MN Zoo Dino Hideout

Damon Farber has a long-standing relationship with the Minnesota Zoological Gardens and a history of creating unique environments for zoo visitors. At the Dino Hideout, DF was contracted to lead a multidisciplinary team in creating a one-of-a-kind, nature-based play area that integrates life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Our design approach was sensitive to the existing conditions of the site, with trails, dinos, and play features carefully integrated into the existing topography and around mature trees. In cases where trees couldn’t be preserved, the lumber was harvested and used in the construction of the site’s custom play features. When adventuring through the Hideout, you’ll find that the play features offer a diverse set of experiences that are age-appropriate, accessible, and shaded for those hot summer days. Dino Hideout opened to the public in the spring of 2023 and has been a successful draw for visitors to the Minnesota Zoo.