6 Roarsome Dinosaur Days Out
For those that unwrapped ferocious-looking prehistoric beasts and books at Christmas, hours of fun lay ahead as they learn about dinosaurs and their impact on the world. But rather than stick to the toys inside, why not expand and visit one of the many dino-geared attractions that have popped up across the country in the past few years. Dinos are big bucks, and they’re also big fun. Here’s our pick of the best for your budding palaeontologist.
Land of the Living Dinosaurs, West Midlands Safari Park: Be transported back in time to see the story of the dinosaurs unfold over millions of years at this, the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur attraction.
The impressive £2.5 million must-see landmark at the safari park is set deep in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. Families can spot 38 life sized dinosaurs on the immersive walking trail, which chronicles the different dinosaur eras including Permian, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Each section features dinosaurs that move and make sounds according to what scientists believe. Keep an eye out for the 25metre-long Apatosaurus and the 30metre-long Argentinosaurus. There’s a Tyrannosaurus Rex elevated on a rock and the whole exhibit is heavily landscaped with lots of tree ferns, reeds and monkey-puzzle trees.
Information boards and interactive displays, including one that encourages children to identify dinosaurs eggs, line the paths. Kids can also practice palaeontology and search for fossils at the under-cover Dino Dig.
Top Tip: Make the most of the theme park’s free return ticket, which allows a free return admission to the park. Check the website for full terms and conditions.
Natural History Museum, London: This iconic museum is home to an impressive roaring T-Rex guaranteed to impress dinosaur fans young and old. View fossils and artefacts from the prehistoric period, including the first fossil ever found from a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the skull of a Triceratops, plus the skeletons of an Iguanodon and a Baryonyx, which was one of the largest meat-eaters ever unearthed in Europe.
Top Tip: If you missed your chance to see Dippy the Diplodocus when he graced the main entrance hall, catch him on his UK tour. The 85ft Diplodocus skeleton will be popping up in a cathedral, a parliament building and even a community centre as he tours until October 2020.
Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs, London: This iconic collection of sculptures features dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures such as the plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. The free attraction has been entertaining people for more than 160 years. The exhibit in London’s Crystal Palace Park was opened in 1854 and hosted visits from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert during its early days. While the sculptures may not be entirely accurate by today’s scientific standards, they’ll still make a big impact on any dino obsessed child.
Top Tip: Take binoculars as the statues are viewed from a distance.
Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire: World of Dinosaurs at Paradise is one of the UK’s newest and biggest dinosaur attractions and features thirty moving, snapping, roaring dinosaur models. From cunning Velociraptors to vast Brachiosaurus, from terrifying Spinosaurus to unpronounceable Pachycephalosaurus, plus of course a mighty T Rex. There’s a Dino Dig area too plus plenty of other Dinosaur themed treats for all the family.
Take a Dinosaur Train ride, the ‘Rex Express’, through the World of Dinosaurs, where every twist and turn reveals a new prehistoric surprise. This is a must-do, but costs extra on top of your park ticket.
Top Tip: During the summer live shows take place on the stage in the dinosaur park, so take a packed lunch and plan to stay the day as there’s a wildlife park with less ancient (and very much alive!) animals just across the bridge.
ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure, Norwich: Prepare to be wowed when you spot a herd of life-sized dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus and Triceratops on the woodland trail at the ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure in Norwich. Families can also have a go at digging for fossils and bones. Plus, there are a variety of play areas guaranteed to tire out kids of all ages, including an indoor soft-play centre, a ‘stone age road race’ circuit, a splash zone and an outdoor adventure playground.
Top Tip: Plan your trip in advance by visiting the website where you can download a map and see the daily timetable for each attractions.
Jurassic Coast, Dorset: This stretch of the British coastline is, as the name suggests, famous for its fossils. Many are still being revealed as the cliffs of this World Heritage Site erode. They then tumble onto the beaches ready for discovery. Head between Charmouth and Lyme Regis for the safest beaches. Winter is often the best time to find fossils, too, as beaches are quieter and rough weather tends to reveal more of them.
Top Tip: Caution is key, especially when dealing with cliffs and tides. So always check the tides when you are planning a fossil hunt. A falling tide is the safest and best time to spend time on the beach.
