Photo: Joshua Setow
Photo: Scott Jameson
Photo: Selena Nederhoff
Dinosaur State Park
★4.5(1,448 reviews)$Nature
🕑 2-3 hours for museum and short trail walk, up to 4-5 hours if doing track casting and exploring all trails👶 Best for ages 3-12. Preschoolers are mesmerized by the massive trackway and hands-on activities, while elementary-aged kids appreciate the scientific exhibits and nature trails. Toddlers enjoy the playground, though they may not have the attention span for the full museum experience.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Dinosaur State Park brings prehistoric Connecticut to life with one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America, featuring over 2,000 preserved footprints under a massive geodesic dome. Kids can explore museum exhibits filled with fossils and interactive displays, walk scenic nature trails, and even make plaster casts of real dinosaur tracks during designated hours. The combination of indoor museum and outdoor exploration makes it perfect for curious minds who can't get enough of all things dinosaur.
Highlights
- ✓Walking among 2,000 preserved dinosaur tracks from 200 million years ago under a protective dome
- ✓Making your own plaster cast replica of a real dinosaur footprint to take home
- ✓Hands-on discovery room with fossils, puzzles, and interactive exhibits
- ✓2.5 miles of nature trails through forest and wetlands with seasonal wildlife viewing
- ✓Life-size dinosaur models and dioramas throughout the museum
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends to avoid field trip crowds, especially during spring and fall when school groups are most frequent
- 2.Bring plaster of Paris, a container, and cooking oil during designated track-casting hours (Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-3:30 PM) to create your own dinosaur footprint souvenir
- 3.Pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic area before exploring the 2.5 miles of nature trails behind the exhibit center
- 4.Visit the gift shop for reasonably-priced dinosaur toys and books that make great educational souvenirs
- 5.Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trails can be uneven, and bring bug spray during warmer months
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Friday) offer the quietest experience, especially outside of school field trip season in summer. Fall is particularly beautiful for combining the museum with trail walks when foliage is colorful and temperatures are mild.
What to Know
Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12 (under 6 free). The park is closed Mondays, and while the museum is fully accessible, some nature trails have uneven terrain. There's no café on-site, so pack snacks and water.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is open year-round (closed Mondays), but track casting is weather-dependent and may be cancelled during winter months. Nature trails are most accessible spring through fall; winter hiking is possible but can be muddy or icy. The park occasionally hosts special dinosaur-themed events during school vacation weeks.
Nearby Eats
Head to nearby Rocky Hill for family favorites like Cromwell Diner (classic comfort food with a kids menu) or Plan B Burger Bar (gourmet burgers with plenty of options for picky eaters), both within 10 minutes of the park.
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