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Dinosaur themed places to visit🦖

FamilyFunDarloMum

Looking for new adventures that involve dinosaur/jurassic themed fun? Here’s a good mix of places to check out including educational fun ideas too!



DORMAN MUSEUM, MIDDLESBROUGH, TS5 6LA


There is a permanent exhibition room with lots of interesting displays and information on dinosaurs, rock crystallisations, meteorites, the universe and also early humans showing how the skull shape has changed over time. They have a life sized model of a Eotyrannus. There are other exhibition rooms and interactive activities for kids to learn about the local history including archaeology, world war 2, religion and more. They even have a set up of a butchers, cinema and a shop.


This museum is FREE ENTRY!


During school holidays/weekends they often run extra activities for children at a small cost.


More info on this museum here

My own image from the Dorman Museum
My own image from the Dorman Museum

TEESAURUS PARK, MIDDLESBROUGH, TS2 1QE


An outdoor green space with dinosaur sculptures scattered around with QR codes to scan and learn a bit about them. There is also a park, some benches and plenty of grass for a picnic. You can also enjoy a walk directly from here along the river tees with various routes including the iron-masters trail for learning about Middlesbroughs Iron and Steel Industry.


FREE TO VISIT.


Free small car park. Located within an industrial estate but you wouldn’t realise it once in the park!

My own image collage from Teesaurus Park
My own image collage from Teesaurus Park

STUMP CROSS CAVERNS, HARROGATE, HG35JL


Join cavewomen on fossil digs, egg hunts and lots more exciting activities available to prebook and take part in whilst exploring the show caves and rock formations!

There is also an onsite private cinema you can hire in the caves!


ENTRY COSTS APPLY PLUS ANY EXTRA ACTIVITIES COSTS.


More info and booking here

Image Credit; Stump Cross Caverns (Fossil Dig) sourced via Facebook
Image Credit; Stump Cross Caverns (Fossil Dig) sourced via Facebook

LIGHTWATER VALLEY, RIPON, HG43HT


A fun packed family day outdoors in this theme park aimed at under 10s (older may still enjoy!)


Lots of dino themed activities included at this theme park including NEW Dino Dig, Meet and Greet Rex, The Valleysaurus, Jurassic Adventure Golf along with lots more rides and attractions including indoor soft play.


ENTRY COST APPLIES


More info and booking here

Image Credit; Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park (via Facebook)
Image Credit; Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park (via Facebook)

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM, YORK, YO17FR


Inside this museum there is a Dinosaur themed exhibition ‘Jurassic World’ with life sized dinosaur skeletons including overhead life size plesiosaur and a dig zone where you can hunt for fossils. You get to experience each Jurassic world as the colossal creatures and their surroundings are brought to life using the latest research and ground-breaking technology! Other exhibitions include medieval York, Roman York, life after Ice and more!


ENTRY COST APPLIES. UNDER 5s GO FREE.


More info and booking here

Image Credit; Jurassic World Exhibition at The Yorkshire Museum (sourced via their website)
Image Credit; Jurassic World Exhibition at The Yorkshire Museum (sourced via their website)

REXYS REVIEWS-THE DINO DEN, SOUTH SHIELDS, NE334NQ


If you are in South Shoelds then this place is worth checking out.


You will find a fully stocked dinosaur shop, a permanent display of their own personal Jurassic Park Franchise Collection to view and enjoy with care, and a selection of replica movie props. As well as large dinosaur themed display area!


There is also a free colouring area, fossil dig and also have a Retro Gaming area (only available at weekends/ local school holidays) featuring a variety of consoles that have a dinosaur game on its platform.


FREE TO VISIT! (As it is also a shop there are of course opportunities to purchase lots of dino themed items!)


More info on their website here (go to The Dino Den on the menu)

Image Credit; Rexy’s Reviews-The Dino Den (sourced via their Facebook page)
Image Credit; Rexy’s Reviews-The Dino Den (sourced via their Facebook page)

GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK, NEWCASTLE, NE24PT


They have a fossil stories gallery which has a full size T-Rex Skeleton model along with real fossils and more!


There’s lots of other permanent family friendly areas and activities including ‘The Mouse House’ play space for under 5s, the Living Planet gallery, Ancient Egypt gallery and Hadrian’s Wall gallery. As well as a planetarium*


As well as temporary exhibitions and different activities during the year for families.


FREE ENTRY! (SOME ACTIVITIES MAY COST EXTRA*)


More info here

Image Credit; The Fossil Stories Gallery at Great North Museum:Hancock. (Sourced via their website)
Image Credit; The Fossil Stories Gallery at Great North Museum:Hancock. (Sourced via their website)

FOSSIL HUNTING AND DINOSAUR FOOTPRINT LOCATIONS


The North Yorkshire Coastline (also known as The Dinosaur Coast!) offers lots of opportunities for fossil hunting, great for both beginners and experienced!

Some top recommended places to Fossil Hunt along this coastline include Saltwick Bay, Runswick Bay, Boggle Hole, Port Mulgrave and Robin Hood's Bay.


Check out this website here

Fossil Hunting at Saltwick Bay. Image Sourced via https://ukfossils.co.uk/2007/03/18/saltwick-bay/w9/
Fossil Hunting at Saltwick Bay. Image Sourced via https://ukfossils.co.uk/2007/03/18/saltwick-bay/w9/

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THANKS FOR READING 💜


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This blog has been produced by Charlotte Walcott (Business Owner of Family Fun Darlo Mum)


A bit about me- Mum to 2 boys, Kamron-8 and Leo-2, and stepmum to Damon- 15. Sharing family days out ideas, family venues and events in Darlington, County Durham, Teesside and Yorkshire.












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