The Best Dinosaur Parks for Families in the UK for 2024

If you’ve got children, then we’re pretty sure that they’ll be obsessed with all things dinosaur related. The good news is that there are plenty of dinosaur parks to choose from that can give the entire family a great day out.

You may have a child who loves everything to do with the history of dinosaurs. Perhaps your little one is more into the sights and sounds that an experience can offer. Either way, you’ll find a park with dinosaurs to suit just what your family is seeking.

We’re going to explore some great dinosaur museums where visitors can get up close with fossils and facts. We’re also going to be looking at the best dino parks that offer animatronic experiences where you can get a real flavour of what these magnificent creatures were really like.

If you’re looking for the best dinosaur park in the UK, you’re sure to come across it on our list.

Keep on reading so that you can plan the perfect dino-themed experience for the whole family.

Dinosaur Attractions in the UK:

• The Dinosaur Museum
• Dinosaur Isle
• Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
• Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
• Knebworth House Dinosaurs
• Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
• Restricted Area 5 at Blackgang Chine
• The Dinosaur Park Tenby
• Torquay’s Dinosaur World
• Wingham Wildlife Park
• Paultons Park Lost Kingdom
• Dino Park Dumfries
• Natural History Museum London
• Gulliver’s Dinosaur and Farm Park

The Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester

Where: Icen Way, Dorchester, DT1 1EW

When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm

How much: Adults £8.99, children £6.99, under 3’s go free

Not strictly one of the dinosaur parks that we’re going to look at, but this dino museum is certainly worth a place on our list. Based in Dorchester, this is an award-winning attraction that’s based just 7 miles from the Jurassic Coast. The fact that this attraction has been open since 1984 shows just how popular it is, as dinosaur fans soak up all that’s on offer.

The word ‘museum’ may not be one that fills you with excitement, but this attraction is one that takes a new approach. There aren’t many places where you can get to see dinosaur skeletons, nor will you find too many life-size T-Rex around the country. The T-Rex experience makes this museum worth visiting on its own. You get to soak in the sights, the sounds and even the smells of this beast and you can be sure that you’ll be left in awe.

If you’ve ever looked in the history of dinosaurs, there’s a good chance that you’ve come across the name Mary Anning. As a pioneer of fossil discovery, at the Dinosaur Museum, you get to learn from her findings and enhance your own knowledge.

Dinosaur Isle

Where: Culver Parade, Sandown PO36 8QA

When: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm

How much: Adults £6, Children £5, under 3’s go free (Annual passes also available)

If you’re carrying out a search for “Dinosaur parks near me”, and you happen to be on the Isle of Wight, Dinosaur Isle is the stand-out attraction. This is a custom-built dino museum that is in the shape of a pterosaur.

If you’re hoping for a dinosaurs park with fossils, you’ll find that there are over 1,000 of them here. At the start of your visit, you get to take in a fascinating presentation all about the various ecosystems in the area. In this area, you’ll also come across the Ophthalmosaurus that featured in the series, Walking with Dinosaurs.

There’s plenty to see as you explore this dino attraction and one of the highlights are the reconstructions of the heads of pterosaurs. There’s also a unique opportunity to speak to palaeontologists as well as well as watching them work.

Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure

Where: Lenwade, Norwich, NR9 5JE

When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm

How much: Adults and Children over 90cm £17.95, under 3’s go free

When exploring dinosaur parks in the UK, Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure is certainly up there with the best. This is an award-winning family-owned attraction that’s set in 85 acres of stunning woodland. What’s on offer here is a true family experience that everyone will enjoy.

There’s the opportunity to take a stroll as you join the hunt for dinosaurs on the dino trail. You’ll need to keep your wits about you as you try to spot raptors and a host of other dinosaurs too.

There’s also the Lost World A-mazing maze to explore. As you complete trials on your way through, you can hear bongos as you spot dinosaurs on your way. Then you can sit back in a 228 auditorium. Here, you get the chance to grab some refreshments while enjoying a movie.

If you’re travelling to visit this park, check out these hotels in Norwich to find the perfect hotel for your visit.

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum

Where: Coombe St, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PY

When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm

How much: Adults £6, Children £5, under 5’s go free

This dinosaur park is a little different to others out there. It’s privately run by Steve Davis, along with his wife, Jenny and it’s set in a stunning Grade I-listed church. The historic setting itself is enough to impress and that’s before you start to explore all things dinosaur related.

