Do you have a dino obsessed kiddo in your family? Lucky for us, Colorado is full of dinosaur destinations! From actual fossil sites to themed parks and play areas, there is something to please dinosaur lovers of all ages. Check out some of our favorite destinations for dinosaur loving kids in Colorado.
Where: 3440 South Vance Street, Lakewood, CO, USA
Where: 3000 East 1st Avenue, Denver, CO, USA
Not only is Cherry Creek Shopping Center the premier destination for shoppers in the Denver Metro, it is also tons of fun for dino loving kids!
They have a fantastic free play area that is perfect for climbing and exploring. The entire play area is dinosaur themed and sponsored by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Where: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, USA
Where: 550 Jurassic Court, Fruita, CO, USA
Featuring over 15,000 fossil specimens, Dinosaur Journey in Fruita is a fun spot to learn more about the dinosaurs that used to roam Western Colorado.
You can check out the paleontology laboratory to see how dinosaur bones are prepared for display, a dinosaur library, sandbox, earthquake simulator and a special kids’ “quarry site” where they can do some of their own digging!
Where: 4545 U.S. 40, Dinosaur, CO, USA
Pack up the family and head to Dinosaur National Monument!
Home to fossils, petroglyphs, early American history and beautiful scenery, this will be a trip with something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Quarry Exhibit Hall where you can view a wall of approximately 1500 dinosaur fossils embedded in the quarry wall.
Where: 16831 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
Dinosaur Ridge has been ranked as the top dinosaur track site in the United States and it is located on the edge of metro Denver.
Check out their Museum then either walk or ride up Dinosaur Ridge Trail where you can see over 300 dinosaur tracks, prehistoric crocodile swim tracks, fossils and a breathtaking view of Denver and Red Rocks. Start your visit in the gift shop where their knowledgeable staff will help you plan your visit.
Where: 501 Colorado 8, Morrison, CO, USA
Located in beautiful Morrison, just west of Denver, the Morrison Natural History is a wonderful place to explore more about the dinosaurs that used to live in the region.
Explore fossils and check out the fossil prep lab where you can see research in progress. Tours are offered three times daily, reservations are optional but appreciated.
Where: 201 South Fairview Street, Woodland Park, CO, USA
You’ll love checking out the display of dinosaur, prehistoric marine reptile and pterosaur fossils at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center.
Tours are included with admission. Don’t miss the Children’s Learning Center where you kids can learn through hands-on activities like digging for bones, feeling real fossils and creating their own dinosaur species out of magnets.
Where: 16200 East Mississippi Avenue, Aurora, CO, USA
Where: 44895 West U.S. 50, Cañon City, CO, USA
Where: 612 Royal Gorge Boulevard, Cañon City, CO, USA
Where: Withers Canyon Trailhead, La Junta, CO, USA
Adventurous families will love exploring this trailhead in southeast Colorado where you can visit the largest known set of dinosaur tracks in North America.
Please note- this is for experienced hikers only as a round trip to view the tracks is 10.6 miles. Biking and horseback riding is also allowed.
We hope this guide gave you some great ideas of things to do with your family. If you’re looking for more great ideas, check out some of our other articles: