Dinosaurs Are Coming To Town

Natchitoches, LA, June 18, 2026 – The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) invites families, teens, and adults to a week of free programs built around one of nature’s most beloved subjects: dinosaurs. The centerpiece is the Dinosaur Experience, a live performance featuring life-like dinosaur costumes and a puppet named Rexi, part of the NPL’s Summer Reading Program (SRP). All programs are free and open to the public, though some events require registration.

“Summer Reading isn’t just about books; it’s about giving every family in our parish a reason to spend time together, and to do it for free,” said Alan Niette, NPL Deputy Director. “From the Dinosaur Experience to Dino Paint Night, every event this summer comes at no cost, because a great summer shouldn’t depend on a family’s budget.”

The Dinosaur Experience visits two locations over a two-day period. On Wednesday, June 24, the performance comes to the Riverbank Stage at 10 AM, then travels to the Northeast Branch (3129 Hwy. 71, Campti) at 2 PM. On Thursday, June 25, shows return to the Main Branch (450 2nd St., Natchitoches) at 2 PM and again at 6 PM. No registration is required to attend any of these performances.

The week’s programs also extend beyond the SRP stage. On Monday, June 22, the Children’s Science Club welcomes ages 7-12 at the Main Branch at 6 PM. STEM Night for ages 2-6 follows on Tuesday, June 23, also at the Main Branch at 6 PM. Adults are invited to Dino Paint Night on Tuesday, June 23, from 6-7:30 PM, or on Thursday, June 25, from 10-11:30 AM, both at the Main Branch. On Thursday, June 25, teens ages 12-17 can take part in Dino Cookie Decorating from 3-4:30 PM, held simultaneously at both the Main Branch and the Northeast Branch in Campti. Registration is required for all of these programs; if interested in attending, you may call 318-238-9224.

The NPL will also welcome guests from the Cane River Creole National Historical Park for Sprout on Friday, June 26. This weekly program invites children to learn from a different local organization each week while enjoying a free sack lunch provided by the Natchitoches Lions Club. Last week, volunteers from FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals) visited to share lessons on responsible pet care and to introduce children to some of the community’s furry companions. No registration is required for the Sprout events.

Volunteers from FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals) visited the NPL’s weekly Sprout program to share lessons on responsible pet care and introduce children to community animals in need of good homes.

Volunteers from the Natchitoches Lions Club provide free sack lunches each week during NPL’s Sprout program, helping make the series accessible to every child who attends.