If you're headed to Yellowstone National Park this summer and are in the Bozeman area, take the kids to the Museum of the Rockies before, during or after your time in the Park, as a new kids' exhibit, Explore Yellowstone, will help show them why American's Oldest National Park is such a special place.

The Museum of the Rockies is certainly worth a visit anytime, but the expansion of the Martin Children's Discovery Center -- part of a $1.4 million renovation of the landmark museum -- is geared specifically at the Yellowstone experience, with exhibits covering Old Faithful, mud pots, a log lodge, a fire tower and more. Kids will be able to fish from a miniature Fishing Bridge, camp in a tent, fish for rainbow trout, and more.

The experience is designed to be interactive: no static displays here. The half-million-dollar expansion of the kids' area is quite dramatic and adds five times more space for children.

If you go, expect a crowd. Capacity is limited to 65 children, and visits are limited to 25 minutes. Tickets, available at the front desk, are free with museum admission.

Even if you need to wait an hour or two to get in the exhibit, don't worry: there's plenty to do at the museum to occupy your time. Museum of the Rockies is home base for legendary dinosaur researcher Jack Horner, which means there's lot of dinosaurs to view, including a full-scale triceratops and a reproduction of the legendary Sue T-Rex (shown above). Throw in some regional history and a living farm, and you're got the makings of a full day of activities.

Explore Yellowstone is open during regular museum hours. Check out the museum's website, museumoftherockies.org, for more information. 

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