MOBILE, Ala. — They appear rather menacing and growl more than is considered polite here in the Deep South, but these prehistoric, larger-than-life creatures would like you to stop by and visit them for a spell.

Dinosaurs Downtown is the latest educational experience at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in downtown Mobile. More than a dozen dinosaurs of various stripes are corralled in the museum’s courtyard through April 25, offering an opportunity that will transport all ages to the very distant past.

“It’s a very exciting full-sensory kid’s exhibit,” said Hela Sleth, Exploreum director of marketing and public relations. “The adults will love it as well.”

Ten animatronic dinosaurs roar and move, and one will even spit in your eye if you’re not careful. The displays provide a look into how dinosaurs interacted, along with their varied diets and predatory habits. There will also be a chance to learn more about robotics, Sleth said.

The exhibit includes a fossil dig, where small children can dig in a sand pit for their very own “fossils.” There is even a somewhat lazy T-rex who likes stretching out in the sun and posing for pictures with the young and young at heart.

Featured dinosaurs are: Tyrannosaurus rex, a T-rex baby, Brachiosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Parasaurolophus land egg nest, Triceratops baby, Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus baby, Deinonychus Slasher with Parasaurolophus II Tupuxuara Sinopterus.

Sleth said, “It’s been a pretty impressive feat to get them ready. It looks like ‘Jurassic Park’ out here with these guys.”

The exhibit is available for birthday parties, but slots are filling fast. The birthday party roster is already booked through February, Sleth said. The cost is $300 for non-members and $240 for members. All birthday party guests have the option of adding the Dinosaurs Downtown exhibit to their package for $2.50 per person.

Another element of the experience is “Dinosaurs Alive,” a film being screened in the adjoining J.L. Bedsole IMAX theater. Sponsored by WKRG News 5, Sleth said it will capture the imagination of audiences with a look at the entire age of dinosaurs.

The adventure sweeps from Mongolia’s Gobi Desert to New Mexico, and follows American Museum of Natural History paleontologists as they explore some of the most celebrated dinosaur finds in history. The film, narrated by actor Michael Douglas, utilizes computer-generated animation to bring the creatures back to life, right before your eyes.

“This film provides an in-depth, educational look into the world of dinosaurs and will be a wonderful complement to the highly entertaining Dinosaurs Downtown exhibit,” said Caroline Etherton, Exploreum assistant director.

Among the dinosaurs introduced in the IMAX dome, are the Tarbosaurus (a close relative to T-rex), Velociraptors, Protoceratops and Seismosaurus.

Viewers will see dinosaurs locked in mortal combat, nesting in colonies, protecting their young and facing the forces of nature. It will also be revealed which dinosaurs traveled in herds, which made nests, which were the predators, which were the hunted and other surprising behaviors.

Show times for the film are Monday through Friday at 10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m.; Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.; and Sundays at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.

Sleth said the Dinosaurs Downtown exhibit has toured zoos across the country, but this is the first time it has made a stop at a science museum.

“We have this outdoor courtyard, so we looked for something we could put there,” she said. “Dinosaurs are making a comeback. Everybody loves them.”

The Exploreum is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m.

Exhibit tickets are $14 for adults with youth and senior citizen tickets $12.50 and children’s tickets $12. Combo tickets (includes admission to see “Dinosaurs Alive” IMAX film) are $18 for adults, $17 for youth and seniors and $15.50 for children.

Dinosaurs Downtown also available for group tours and school field trips. A school study guide is available online for download and printing.

Call the Exploreum at (251) 208-6879 to check for available party dates and more information about group tours. You can also visit online at www.exploreum.com.