A slide here spits kids out through the mouth of a Tyrannosaurus rex. That alone feels like a dare most children would happily accept.
The giant jaws sit at the end of a twisty maze. Out in the surrounding woods, dozens of life-sized dinosaurs wait along shaded trails.
Some lurk inside caves, and a volcano along the path puts on its own eruption show.
This Connecticut park mixes real nature with pure prehistoric silliness, so families can hike, climb a towering playscape, and get soaked at a huge dinosaur-themed splash pad.
Kids can even dig for fossils and pan for sparkly treasure.
Try to find a better way to burn off a kid’s energy in one afternoon.
Dozens Of Giant Dinosaurs Are Hiding Along These Woodland Trails
Few hikes come with a Triceratops waiting around the bend. At The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village, that is exactly the point.
The park spreads across about 60 acres of Connecticut woodland. Roughly 1.5 miles of nature trails wind past dozens of life-sized dinosaurs.
Each creature has an informational plaque nearby. Kids can learn names, sizes, and fun facts while catching their breath.
Much of the trail sits under a leafy canopy of trees. That shade feels like a gift on a sticky July afternoon.
The paths are mostly gravel, so strollers can work with some effort. A wagon or a stroller with larger wheels makes the trip much smoother.
Plan on taking your time with this loop. Little legs tend to stop at every single dinosaur, and honestly, that’s half the fun.
One smart trick is pacing the day carefully. Do the trails first, while everyone still has energy to burn.
Then save the playgrounds for later as a reward. Tired kids will happily climb even after a long dinosaur safari.
Pack water and bug spray before you head out. The woods are lovely, but mosquitoes love dinosaur fans too.
Caves, Roars, And A Volcano Keep The Walk Full Of Surprises
Somewhere along the trail, the ground starts rumbling. A volcano erupts right there in the middle of the Connecticut woods.
The erupting volcano is one of the most talked-about stops on the trails. It’s a playful touch that turns a nature walk into a full adventure.
Then there are the caves. Places like Cowl Cave and Carnivore Cavern hide animatronic dinosaurs that move inside the rocky walls.
Nervous little ones can relax a bit. The animatronics are designed to amaze younger visitors rather than frighten them.
Hands-on learning pops up too. The “What am I?” touch-and-learn stations let kids compare natural objects, including dinosaur teeth.
That mix keeps the walk from ever feeling like homework. Kids learn something without realizing they’re in the middle of a science lesson.
Parents might sneak in a few facts themselves. Can you tell a meat eater’s tooth from a plant eater’s tooth?
Here’s a helpful tip for families with toddlers. Talk about the caves before you reach them, so the moving dinosaurs feel exciting instead of startling.
A quick pep talk goes a long way. Soon, they’ll be begging to go back inside again.
Pack A Swimsuit Because New England’s Largest Splash Pad Awaits
Dinosaur heads that squirt water? Yes, please.
The Dinosaur Place is home to New England’s largest zero-depth splash pad. Zero-depth means no standing pool, so even small kids can play safely.
Sprinklers, misters, and dumping buckets keep the action going nonstop. The water is warm, which makes a big difference for shivery little swimmers.
A newer attraction called Downpour Derby adds even more soggy fun. Expect plenty of happy shrieking around this part of the park.
Restrooms and changing rooms sit right in the splash pad area. That makes switching from trail clothes to swimsuits much easier.
Slip-resistant footwear is required here. Water shoes are a smart buy before your trip, and they’ll come in handy all summer.
Keep in mind the splash pad runs seasonally. Some periods have special hours, so check ahead before promising a water day.
Bring towels, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. Nobody wants a soggy car ride home through Connecticut.
Lockers are available nearby for storing your stuff. It’s one less bag to worry about while the kids get drenched.
Climbers Can Conquer A Towering Playscape Fit For A T-Rex
Two and a half stories of climbing is a lot of climbing. T-Rex Tower is a custom-made playscape that’s been upgraded and billed as the largest in New England.
Kids can crawl, scramble, and explore up high. It’s a great spot for wiggly children who need to move after a long trail walk.
Socks are required for this attraction. Toss an extra pair in your bag, especially if your kids spent the morning splashing around.
Hours for the tower can differ from the rest of the park. During certain periods, it operates on a more limited schedule.
Older kids aren’t left out here. The size and height give bigger climbers plenty of challenge, not just toddler-sized fun.
Parents can catch a break nearby while kids explore. It’s a perfect moment for a snack and a quick rest for tired feet.
Think of this as the park’s energy drain. A few laps up and down might lead to the best nap of the summer on the ride home.
Bonus points if you can spot your kid at the very top. Wave proudly, because they earned it.
Getting Lost On Purpose Ends With A Ride Out Of A Dinosaur’s Mouth
Most mazes end with a boring exit sign. The A-MAZE-asaurus ends with a slide shooting out of a Tyrannosaurus rex’s mouth.
