Anyone been to Dinosaur State Park in CT?

[PamOKW]

I'm surprised so few people in CT have heard of the Dinosaur Park. I've always known about it -- but I've never been either.

It sounds like kids may not be that impressed with it but the neat thing about the park is that it is "real". The park preserves the fossil tracks of dinosaurs that really were here in CT. My brother had a "track" from there he got when he was a kid (he's 56 now -- almost a dinosaur himself).

 

[newholiday]

Thanks much
next time we head to Mystic Aquarium we'll have to check out the dinosaur park
I knew about the smaller one mentioned first but hadnt heard about the 2nd park
thank you

 

[matjef9091]

Wonder if there are any "Hidden Mickeys" there.. Need to go and see if I can find any..

 

[mazzarafe]

My daughters class went a few years ago to the Dinosaur Park and they seemed to enjoy it. It is small and they have walking trails that were fun. The kids really did enjoy seeing the real dino tracks. They had alot of different rocks to see also that were hands on and someone was stationed there for questions. I think the neatest thing was outside where you could have your own dinosaur footprint made. There is a spot where you can bring your own cement to mix and pour it into the print. Really cool for a dinosaur fanatic!

Also a good spot to see dinosaur stuff is the Peabody Museum in New Haven. My kids go there at least 3 times a year and never tire from it.

 

[vald1977]

I'm glad to hear such good reviews of Nature's Art. We are planning a visit there with DS.

 

[matjef9091]

They used to have a great TY section too (beanie babies)

 

[JayCT]

To answer Spinnings original question, Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill is very small. It has a large number of dinosaur tracks set in a large flat rock area that was once a lake bottom. The tracks were discovered when the State was excavating for a new building back in the early 60's. To preserve them, the State built a dome over the tracks and added on some classroom and exhibit space. There is also a very short trail through the woods behind the museum. They do "make" tracks for kids there, but I believe that you need to bring your own materials (plaster, oil, etc.) unless you are with a school tour. Touring this will only take up an hour of your time. It is located off Exit 23 of I-91. My kids were bored after a half hour so I would not go out of my way to go there. We live near here and we went once a couple of years ago and have not been back.

On the other hand Natures Art is wonderful, but it is very expensive. It is worth going out of your way as long as you do not mind spending the money. My kids love going there. DS6 just went with a friend and spent $20 to get a handfull of "gem stones".

 

[Spinning]

Thanks everyone for the great info! I think we will definately put Natures art on trip plans! It sounds fun and I think the kids are the perfect age for it!

 

[birdiesunshine]

CT here too and I've never heard of the Dinosaur park, but have passed that Nature's place in Montville when I go to "contribute" to the casino!!

 

[matjef9091]

Think we need to have a mini meet at natures art with all of the ct people with a field trip to the casinos...

 

[birdiesunshine]

Count me in, but it has to be after my vaca to WDW which is in 4 days!!!!!!!!!