Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in denver, CO

Sea Monsters: A Prehistoic Adventure Opens September 18 at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

September 07, 2009

National Geographic Dives into Lost World of Marine Reptiles with New IMAX Show
www.nationalgeographic.com/seamonsters

National Geographic's giant-screen film Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure premieres at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Friday, September 18. Click here for ticket and showtime information.

Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure brings to life the extraordinary marine reptiles of the dinosaur age. From the giraffe-necked Styxosaurus and 20-foot "bulldog" fish Xiphactinus to the T. rex of the ocean-the 40-foot super-predator Tylosaurus-these wondrous beasts defy imagination.

The film, narrated by Tony Award-winning actor Liev Schreiber and with an original score by longtime musical collaborators Richard Evans, David Rhodes, and Peter Gabriel, takes audiences on a remarkable journey into the relatively unexplored world of the "other dinosaurs," the reptiles that lived beneath the water. Funded in part through a grant from the National Science Foundation, the film delivers to the giant screen the fascinating science behind what we know, and a vision of history's grandest ocean creatures.

Kenneth Carpenter, PhD, curator of paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, was one of three expert scientists who ensured accuracy of the film. A world-renowned expert on plesiosaurs, Early Cretaceous dinosaurs, armored dinosaurs, and dinosaur reproduction, Carpenter heads the fossil preparation laboratory at the Museum. As part of his PhD studies, Carpenter researched predator-prey relations among the fish and marine reptiles of the Cretaceous, as well as factors that may have influenced the fossil record of the seaway. He has published 11 books and authored more than 200 popular and scientific articles on topics including fossil preparation techniques, mounting of fossil skeletons, and dinosaur taxonomy, behavior, and diseases.

"It was exciting to be involved with the first giant-screen film about what lived in the water during the dinosaur age," said Carpenter. "Much of my studies are reflected in the flipper motion of the creatures seen in this immersive film, when these prehistoric giants practically swim off the screen and into the audience."

The Cretaceous world in Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure was very different from Earth as we know today. Eighty million years ago, places such as Colorado and Kansas were at the bottom of a great inland sea that divided North America in two. A warmer climate meant more of the globe was submerged. On this sodden sphere, cold-blooded seagoing reptiles flourished, and as these ocean giants died, their skeletons were left in locations that are now high and dry.

Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure weaves together spectacular photorealistic animation with standout finds from paleontological digs around the world-treasures that shed light on the film's incredible cast of characters.

The film follows a family of Dolichorhynchops, also known informally as "dollies," as they traverse ancient waters populated with saber-toothed fish, prehistoric sharks, and giant squid. On their journey the dollies encounter other extraordinary sea creatures: lizard-like reptiles called Platecarpus that swallowed their prey whole like snakes; Styxosaurus with necks nearly 20 feet long and paddle-like fins as large as an adult human; and at the top of the food chain, the monstrous Tylosaurus, a predator with no enemies.

Dolichorhynchops

Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure is a remarkable visual journey that also educates audiences on the "how do we know that?" side of paleontology. Do scientists need full skeletons to learn about these creatures? Not always, as we learn from shark teeth found throughout the central United States, proof that these modern-day hunters were thriving during the Age of Dinosaurs when Kansas was at the bottom of the sea. How do we know what these creatures ate, and what pursued them? The shapes of jaws and teeth provide dietary clues, and occasionally paleontologists are lucky enough to discover bones of one species inside the remains of another. In fact, one fossilized Xiphactinus, a 17-foot-long predatory fish, was found with an entire six-foot fish inside-swallowed whole.

From fossil digs to larger-than-life visions of predatory chases in shallow seas, the film immerses audiences in a rarely explored environment during the dinosaur age. Merging ultra high-resolution graphics with National Geographic's trademark authenticity, compelling imagery, and powerful storytelling, the film is a perfect combination of subject and medium: ancient leviathans of the deep brought to life in the world's biggest film format.

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PLEASE NOTE: this film merits a PG rating for some intense wildlife images, including scenes of simulated predation.

