meeting Room A

Page Turners is the library's Wednesday morning book group.

Roz Puppets Presents Dinosaur Pirates - For families with kids ages 4+

Wed, Jul 22, 10:00am - 10:45am

Main Library - Community Room

(Ages 4+) Hit the high seas with this puppet adventure story of prehistoric proportions—a treasure chest of music, antics, and audience participation. No tickets are required. Siblings are welcome.

Photography Basics: Product Shots - Drop-in for teens and adults

Wed, Jul 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Main Library - Digital Media Lab

Learn the basics of product photography with equipment like the light box in the Digital Media Lab. Registration is not required.

Read-In at CCPL with Word on the Shelf - In-person volunteer opportunity for teens

Wed, Jul 22, 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Main Library - Teens Program Room

Exactly what it sounds like – time to read! This volunteer opportunity is open to all interested teens in grades 6-12.

Behind the Book with Eliza Knight

Wed, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Main Library - Community Room B

Bestselling author Eliza Knight shares her new book "Lost in the Summer of '69." Registration is required for this free author event.

D&D Academy for Middle Schoolers - Dungeons & Dragons club for students going into grades 6–9

Wed, Jul 22, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Community Room

All skill levels and experience are welcome. Players with no experience are asked to watch the short informational video (see link in the full description) before attending. Registration recommended.

Mystery Book Group - Book discussion group for adults

Wed, Jul 22, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Meeting Room B

Evening book group that reads (spoiler alert) mysteries!

Bedtime Stories - For kids ages 2–5 and their caregivers

Wed, Jul 22, 7:00pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Discovery Room A

(Ages 2–5) Join us for stories, rhymes, and songs. Feel free to wear your jammies and bring your favorite stuffed animal! No tickets are required. Please enjoy all snacks before and after the program.

Dinosaur Alley: Traveling Natural History Adventure Museum - For families with kids pre-K through grade 5+

Thu, Jul 23, 10:30am - 2:30pm

Main Library - Community Room

(Pre-K–grade 5+) Drop in and unearth a story with Ohio's Historical Archaeological Society. Get hands on with dino relics, rocks, fossils, insects, plants, and more! No tickets are required.

Dabble Jr.: Yarn Art - For kids ages 4–6 on their own

Thu, Jul 23, 1:00pm - 1:45pm

Main Library - Discovery Room

(Ages 4–6) In this monthly series, you will learn about an art style, technique, or artist and then create a related art project. Read the full description for registration info or call 317.814.3992.

Registration opens Thursday, July 16 2026 at 9:00am

Dabble Jr.: Yarn Art - For kids ages 4–6 on their own

Thu, Jul 23, 3:45pm - 4:30pm

Main Library - Discovery Room

Registration opens Thursday, July 16 2026 at 9:00am

Overbooked Summer Sessions - Student-led book club for high school students

Thu, Jul 23, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Main Library - Teens Program Room

Overbooked is a student-led book club for grades 9–12 that meets every other Thursday to discuss books, color and craft, eat snacks, and make new friends. Registration is not required.

Poetry Open Mic Night

Thu, Jul 23, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Community Room B

Read your own poetry or share your favorite reading at this family-friendly event. Come to read or just to listen. Registration required.

Movie Night: The Mummy - A free interactive movie screening

Thu, Jul 23, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Community Room A

Unearth a special interactive screening of The Mummy (1999). Rated PG-13. Registration is required to guarantee an interactive kit, but walk-ins are also welcome as space permits.

Drop-In Craft - For kids ages 2–5 and their caregivers

Fri, Jul 24, 10:00am - 11:30am

Main Library - Discovery Room A

(Ages 2–5) Drop in anytime between 10:00–11:30am and have fun creating with colorful paper, crayons, and glue! No tickets are required. Please enjoy all snacks before and after the program.

Editing Photos in Adobe Lightroom - Demonstration for adults and teens

Fri, Jul 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Main Library - Meeting Room B

Watch and learn about how a photographer makes his photos stand out using tools found in the Digital Media Lab. Registration is required.

Behind the Book with Kelsey Cox

Sun, Jul 26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Main Library - Community Room B

Bestselling author Kelsey Cox shares her new book "Pretty Dead Things." Registration is required for this free author event.

StoryWalk® at Meadowlark Park: Listen, Listen - Available July 1–July 27

Mon, Jul 27, All day

Meadowlark Park

Families can enjoy a nature walk and story by participating in our multilingual StoryWalk at Meadowlark Park, accessible from both Meadow Lane and the Monon Trail.

ShooBeeShow Musical Adventure - A special concert for families with kids ages 0–5

Mon, Jul 27, 10:30am - 11:30am

Main Library - Community Room

(Ages 0–5) Join us on 6/24 or 7/27 in the Community Room for lots of toe tapping, hand clapping, and singing along with favorite children’s songs. No tickets are required. Siblings are welcome.

Digital Collage Workshop - Class for teens and adults

Mon, Jul 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Main Library - Digital Media Lab

Join a Digital Media Lab specialist to learn a fun, simple, and creative way to document your memories through digital collage. Registration is required.

Registration opens Monday, July 20 2026 at 3:00pm

Drop-In Perler Beads Studio - For kids ages 8+

Mon, Jul 27, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Main Library - Discovery Room

(Ages 8+) Drop in and create your own Perler Beads art! Make your favorite or try something new! Each participant may create one piece of Perler Beads art to take home. No younger siblings may attend.

