Ask my daughter for her review of The Dinosaur Place in Nature’s Art , and she will say, “It’s great. I liked everything except the volcano.
You’re right – we wasted time during our May 2010 visit waiting for the volcano to erupt, and it was almost a disaster. But otherwise, this family-friendly attraction in southeastern Connecticut offers a fun variety of interactive experiences that kids, especially those ages 4-8, really love. From gem mining to paleontologist play to walking paths lined with learning stations and life-size dinosaurs, the resort offers much to occupy a family for an entire day, as you’ll see in this Dinosaur Place photo gallery .
This is where the parental perspective diverges: Each activity at The Dinosaur Place has a separate fee, and surcharges loom everywhere. Sure, your child can venture into the Jackpot Mine for a 10-minute gem hunting season for $ 12.99 (as of 2013), but what are the chances he won’t be swayed with the deluxe option, which includes a helmet? , a chance of mine in the dark and extra digging time? Price: $ 25.99. Add admission to the Dino Trails: $ 14.99 in the off-season or $ 19.99 during the summer when the Splashpad is included, and you’ve already spent more than it costs to take a kid to Six Flags New England for the day.
There are no combo tickets or multi-child discounts to help make a visit affordable for a typical family (unless you have planned ahead and checked the deals page on the Dinosaur Place website for a coupon or deal special). The Dinosaur Place is truly one of the worst family entertainment values in New England.
Still, you should consider a visit to The Dinosaur Place if …
- your kids are really obsessed with dinosaurs;
- it’s raining for the third consecutive day of vacation on the Connecticut coast;
- You are willing to put it on the line before you leave home so that your children can only choose one or two activities.
- the skies are blue and the photos of your offspring frolicking with extinct beasts will delight their grandparents;
- you are in the fortunate position of never having to think twice about looking for your credit card.
Here’s another reason to visit: The Shops at Nature’s Art offers 10,000 square feet of retail delicacies, ranging from ancient fossils to geodes, dinosaur toys, and a brilliant assortment of beads. And, entry to the gift shop is free .
If you’re going… The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art is located at 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike (Route 85) in Oakdale, Connecticut. Hours and activities vary by season. The Dino Trails are open from the beginning of April to the end of November. Check current admission prices on The Dinosaur Place website or by calling 860-443-4367.