That reward alone keeps kids determined to find their way through. The twists and dead ends make it a real challenge.
Families with competitive kids should get ready. Racing siblings through the maze could become the main event of the day.
Grown-ups are welcome to play along too. You might find yourself just as turned around as the little ones.
Try letting your kids lead the way. They’ll feel brave, and you’ll feel less responsible for wrong turns.
Nearby, Monty’s Playground offers plenty more to climb on. The Spinosaurus Spiral features three slides for quick, twisty fun.
Melody Magic adds an interactive musical playground into the mix. Kids can make noise on purpose, which feels like a rare treat.
Between the maze and the play areas, this corner of the park stays lively. It’s an easy place to spend an hour without noticing the time.
Find a bench, grab a drink, and let the chaos happen.
Little Paleontologists Get To Dig, Pan, And Hunt For Treasure
Grab a brush and start digging. Kids can uncover dinosaur fossils in an indoor activity at Nature’s Art Village, home of The Dinosaur Place.
The fossil dig carries an additional fee. Still, the thrill of finding bones might be worth it for any future scientist.
Gem digging and panning for “gold” are also on the menu. These activities are open on weekends, so plan your visit around them.
Panning feels a bit like time travel to the gold rush days. Kids swish, rinse, and wait for something shiny to appear.
The Ancient Fossil Shop and A to Z Mineral Shop sit at Nature’s Art Village too. Browsing real fossils and minerals sparks even more curiosity.
A Geode Center rounds out the treasure-hunting theme. Picking a plain-looking rock and finding sparkle inside is pure magic.
Here’s a fun fact about the roots of this place. The Phillips family first opened Nature’s Art in 1991 as a gift shop specializing in fossils, minerals, and jewelry.
So this rock-loving spirit runs deep. It started long before the dinosaurs arrived.
Mini Golf, Pedal Karts, And A Train Ride Wait At Lapilli Landing
Lapilli is a fancy word for little bits of volcanic rock. Fittingly, Lapilli Landing is packed with small adventures for all ages.
The Lucky Leroy Train Ride takes families on a trip to spot critters. It’s a relaxing break for tired walkers.
Pedal Pushers is an equestrian-themed pedal car track. It’s designed for ages 6 to 106, so grandparents have no excuse to sit out.
Toddlers get their own wheels too. Lil Tikes Trikes is a pedal kart adventure built just for ages 2 to 5.
Mini golf comes in two sizes. Pee Wee Putters is a 6-hole course for ages 2 to 5, while Copper Creek Mini Golf serves ages 6 and up.
Some Lapilli Landing activities require an extra fee. Many also run seasonally, so not everything opens every day.
Budget a little extra money if your kids love rides. It’s easier than explaining why the train has to wait for next time.
Families with a range of ages will appreciate the choices here. Everyone gets something sized just right.
Hungry Explorers Can Refuel With Burgers, Nachos, Or A Packed Picnic
Dinosaurs eat a lot, and so do kids who just hiked 1.5 miles. Monty’s Munchies keeps everyone fueled inside The Dinosaur Place.
The menu sticks to family favorites. Think hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, nachos, pretzels, and fries.
Fountain soda and water are available too. Park admission is required to eat at Monty’s Munchies.
Prefer to bring your own food? Good news, because outside lunches, coolers, and wagons are all welcome.
Picnic areas are spread throughout the park. That makes it easy to stop for a snack right where the kids are playing.
Now for dessert. The Village Ice Cream Shoppe sits outside the park, behind Monty the T-Rex.
No admission is needed to grab a cone there. It’s a sweet way to wrap up the day before heading home.
Packing a cooler can help stretch your budget. Then save a little for ice cream, because nobody leaves a dinosaur park without a treat.
Sticky fingers come free with every cone. Bring wipes.
Plan Your Trip Right And The Dinosaurs Will Even Glow In Winter
Timing matters at this park. The Dinosaur Place mainly operates from spring through fall, with some attractions running on their own seasonal schedules.
Summer is the busiest stretch for full fun. That’s when the splash pad and most extras are usually up and running.
You’ll find the park at 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, CT-85, Oakdale, CT 06370. Some GPS systems may need “Oakdale” typed in for directions to work.
Oakdale sits within Montville in southeastern Connecticut. The park opened in 2000 and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025.
Holidays bring special events too. Families can enjoy an Easter Dino Egg Hunt, Earth Week celebrations, and Pumpkin Passage around Halloween.
Winter has its own glowing surprise. The Dino Lights Winter Festival runs from late November to early January on select evenings with online tickets.
The park closes on Easter and Thanksgiving. Hours shift throughout the year, so double-check before you go.
Birthday parties and group events can be hosted here as well. Honestly, what kid wouldn’t want a T-Rex at their party?
Plan well, and the dinosaurs will handle the rest.