This church has strong links to the history of fossil hunting. That’s because it’s here that a certain Mary Anning would attend to worship. This has helped it to become one of the top locations to view dinosaur fossils, with over 16,000 on display.

If there’s one thing that kids love more than dinosaurs, it’s poo! That’s why they’ll thank you for the chance to visit the Dinosaur Fossil Museum and view the 73kg lump of dino poo.

Knebworth House Dinosaurs

Where: Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage, SG1 2AX

When: 10.30am – 5.00pm (Last admission 4.15pm)

How much: Adults and Children £12.50, under 3’s go free

Back in Victorian times, dinosaur parks weren’t really something that was considered. At this time, Knebworth House, a Grade II listed building, was home to the novelist, Sir Edward Lytton

The house is seated within 28 acres of stunning gardens where you’ll find impressive trees, bright borders and a maze to explore. The area that dinosaur fans need to be heading to is the Wilderness Garden. It’s here that you’ll an exciting dinosaur trail that’s hugely popular with visitors of all ages. As you follow the trial, you’ll find 72 life-sized dinosaurs that provide a true spectacle.

There’s also plenty of learning to be done as you set on the trail. You’ll find a host of information on the Woolly Mammoth, T-Rex and a host of other prehistoric creatures.

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Where: Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, EX34 0NG

When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm

How much: Adults £17.49, Children £14.99, under 3’s go free

Like some of the other dinosaur parks in the UK, this one is family-run and that means that it knows how to deliver a top family experience. There are more than 28 acres of gardens here and you can be sure that kids will be drawn to the huge dinosaur play zone here. It offers over 7,500 square feet to play in with the likes of slides, rope bridges and ball pools to enjoy.

When playtime is through, it’s time to move on and be impressed by the 19 static and animatronic dinosaur models. One that really stands out here is the life-size T-Rex. There’s also a museum to enjoy where you can real and replica fossils that span over 700 different species.

By the time you’ve finished exploring creatures of old, you may want to experience the ones that we still have today. The wildlife park element here offers the chance to view capybaras, pygmy goats, leopards and more.   

Restricted Area 5 at Blackgang Chine

Where: Blackgang, Ventnor

When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4.30pm

How much: Ticket prices start at £30

If you’re looking to explore dinosaur parks in the UK, then Restricted Area 5 is one of the oldest. As one of the original dino parks, this is set in more than 40 acres of clifftop gardens. It features an array of rides as well as moving dinosaurs and attractive gardens.

Restricted Area 5 has other areas to explore that go beyond dinosaurs. Some of the lands that you’ll come across include:

• Cowboy Town
• Nursery Land
• Fairy Land

As you choose your adventure, you’ll find attractions such as:

• Giant Hedge Maze
• Victorian Water Gardens
• Sleeping Beauty Castle

The Dinosaur Park Tenby

Where: 2 Gower View, Gumfreston, Tenby, SA70 8RB

When: Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4pm

How much: Adults £15.95, Children £14.75, Toddlers, aged 2 and over £9.75

If you happen to be in Wales and searching for, “Dinosaur parks near me”, you’re bound to find the Dinosaur Park Tenby appearing in your results. This is one of the most impressive dino parks around and you’ll have the opportunity to wander through the park as you come across 30 life-sized dinos.

The site of this park is where people believe that early Welsh Palaeolithic man played golf all of those years ago. That belief has led to the creation of a 12-hole dino-themed golf course to enjoy.

If you’re looking for even more to keep you entertained, then you’ll want to head over to Dino’s Fun House. This area is jam-packed with games and activities that will be loved by the entire family. Some of what you’ll find here include:

• Bag a Dino
• Digiwall
• Island Box
• Volcano Valley

Torquay’s Dinosaur World

Where: 3 Victoria Parade, Torquay, TQ1 2BB

When: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm

How much: Tickets start at £6.95

The great thing about dinosaur parks in the UK is that they’re spread across the length and breadth of the country. If you happen to be in the Devon area, Torquay’s Dinosaur World is one of the best dino parks for miles around.

This dinosaurs park offers an indoor exhibition that’s filled with fun and interactive displays. Each display comes with a host of information and gives you, and your family, the chance to brush up on your dino knowledge. As well as full-sized and scaled dinosaurs to see, there’s also a great Explorer’s Quiz where you can test out all that you’ve learned.

