Dino Parks: Take Your Kids to the Prehistoric Era

Are your kids fascinated by dinosaurs? Would they love to experience the era when these giant creatures roamed the Earth? While we can't offer a time machine, we can suggest dino parks. Journey back to the Mesozoic Era with visits to local dino parks. Each park offers different experiences, so you can explore several over time. Here's an overview of the largest ones. Where will you start?

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Dino Parks with Kids: List of the Nearest Ones

Dino parks offer entertainment that's distinct from regular amusement parks or playrooms, providing a unique and memorable experience. Let's explore the most renowned ones.

1. DinoPark Ostrava

Located near Ostrava, this is the largest dino park in the Czech Republic. Visitors flock to see large mechanical dinosaur models that are sound-activated and some even move. The park also features many other attractions. Let's take a closer look.

Parking is easy with a free parking lot nearby. If traveling by bus, you can reach the park directly from Karviná and Orlová without transfers. From Ostrava, take a bus to Orlová, then a connection directly to the dino park. More details are available on the park's website.

If you have a dog accustomed to crowds and can manage a day on a leash and with a muzzle, feel free to bring it along. There's no charge for dogs. Dogs and children under 3 years old enter for free.

From May 8 to the end of September, the park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For visits outside this period, check the schedule online to avoid unnecessary trips.

Attractions

On two platforms, you'll find dozens of prehistoric dinosaur models. Many move and make sounds. A standout feature is the 12-meter active volcano. Wait for the eruption—it's safe from the lava.

Kids can play as paleontologists, uncovering giant dinosaur bones hidden under sand. They're provided with a brush and shovel. When they tire of that, they can enjoy the playground or explore the Journey to the Past of the Earth, an exhibition of artifacts from the Paleozoic to today, located in a small pavilion.

Another highlight is the living plant Wollemia Nobilis, dating back to the Mesozoic Era.

The 3D cinema is a major attraction, included in the ticket price. You'll receive special 3D glasses to enhance your viewing experience. The film, exclusive to Dino Parks, immerses you in the action.

Kids will enjoy the maze and cable car. The area is set in nature, offering a delightful day outdoors if the weather cooperates.

Practical Information

The attractions are set on a meadow and among trees, but an asphalt path leads to them, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The upper section, where most attractions and the 3D cinema are located, is barrier-free. The lower section is on a steeper hill, accessible only by stairs, requiring you to carry strollers.

If your feet get tired, a free train is available. Strollers and wheelchairs can be taken on board. All attractions are included in the ticket price.

Refreshments are available from several stalls or vending machines. Benches near the stalls provide seating for meals.

Toilets are brick-built and include changing tables, with free access.

2. DinoPark ZOO Vyškov

This park, also in the Czech Republic, is closer to Bratislava than Ostrava. You can't reach the DinoPark directly; first, visit the ZOO in the city center. From there, the DinoExpress will take you to the DinoPark.

We recommend visiting the ZOO first, as it's included in the ticket price. You can't buy a separate DinoPark ticket. The zoo is smaller, home to 133 species of animals, totaling 456 inhabitants. It features both domestic and exotic animals. Kids will love Grandma's Farm, where they can interact with and pet the animals.

Dogs are welcome at the DinoPark. Consider if your pet can handle being leashed with a muzzle all day and enjoy the DinoExpress ride. This is unavoidable. A ticket is required for your dog. More details on entrance fees and hours are on the park's website.

Attractions

All attractions are set in a beautiful forest park. Walk among dozens of giant dinosaur models, many of which move and make sounds.

As part of the same network as Ostrava, most attractions are similar. However, there's no volcano here, but a DinoBike cable car offers a thrilling experience. You'll sit in a cabin high in the treetops, moving it along the cable by pedaling. Enjoy views of attractions below the cable car route.

If your kids are into astronomy, don't miss the observatory to observe the sun. Also, visit the cinema. This park features a 4D cinema, making you feel like you've traveled back in time to meet real dinosaurs.

Like in Ostrava, you'll find playgrounds, paleontologist activities, a plant from the Mesozoic Era, and a journey to Earth's past.

Practical Information

Parking in front of the main ZOO entrance is paid. The cost is 40 Czech crowns (1.65 €) for 24 hours.

You'll walk on forest paths covered with pebbles. A stroller can handle it, even the few stairs in some areas. The DinoExpress accommodates strollers too.

Toilets are free, located in wooden houses and brick-built.

Refreshments are available at the buffet.

3. DinoPark ZOO Košice

For those in the east, this dino park is the closest. It's part of the zoo, and the best tickets are a combination of ZOO + DinoPark. Buying entry to the DinoPark once inside the ZOO is more expensive. You can't visit the park without also visiting the zoo.

Dogs are allowed, but they must be comfortable with crowds, leashed, and muzzled. The opening hours match the zoo's schedule.

Attractions

The park is set in a valley by a stream, offering a pleasant wooded environment. There's no train here. You'll find life-sized dinosaur models, a playground, a paleontological playground, a Journey to the Past of the Earth, a 3D cinema, an adrenaline swing, and various viewpoints and photo walls.

Practical Information

Parking is available in a large lot at the main zoo entrance. Public transport is also an option with line number 29.

The forest path is suitable for strollers. Toilets are free, located in wooden houses and brick-built.

Refreshments are available at the buffet.

4. Dinono Bojnice

The largest dino park in Slovakia is in Bojnice. Park near the Čajka v oblakoch viewpoint, although spaces may be limited during the season. Parking is paid at the machine upon departure, costing 3 euros per hour.

Alternatively, park near the zoo and take the red train. It's not a cheap ride; adults pay 9 euros, while children aged 4 to 15 pay 3 euros less. If kids can manage a 3-kilometer walk, you can walk to Dinono park.

Children under 3 years old enter for free, while older children and adults pay 10 euros. Tickets are purchased at the entrance machine.

Attractions

In the forest, spanning 7 hectares, you'll find 120 giant life-sized dinosaurs. Many make sounds or move. Some can even be climbed on for photos. Walking among realistic dinosaur models captivates children and sparks their imagination.

Practical Information

Last season, the park was still being completed, so not everything was finished. Toilets are only at the entrance and are TOITOI booths. The buffet is also only at the entrance.

The forest paths can be managed with a stroller, but be prepared for some struggles due to elevation changes.

Conclusion

Want your children to learn about our planet's distant history in a fun, interactive way? Visit dino parks in Slovakia or the Czech Republic. Walking among realistic dinosaur models, exploring interactive exhibitions, and engaging in exciting activities will create unforgettable memories for your little ones.