Tai Chi: Calm & Balance - A class for adults

Tue, Jul 28, 10:00am - 11:00am

Main Library - Community Room

A gentle, feel-good Tai Chi session focused on relaxation, balance, and easy breathing. Perfect for all skill levels and abilities. Presented with Mindful Taichi Co. Registration is required.

AI Tools: Common Programs to Explore

Tue, Jul 28, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Main Library - Community Room B

Learn more about commonly used AI tools in professional and personal settings.

StoryWalk® at Prather Park: I Got the Rhythm - Available July 29–August 24

Wed, Jul 29, All day

Prather Park

Families can enjoy a nature walk and story by participating in our StoryWalk at Prather Park—formerly River Road Park—just southeast of 126th Street near the White River.

Pokemon Trading Hour - For kids ages 6–11 on their own

Wed, Jul 29, 10:00am - 11:00am

Main Library - Community Room B

(Ages 6–11) Drop in, meet other Pokemon fans, and trade cards! For important info about active card trading and other program details, read the full event description or call 317.814.3992.

Making Custom Stickers in the Digital Media Lab - Class for teens and adults

Wed, Jul 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Main Library - Digital Media Lab

Learn to make stickers of your friends, family, pets, or whatever else you like! Registration is required.

Registration opens Monday, July 20 2026 at 3:00pm

3D Print Repair Cafe - Drop in with a specialist to 3D model a replacement part

Thu, Jul 30, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Main Library - Digital Media Lab

Need to replace or duplicate a part for a physical object but can't find a 3D model online? Stop by and get 3D modeling help from a Digital Media Lab specialist.

Intro to Digital Wallets - Lecture by Senior Planet, from AARP

Thu, Jul 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Main Library - Meeting Room B

Learn about popular digital wallets and their many uses. Registration is required.

Uncovering History - Summer Photo Contest

Fri, Jul 31, All day

Main Library

Celebrate the past with the Digital Media Lab's Uncovering History photography contest. Entry deadline is July 31, 2026.

Summer Reading Program - June 1–July 31

Fri, Jul 31, All day

Online

Fun for readers of all ages—kids, teens, and adults!

Book Nook Art Exhibit - On display through the month of July

Fri, Jul 31, All day

Main Library

Enjoy a walk through the Main Library's teen book collection featuring book nooks created by the library's Teen Homeschool Art Club. Each miniature diorama is based on a book or literary theme.

Teen Art Contest - For teens in grades 6–12

Fri, Jul 31, All day

Main Library

Get inspired and submit your artwork to the Teen Art Contest this summer.

StoryWalk® at Prather Park: I Got the Rhythm - Available July 29–August 24

Sat, Aug 01, All day

Prather Park

Families can enjoy a nature walk and story by participating in our StoryWalk at Prather Park—formerly River Road Park—just southeast of 126th Street near the White River.

Paws to Read - For kids ages 6–12

Sat, Aug 01, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Main Library - Discovery Room A,Discovery Room B,Kids Study Room 1A,Kids Study Room 1B

Behind the Book with Scott Ellsworth

Sun, Aug 02, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Main Library - Community Room

Bestselling author Scott Ellsworth shares his new book "Midnight on the Potomac." Registration is required for this free author event.

Genealogy Drop-In

Mon, Aug 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Main Library - Meeting Room C

A drop-in session for genealogy enthusiasts or those who would like to get started with this popular hobby.

Pack-a-Thon with Midwest Pages to Prisoners

Mon, Aug 03, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Meeting Room C

A volunteer opportunity for adults to prepare reading materials for incarcerated people.

Memory Café

Tue, Aug 04, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Main Library - Meeting Room C

A social gathering for people living with memory loss and their care partners.

Edwina Efuntoye: Teen Artist in Residence - A solo exhibition through the month of August

Wed, Aug 05, All day

Main Library

Artwork exhibited on the Teen Art Wall at the Main Library.

D&D Academy for Middle Schoolers - Dungeons & Dragons club for students going into grades 6–9

Wed, Aug 05, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Community Room

All skill levels and experience are welcome. Players with no experience are asked to watch the short informational video (see link in the full description) before attending. Registration recommended.

Critical Mass - Book discussion group for adults

Wed, Aug 05, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Main Library - Meeting Room A

Evening book group that reads literary novels, classics, award winners, and thought-provoking reads.

Overbooked Summer Sessions - Student-led book club for high school students

Thu, Aug 06, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Main Library - Teens Program Room

Overbooked is a student-led book club for grades 9–12 that meets every other Thursday to discuss books, color and craft, eat snacks, and make new friends. Registration is not required.

Learn to Draw - For kids in grades 2–6

Sat, Aug 08, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Main Library - Teens Program Room

Learn drawing skills and explore creativity. Registration is required.

Schulanfang: Germany’s Sweet School Tradition - Celebrating Seiffen, Carmel's German Sister City

Sat, Aug 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Main Library - Community Room B

Discover how German families send their children into the world of learning. This program is designed for adults. Registration is required.

Behind the Book with Lauren Nossett

Sun, Aug 09, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Main Library - Community Room

Award-winning author Lauren Nossett shares her new book "Indie Darling." Registration is required for this free author event.