Join us for a morning of fun and exploration! Activities available for all ages, including Dino Discovery presented by the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Come in dressed as your favorite dinosaur and vote for your favorite decorated dinosaur in our art contest (information below for art contest)

Art Contest Entry Requirements:

A $5 donation to cover the cost of the 3D printed Dinosaur. Payment and Dino pick up at The Market 421. W. Colorado St. Wharton Texas. Cash/ Check/ Card payments accepted.

Eligibility: Open to all ages. Participants will be divided into the following categories:

  • K–3rd Grade

  • 4th–6th Grade

  • 7th–8th Grade

  • 9th–12th Grade

  • Adult (18+)

  • Group (groups of 2 or more)

Dinosaur Pickup/Return:

  • Dinosaurs will be primed and ready to paint/decorate.

  • Participants can pick up their dinosaurs any time between 5/12-5/24.

  • Dinosaurs must be returned by 9:30 am on May 31st to The Market for judging.

Each dinosaur must be returned with a completed tag attached with the following information:

  • Participant Name(s)

  • Dinosaur Name

  • Age/grade (or age range for group entries)

  • Phone Number

Props & Accessories:

  • Participants may add up to 3 small props or accessories (e.g., doll clothing, hats, jewelry, etc.).

  • Props must be securely attached and not pose a safety hazard (e.g., with glue or wire). 

  • Pre-made items are allowed, but DIY creations are encouraged. *See tips for attaching items below.

  • Props may not extend more than 2 inches from any part of the dinosaur.

  • Battery Powered LEDs allowed, NO moving parts permitted (e.g., fans/ propellers).

  • A stand or base may be added, the base should be no bigger than 4” x 4” in diameter and 2” tall.

Judging Criteria:

  • Creativity & Originality

  • Quality of Painting & Detailing

  • Use of Props & Accessories

  • Overall Presentation

Special awards include:

  • People’s Choice Award (voted by attendees at Dino Day).

Additional Rules & Guidelines

Safety & Respect:7

  • All entries must be group-friendly (no inappropriate themes or designs).

  • Participants must handle dinosaurs and props safely to avoid injury.

  • No sharp objects, glass, or choking hazards.

  • Entry Limits: Each participant (or group) may submit only one dinosaur. For example, a person can’t submit as an individual AND part of a group.

Disqualification:

Entries that do not follow the safety and respect rules (inappropriate, profane, or unsafe props or designs) will be disqualified.

Display & Return:

Dinosaurs will be displayed during the judging period on May 31st.

Participants can pick up their dinosaurs after the awards ceremony.

Important Dates

  • Dinosaur purchase and pickup: May 12–May 24th

  • Drop off: May 30th by 6:00 pm

  • Entry Deadline: May 31 by 9:30 am

  • Judging: May 31, 2025, 11:00 am

  • Awards Ceremony: Immediately following judging (artists do not have to be present for judging or awards)

  • Dinosaurs can be taken home after the awards ceremony. Dinosaurs not picked up by Saturday, June 7th, will become property of Hesed House of Wharton.

Painting Guidelines:

  • Participants may use any acrylic paint, permanent marker, glitter, Mod Podge, craft paper, feathers, etc.

  • No toxic or hazardous materials are allowed.

  • Dinosaurs must be fully painted (no bare primer visible).

Tips for Participants

  • Plan Your Design! Sketch your ideas before painting.

  • Using layers? Let each layer of paint dry before adding details.

  • Using glue? Super glue works best for permanent props, Mod Podge, LOW-TEMP hot glue work well for lightweight props or decoupage. 

  • Protect your work! Use a clear coat to prevent smudging your art.

  • Be Creative! Think outside the box with your props and accessories!

  • Have Fun! This is a chance to express your creativity and love for dinosaurs.

  • Be Careful! Ruined or broken dinosaurs can only be replaced for an additional $5. (e.g., no new dinosaurs will be printed after May 23 at 6:00 pm)

Have a question or need help? You can call 979-253-1189 or email events@hesedhousewtx.org

Photography consent: By entering the contest, participants agree to allow their dinosaurs to be photographed and shared on Hesed House of Wharton's social media or in promotional materials.