School’s out for the summer here in NYC, and many families are searching for day trips that will keep kids entertained beyond the usual playground or beach. If you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip to make the most of summer vacation, this dinosaur-filled destination deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Just a road trip from NYC, The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village brings prehistoric creatures to life with more than 60 life-size dinosaurs spread across an outdoor trail, plus hands-on fossil digs, a dinosaur-themed splash pad, rope adventures, and plenty of room for kids to run, play, and explore.
Whether you have a budding paleontologist at home or simply want a fun summer escape the whole family will love, this one packs an entire day’s worth of adventure into a single destination.
Step into a real-life Jurassic adventure
The moment you walk through the gates, it feels like you’ve wandered onto the set of a dinosaur movie. Towering Tyrannosaurus rexes, towering Brachiosaurus, fierce Velociraptors, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and dozens of other prehistoric giants line a winding outdoor nature trail that stretches through peaceful woodlands.
Unlike many dinosaur attractions, this isn’t a quick indoor exhibit. Guests can spend hours wandering between enormous dinosaurs hidden throughout the forest, making every turn feel like another discovery.
More than just dinosaurs
The dinosaurs may be the stars, but they’re only part of what makes this destination such a summer favorite.
Families can cool off inside Splash Pad at The Dinosaur Place, where dozens of dinosaur-themed water features make it one of Connecticut’s most unique splash parks.
Meanwhile, aspiring paleontologists can head to the interactive fossil dig area to uncover hidden treasures before climbing, crawling and exploring the massive outdoor playgrounds scattered throughout the property.
Older kids can also test themselves on the aerial rope adventure course while younger visitors have plenty of room to roam safely.
The perfect summer vacation day trip
One of the best parts about The Dinosaur Place is that everything is outdoors. Instead of bouncing between separate attractions, families can spend an entire day moving from wooded dinosaur trails to splash zones, playgrounds, picnic areas and interactive exhibits without ever leaving the park.
It’s an easy choice for parents looking for a destination that entertains toddlers, elementary-age kids and even dinosaur-loving adults.
Getting there
The Dinosaur Place is located in Montville, Connecticut, about a 2½-hour drive from New York City, making it an ideal weekend escape or summer vacation day trip.
General admission includes access to the dinosaur trail, fossil digs, playgrounds and many of the park’s family attractions, while splash pad admission is available seasonally.
If you’re planning a visit this summer, arriving earlier in the day is your best bet to experience everything the park has to offer before heading home.