Texas Museum Features Ancient Sharks in Discovery Show

Imagine prehistoric sharks swimming where Dallas stands today. Thanks to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, you don't have to imagine anymore.

The museum is celebrating Shark Week from July 26 through August 1 with a special twist. Dr. Ron Tykoski, the museum's curator of vertebrate paleontology, is making his Discovery Channel debut in "Jurassic Sharks," a new program exploring ancient shark species that once called Texas home.

The show features real fossils from the Perot Museum's collection, including six extinct shark species from a famous Permian fossil site in North Texas. These creatures lived 270 million years ago, long before dinosaurs walked the Earth.

During the celebration week, visitors can meet Dr. Tykoski on July 28 to see these ancient specimens up close. The first 100 guests that day will receive free Discovery Channel Shark Week fin hats.

The museum has transformed into a shark lover's paradise. In the Bio Lab, guests can test stress biomarkers in shark blood samples to understand how environmental conditions affect these ocean predators. The ChallENGe Lab invites budding engineers to build boats strong enough to survive a simulated shark attack.

Even the menu gets the shark treatment. The Museum Café is serving SharkBite slushies, coral reef burgers, and ocean-themed treats throughout the week.

Why This Inspires

This celebration does more than entertain. It connects North Texas families to their state's incredible prehistoric past while making cutting-edge paleontology accessible to everyone.

The partnership between a local museum and Discovery Channel shows how Dallas institutions are gaining national recognition for their scientific contributions. Kids who visit this week might leave dreaming of becoming the next generation of paleontologists.

Adults can join the fun too. On July 30, the museum's "Thursdays on Tap" event transforms into "Shark After Dark" with ocean-themed cocktails for the 21-and-over crowd.

All activities are included with general admission: $27 for adults and $17 for kids ages 2 to 12. Museum members get in free, making it an affordable week of discovery for Dallas families looking to dive deep into science this summer.