Life Chronicles: VR Expedition Through the Past

Head over to the Atlanta Beltline (inside the Illuminarium building) to start your trip through time. Life Chronicles guests time travel more than 3.5 billion years in the past to discover the evolution of our living planet, from spying on microscopic organisms to hiding from towering dinosaurs. My daughter and I loved this VR experience, scaling mountainsides and wading through waters as the topography and biology of Earth evolved right before our eyes.

Note: If paleontology and evolutionary science isn't your child's thing, Eclipso Atlanta offers two other cool VR experiences: Egyptian-themed Horizon of Khufu and art-focused Tonight with the Impressionists: Paris 1874.

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Take a tour through time and meet Earth's early inhabitants. Photo courtesy Eclipso, by Excurio

The T-Rex Awaits Your VR Arrival!

This VR experience is designed for ages 8 and over. Visitors spend 45 minutes virtually marveling at the beauty and richness of early life on our planet. Families explore the depths of oceans and tropical forests; great geological periods that span the first awakenings of life; the emergence of diverse animal species and dinosaurs; and the appearance of humans.

The 11,000-square-foot space allows guests to comfortably enjoy this amazing experience that spans the ages! After entering, parents and kids set up their own custom character names, which is then input into the system. Helpful staff fits each person for a headset, checking that guests can both hear and see properly. The expedition then begins for you and your group, with important markers indicating any real obstacles (other guests, walls, etc.) that could possibly get in your way. If you ever need a break or assistance, just raise your hand and staff members will come to your aid.

My daughter and I enjoyed following our virtual guide, Charlie, and her little robot Darwin as they showed us a world we'd only seen in textbooks. My child kept trying to "catch" the early mammals (resembling small monkeys) climbing vines and surrounding branches. And if you noticed the subheading, there are multiple T-rex sightings, including an exciting (not scary!) interaction between it and some triceratops -- this is a standout moment for any dinosaur lovers!

Life Chronicles: Know Before You Go

• Designed for ages 8 and older with a run time of 45 minutes.
• Every child must be accompanied by an adult. Operating hours are Tuesday-Friday, 12-8pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; and Sunday 10am-8pm (closed Monday).
• Located in the Illuminarium building, at 550 Sommerset Terrace, Atlanta, GA 30306.
• Self-parking is available at an hourly rate, as well as valet and nearby street parking.
• Weekend ticket prices are $32 for children (ages 8-17) and $36 for adults (ages 18 and over); weekday ticket prices are $26 for children and $29 for adults.
• People who wear glasses can easily still use the headset; however, avoid hats and high ponytails as they can get in the way of a proper headset fit. Wear comfy clothes and sneakers since you walk the entire time.
• Store belongings in the free, on-site lockers so you can have your hands free to truly immerse yourself in the VR experience.
• Bathrooms available in the lobby.
• Before or after the VR experience, hungry patrons can walk along the BeltLine for food stands and restaurants, including nearby Ponce City Market's food hall.