Younger kids will enjoy the hands-on crafts that are available as well as the chance to place their hands between the jaws of the magnificent T-Rex. They’re also sure to love the opportunity to touch dinosaur skin prints and get involved with a dino dig.

Wingham Wildlife Park

Where: Rusham Road, Wingham, Canterbury, CT3 1JL

When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm

How much: Adults £19, Children £16

Not strictly one of the UK’s dinosaur parks, Wingham Wildlife Park still has plenty to offer as it allows you to come face to face with stunning creatures that have evolved since prehistoric times. With over 26 acres to explore, you’ll find that there are over 200 species that cover the likes of amphibians, mammals and birds.

It’s the tropical house exhibit where you’ll feel that you’ve stepped back in time. The tropical plants, butterflies and ponds make this look like a scene from millions of years ago. The reptile house is close by and here you come face to face with crocodiles, iguanas and many more animals too.

As you take in the sight of crocodiles, their skin and how they move, you can’t help but think of dinosaurs from days of old.

Paultons Park Lost Kingdom

Where: Ower, Romsey, SO51 6AL

When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm

How much: £41.75 for people over 1 metre, under 1 metre free.

As parks with dinosaurs go, this one is packed with dino-related attractions. There are dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes to be found as you explore the 140-acre site. The park is split into separate areas called:

• Tornado Springs
• Lost Kingdom
• Critter Creek
• The main park

It’s in the Lost Kingdom that you’ll come face to face with prehistoric creatures that will amaze. There are 27 animatronic dinosaurs meaning that you’ll come across them in all shapes and sizes. There’s a good chance that the whole family will be in awe of the T-Rex and Triceratops.

The Discover Trail offers a great opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, all while learning more about these magnificent beasts. If the walking, and learning, get a little much for younger children you can be sure that they’ll have a second lease of life as soon as they see the dino-themed play area.

Dino Park Dumfries

Where: Hetland Garden Centre, Carrutherstown, Dumfries, DG1 4JX

When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm

How much: Adults and over 14 £4.50, Children £8

If you like dino parks that feature the likes of the Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus and T-Rex, the Dino Park Dumfries is a great option. There’s a dino mine to explore as well as a gorilla where you can take a selfie while sitting in its hand. There’s also a life-sized T-Rex to see before kids get hands-on and start to dig for fossils.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, there’s an indoor soft play area to enjoy. Kids will love exploring this area as well as meeting other children of the same age. The play area stays open as long as the park does so there’s plenty of time to enjoy what’s on offer.

Natural History Museum, London

Where: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD

When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5.50pm

How much: Free

As dinosaur parks go, the Natural History Museum is a must-visit. With five collections to explore, there are over 80 million items to investigate. These all have huge scientific and historical value, featuring specimens from Charles Darwin as well as a stunning exhibition of dinosaur skeletons.

It’s the Blue Zone that you need to be heading to really enjoy the dino-themed displays. It’s here that you can meet a T-Rex and see the skull of a Triceratops. One must-see, while you are here, is the gigantic Sclosurus.

Gulliver’s Dinosaur and Farm Park, Milton Keynes

Where: Livingstone Drive, Milton Keynes, K15 0DT

When: Monday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm

How much: Adults and children £9, under 1’s go free

At this park with dinosaurs, you’ll find that there are over 30 animatronic dinosaurs. These include the T-Rex as well as a Giganotosaurus. These can be found across the park and the tail thrashing, clawing and roaring makes for an impressive spectacle.

There’s also a Jurassic River Ride to enjoy. This sees you travelling through the Lost World as you try and spot as many dinosaurs as possible.

When you’re all dinosaured out, you can take some time to visit the Reptile and Bug Centre. Here, you can meet iguanas, geckos, snakes and more. If you’re brave enough, you can also get up close and personal with tarantulas and scorpions.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinosaur park in the UK, you can be sure that the ones that we’ve featured are the best that you’ll find. There is an array of animatronics to enjoy as well as a host of rides, slides and other experiences for younger children.

There are great opportunities to learn too. These dino parks are full of fun facts as well as exhibiting some truly stunning fossils. If you want a day out that you can be sure that the whole family will enjoy, why not give one of these dinosaur parks a go?