Best Spots To Play Indoors When It's Cold Outdoors

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

January 20, 2009

Uhhhh. This is a weird post to write seeing as it's been nearly 70 degrees all week in Denver, but trust me. We have a long while till this warm weather sticks around for good - so you will be thanking me for this post later! So, what do *you* do when the cold weather is swirling all around the Mile High City? Here are some of my favorite "hot" spots. HA! Downtown Aquarium - They keep it warm  Read more...

My Top Ten for 2008

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

December 30, 2008

I can't believe this year is drawing to a close already. And it's been really fun talking about all the great things to do in Denver. And just like everyone does at the end of the year - let's take a look back! Here are my ten favorite posts from 2008. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did! Local Pride: 5 Awesome Reasons To raise Kids In Denver Top 99 Things We Must Do With Our Kids In  Read more...

Colorado A-Z

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

November 04, 2008

We're all talking about the things that are special about our states' today. Letter by letter and city by city. Here are some of my favorite (alphabetical) things about Colorado. A is for Aquarium B is for Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Competition C is for Columbine State Flower D is for Denver Art Museum E is for Evergreen F is for Flatirons G is for Garden of the Gods H is for Hot  Read more...

It Takes Two

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

September 23, 2008

OK, the truth is, there are times when it is just plain easier to go somewhere you just you and your child. And, yes, there are places that are way easier when it's you, your kid, your friend, and their kid. Basically so you can share the wealth, or at least have someone to watch over while you sneak out to the bathroom. Here are a few places that are more fun in multiples. The Children's  Read more...

Birthday Party Ideas

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

September 05, 2008

So it's party season around our house, because it's t-minus one week til Declan's 6th birthday. This year we're playing it on the mellow side and having a BBQ at our house. Which is always a great option when you want to have *everyone* over and are willing to try to squish them into your small-size downtown Denver backyard. But there have definitely been years where we have wanted to go OUT for  Read more...

The Fishy Spots in Denver

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

August 19, 2008

So your kids are oogling to see some fishies, huh? Um, I think you know what I am going to write about for this post, then. But before I go there, let's remember there *is* actually quite a big tropical fish area at the good old Denver Zoo ! And! If you want to see fish without paying any entrance fees, there is always my favorite little "faux zoo trip" - The, um, Petsmart Zoo. But who are we  Read more...

Three Days in Denver: Day 1

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

July 08, 2008

In the wonderful tradition of the United Airline's Three Perfect Days, we'd like to give you some great sample itineraries to guide you whether you are visiting the Mile High City for the first time, or a seasoned Denverite, the next three days on Being Savvy Denver will be posts you want to bookmark. Because I am going to go through everything from soup to nuts, collecting fun things to do in  Read more...

Local Pride: 5 Awesome Reasons To Raise Kids In Denver

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

June 23, 2008

I grew up on the east coast, in Maryland. And while it was a fun place to grow up lots of water, lots of history I am just loving the fact that my son is a real, true to life, NATIVE of Colorado. (Am I allowed to get the "Native" bumper sticker if I am a parent of a native?) Growing up here from infancy, Declan will certainly have a different perspective on the Centennial State than I did, but  Read more...

Top 99 Things We Must Do With Our Kids In Denver Before They Grow Up

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

May 29, 2008

It's all rushing by way too fast, isn't it? Blink and they grow 2 inches. And all along you keep making these mental notes of things you want to do with them, in your city. Things that will be SO FUN! So memorable! But that you never get around to actually DOING. Ack. That stops here and now. I am going to start a list, with my top 50 things I would like to do with Declan before he grows up (or  Read more...

Top 5 Things to Do On A Rainy (Or Snowy) Day

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

May 27, 2008

Seeing as you can never predict Denver weather, it's hard to guess if we will have rain or snow on any given day, right? So, consider this an all-purpose post for things to do when you have to scramble indoors as the weather outside turns frightful. 5. Denver Downtown Aquarium Brought back from the brink of extinction, the Aquarium has made several improvements and expanded its hours. There are  Read more...

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! The Urban Jungle Right Here in Denver!

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

May 15, 2008

Another great thing about living in the West is animal life. Sure, Denver is a big city, but we definitely love our animals, don't we? That appreciation is woven into many of our attractions. Denver Zoo Any post on this subject would be remiss without mentioning the Denver Zoo. It's world class. The bear exhibit was among the first to REALLY make an effort to achieve a natural habitat for the  Read more...