The Dinosaur Place

 8/10Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

1650 Hartford-New London Tpke

Montville, CT 06370

https://naturesartvillage.com/experience/the-dinosaur-place/

860-443-4367

The Dinosaur Place was a blast for my kids. They loved the splash pad, T-Rex tower, the enormous dinosaurs and the beautiful grounds. If your kids are into dinosaurs, this is a fun place to visit where they are sure to have a good time. Informative plaques posted about each super-sized dino for those interested in learning a bit. You can also find identification plaques about plants growing on the grounds too!

The kids enjoyed the splash pad and T-rex Tower most of all.  The water at the splash pad is warm so that is a huge plus!  There are dino structures positioned throughout the area that have sprinklers, misters, dino heads where kids can squirt each other and buckets that dump out.  It is a total blast!

Some additional highlights include a couple of small walk-in caves with interactive dinosaurs (see the video below), an easy 1.5 mile walking trail, a small maze, a cool-off sprinkler, pedal trikes, a train ride, an area to get a bite to eat, and a gift shop with all things dinosaurs.

The atmosphere is relaxing and serine at The Dinosaur Place. The park is clean and engaging for kids. They will really love their trip to The Dinosaur Place!

 

There is a 1.5 mile nature trail with dinos and volcanos to see as you walk.

The walls of the maze are tall but the kids can fit under if they need to or to sneak a peak.

The goal is to get to this dino mouth and slide down to exit the maze.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny:

• • Weather :  Ideally, if you visit during the warmer months you will want to use the splash pad so, the temps need to be above 70 and without thunder.
  • Parking : FREE plentiful parking
  •  Admissions :Toddlers (ages 2 – 5): $29.99, Children (ages 6 – 17): $33.99, Adults (ages 18 – 59): $29.99, Seniors (ages 60+): $27.99
  • Location :  A 60-acre outdoor theme park with enormous dinosaurs, playgrounds, and other kids activities including a splash pad.
  • Hours :9:30-6 daily but check their site for specific hours of activities and changes that take place.  
  • Duration : We stayed 3 hours or so at The Dinosaur Place and visited after lunch time so we didn’t try the food. 
  • Tips and Recommendations :  Don’t forget socks for all kids and water shoes for everyone who wishes to partake in the splash pad activity.  They need traction while in the splash pad area.
  • Cons : Everything costs extra. Admission is costly and then all the activities aren’t included. Socks are mandatory for the T-Rex Tower and I didn’t realize it before going ( I had some extra in the car but if you forget, you can buy them for $3.50).  Take water shoes for the splash pad.  My son wore his sneakers which is not ideal but worked out on the hot day we visited. They of course sell water shoes but, now YOU know to take both when visiting in the summer. The train ride and trikes at Lapilli Landing cost $6 per person and kids can’t ride the train alone.

 

This dinosaur coloring book is full of fun facts too!

Jewel : 👍🏼

Jamison : 👍🏼

 

We hope the kids enjoyed the Dinosaur Place.  While in Connecticut, be sure to explore Lyman Orchid and Gilette Castle.  Another option would be visiting the Connecticut Science Center. I bet your little ones will love these places too.  As always let us know what you think, we appreciate your feedback.