Exploring The Best Dinosaur Adventures in the US

If Jurassic Park’s box office results taught us one thing, it’s that everybody loves the story of the dinosaurs. Fully embracing this fascination with these ancient reptiles, we’ve created a guide to the best dinosaur adventures in America that the whole family will enjoy.

Head back in time with us as we visit dinosaur attractions, where you can step into the actual footprints of these prehistoric creatures and discover a unique piece of history in a genuine fossil hunt of your own.

Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose, Texas

Our first destination for eager dinosaur enthusiasts sees us head to Dinosaur Valley State Park to stand in the amazingly preserved 113-million-year-old dinosaur footprints on the ancient riverbeds of the Paluxy River. First designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968, Dinosaur Valley State Park is home to vast sets of footprints left behind by three-toed Theropods and the gigantic herbivores, the Sauropods.

Dinosaur Valley State Park, situated southwest of Fort Worth, Texas, also provides visitors with the opportunity to join the team at Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company for a horseback tour of this great state park. Alternatively, you can stroll around the 20 miles of different trails across the park for a spot of real-life fossil hunting.

Enjoy standing in the footprints of giants and exploring this incredible dinosaur hot spot by booking your stay at the Best Western Dinosaur Valley Inn & Suites in Glen Rose, Texas.

Cabazon Dinosaurs, California – Palm Springs, California

We head next to Cabazon Dinosaurs, just outside Palm Springs, California, home to Mr. Rex, a 65-foot-tall model Tyrannosaurus Rex. Mr. Rex isn’t alone here, as there are over 100 other types of dinosaurs onsite, including Dinny the Dinosaur, a 150-foot-long Apatosaurus, all seeking a photo opportunity with you and your family.

Having also appeared in the film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” Cabazon Dinosaurs is an iconic dinosaur sculpture park originally opened in 1975 and a family favorite roadside attraction for dinosaur fans. Additionally, the Cabazon Dinosaurs’ dinosaur walk also features a fossil and gemstone panning sluice and an entertaining ‘dino dig.’

Take a trip out to see this legendary piece of dinosaur-themed pop culture history by booking your accommodation at the Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel in Palm Springs, California.

Prehistoric Gardens, Oregon – Bandon, Oregon

Moving north along the Pacific West Coast, our next Dinosaur-themed adventure park is at Prehistoric Gardens. Located south of Brandon, Oregon, Prehistoric Gardens provides an authentic trip back in time, with countless lifelike dinosaur sculptures spread across the park’s lush prehistoric rainforest.

First opened on January 1st, 1955, the family-orientated attractions are ideal for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. Prehistoric Gardens not only features dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus rex, a Triceratops, and a Stegosaurus, but they are accompanied by informative plaques that feature details about each species, including their size, diet, and the era in which they lived.

Enhance your trip to see the lifelike dinosaurs of the Pacific Northwest by booking your family’s accommodation at the Best Western Inn at Face Rock in Bandon, Oregon.

Dinosaur Ridge – Lakewood, Colorado

Heading to another world-famous geological and paleontological dinosaur dig site next, we find ourselves at Dinosaur Ridge in Lakewood, Colorado, on the western outskirts of Denver. Perhaps one of the most interactive dinosaur focal points in the United States, the rock layers expose the existence of these impressive late Jurassic period residents.

Here, you can join real-life geologists who showcase the dinosaur tracks and bone fossils on a 1.5-mile walking tour. For dinosaur fanatics of any age, a visit to Dinosaur Ridge is a must-see experience, and afterward, you can take home your very own Stegosaurus state fossil License Plate.

Explore the remarkable dinosaur excavation sites when you and your family enjoy a stay at the Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo in Denver, Colorado.

DinoLand USA – Orlando, Florida

Our final dinosaur-themed family adventure sees us heading to DinoLand USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Orlando, Florida. Packed with thrilling dinosaur rides, including the TriceraTop Spin and DINOSAUR, where you’ll join forces with a paleontologist in a prehistoric race to save the dinosaurs before the historic meteor strikes.

Additional attractions in DinoLand USA also include The Boneyard, a playground designed to look like a dinosaur dig site, and even the food is dino-related, as Restaurantosaurus serves up guests from its dinosaur-themed menu for all the family to enjoy.

Heighten your family’s dinosaur adventures by booking your stay at the Best Western Auburndale Inn & Suites in Auburndale, Florida.