If you have ever made the drive between Tampa and Orlando along I-4 there is a good chance you’ve seen the giant dinosaurs on the side of the road as you drive through Plant City, FL. Perhaps you’ve even the sign advertising for Dinosaur World. Well my two year old son started loving dinosaurs and so we decided to actually stop and visit the park one weekend in early March while my parents were in town. Turns out this dino park is a great place to visit in Central Florida for an exciting day. This is my guide to Dinosaur World Florida with everything you need to know for a fun filled day inside the park.
Dinosaur World is technically an amusement park, but there are no rides and no lines to wait in. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
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Best Things to Do at Dinosaur World
Dinosaur World is full of fun activities for kids (and adults) to enjoy and have fun! The dinosaur theme runs throughout the park from the prehistoric playground to dinosaur eggs photo ops and even dinosaur trash cans.
Dinosaur Trail
The biggest attraction is definitely the dinosaur trail that runs through the whole park. There are over 200 life size dinosaurs of just about every type of dinosaur you could think to name all throughout the park. The trail runs from the entrance and meanders back through different areas such as carnivore boardwalk and a loop showing the Giants of the Ice Age: mammoths. Guests are free to walk along at their own pace as they observe the life-sized dinosaur replicas.
One area shows dinosaur attacks that can be pretty graphic. I would skip the boardwalk section if that type of thing bothers you or your kids. My two year old didn’t understand what he was seeing from what I could tell and I didn’t worry about explaining it to him yet, it’s all the circle of life though in the end I suppose.
A large part of the trail is a board walk that runs through Florida swamp land so it is as if you are seeing the dinosaurs in their natural setting much of the time.
Skeleton Garden
In the back of the park is a small walled off section just off dinosaur trail called skeleton garden. Here you’ll find large dinosaur models made up just of bones. These life-size dinosaur skeleton replica are almost as good as seeing real skeletal fossils.
Playgrounds
My son’s favorite part of the park might have been the most basic part: the playground. The dinosaur-themed playgrounds are split into two sections, one toddler part for smaller children and then the bigger playground for older kids. My son was two and two months at the time, loves to climb and be independent. He played on both sections but seemed to prefer the bigger section the majority of the time.
This is a great spot to get out lots of energy and there are two large shaded pavilions lining the park so it would be a good spot to eat a snack or a lunch as well.
Prehistoric Museum
After you come through the front entrance, on your right hand side is the building that houses the Prehistoric Museum. Here they have a small display of real and cast fossils to look at. It takes a lot of reading so younger kids like my son probably won’t stay interested for that long. It is fun to read about different fossils and the times in history that they come from though!
At the end of the museum is a small section with 4-5 animatronic dinosaurs that move and make noise. They are really cool to look at though some kids may be scared or timid at first. They are motion activated so have an adult or bigger kid go first, then let the little kids go. My son was a little nervous at first but then didn’t want to leave in the end!
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Skeleton Dig
As you are out walking along the dinosaur trail, don’t skip the skeleton dig area. This was my favorite spot since it was one of the only interactive exhibits in the park. It is an enclosed building with seating on one side where people can use provided paint brushes to uncover a skeleton hidden in the sand! This is completely free (and different from the fossil dig) and a really fun hands on section. It was so fun to watch the kids pretend to be discovering the dinosaur for the first time.
Shows
If you visit during a weekend then the Exploration Cave Show is open as well. Here there is a paleontologist that will walk you through a digging site, let you see real fossils and answer any questions you have about dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
It seems there used to be live shows such as a triviasaurus rex game show activity that the park used to run. This was not happening when we visited and I am not sure if they are planning on ever bringing it back.
Add Ons
For an additional fee there are two other activities you can add onto your entrance ticket. The fossil dig is only $3 extra. Here small children can sift through sand to find hidden treasures like shark teeth and other fun pieces. Then your kiddo can choose from the treasures they find while fossil digging and pick three to take home with them. We had a blast doing this activity with my toddler.
If you want another fun hands on experience try the Dino gem excavation. The cost for the gem mining is determined by the size of the mining bag you choose. Then you clean off and “mine” your gems and minerals in the water trough.
Finally, you can try your hand at geode cracking. You choose the size of the geode and then you get to crack it open and take it home.
Shop Dinosaur Themed Kids Outfits
Where is Dinosaur World Florida
Dinosaur World Florida is located about halfway between Orlando and Tampa, about forty-five minutes to an hour from either one. From Downtown Tampa it is even closer to about 30 minutesThis makes it a convenient place to visit from either direction. And luckily it is just minutes away once you take the exit off I-4.
Although there are so many other amusement parks around and Dinosaur World is a bit out of the way, I feel like it is worth the drive for a fun outing.
Dinosaur World Tickets
You can purchase tickets online ahead of time or once you arrive. The ticket desk is also the check out counter in the gift shop area. Ticket prices are subject to change at the discretion of Dinosaur World itself. I recommend checking their website for the most up to date information. As of this moment though the ticket price for kids two and under is free, kids 3-12 are $15. Adult tickets are $20 and tickets for seniors are $18.
They also offer yearly memberships and military discounts. If you live nearby and have a membership at another museum or park such as the Florida Aquarium, look into their reciprocity program to see if you can get 50% off admission.
Food
There are no concessions or food service inside the park, not even a snack counter. However, you are allowed to bring in your own food in coolers or insulated bags. Snacks, drinks and whole meals are all welcome. I recommend bringing a picnic lunch in and eating it at one of the many shaded picnic areas located throughout the park. This way you don’t have to stop and leave while everyone is having fun.
Otherwise, in nearby Plant City you’ll be able to find chain restaurants as well as local places like Keel farms to grab a bite to eat. One final option is to get a pizza delivered to the park, the ticket desk has all the information you’ll need to have a pizza delivered to you.
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Top Tips for a Visit to Dinosaur World Florida
- The best ages for kids to visit Dinosaur World is about 18 months to about 10 years old, especially if they love dinosaurs. Kids of all ages can still absolutely have fun but this age will enjoy it most in my opinion.
- I would plan on spending at least half a day in the park to see everything.
- Dinosaur World is dog friendly and any dogs on a leash are welcome into the park.
- Although large sections of the park are shaded, Florida is really hot and humid. Make sure to bring sunscreen and water along. There is a water fountain where you can refill your water bottles.
- A great plus is that the park is Autism Friendly. You can visit their website for more information and to find their visual support for before your visit.
Dinosaur World Florida Guide
The life-sized dinosaurs are ready and waiting for your visit! It is really fun visiting the park together as a family. I know you and your family will have a great time when you visit as well. I dressed up my son in a dinosaur shirt he already had for the occasion. It was really fun seeing all the dinosaur themed shirts and outfits other families were wearing too!
If you have any questions for your visit let me know!
