Dino Parks: Take Your Kids to the Prehistoric Era

Are your kids fascinated by dinosaurs? Would they love to experience the era when these colossal creatures roamed the Earth? While time travel isn't an option, dino parks offer a glimpse into the Mesozoic Era. Visit the local dino parks, each offering unique experiences. You can explore several over time. Here's an overview of the largest ones. Where will you begin?

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Dino Parks with Kids: List of the Nearest Ones

Dino parks offer entertainment that's distinct from typical amusement parks or playrooms, making the experience memorable. Let's explore the most renowned ones.

1. DinoPark Ostrava

Close to Ostrava, you'll find the Czech Republic's largest dino park. Visitors are drawn to the large mechanical dinosaur models, some of which move and make sounds. The park features many other attractions. Let's explore them.

Parking is hassle-free with a free parking lot nearby. If traveling by bus, you can reach here from Karviná and Orlová without transfers. From Ostrava, head to Orlová, then take a direct connection to the dino park. Find details 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, bring it along. There's no charge for dogs or children under 3 years old.

From May 8 to the end of September, the park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For off-season visits, check the schedule online to avoid disappointment.

Attractions

On two platforms, there are dozens of prehistoric dinosaur models. Many move and make sounds. A highlight is the 12-meter active volcano. It's worth waiting for the eruption—don't worry, the lava won't reach you.

Kids can play as paleontologists, uncovering dinosaur bones hidden under sand using a brush and shovel. When they tire, they can enjoy the playground or explore the Journey to the Past of the Earth, an exhibit of artifacts from the Paleozoic to today, housed in a small pavilion.

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

A major attraction is the 3D cinema, included in the ticket price. You'll receive special 3D glasses for an immersive experience. The film, exclusive to Dino Parks, will make you feel part of the action.

Kids will enjoy the maze and cable car. The area is set in nature, so good weather promises a delightful day outdoors.

Practical Information

The attractions are on a meadow and among trees, with an asphalt path leading to them. It's accessible with strollers or wheelchairs. The upper area, where most attractions and the 3D cinema are, is barrier-free. The lower area is on a steeper hill, accessible only by stairs, so wheelchairs can't reach it, and strollers must be carried.

If you get tired, take a free train ride. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. All attractions are included in the ticket price.

Refreshments are available at stalls or vending machines, with benches nearby for a break.

Toilets are brick-built and include changing tables, available for free use.

2. DinoPark ZOO Vyškov

Also in the Czech Republic, this park is closer to Bratislava than Ostrava. You can't go directly to the DinoPark; first, visit the ZOO in the city center, then board the DinoExpress to the DinoPark.

We recommend visiting the ZOO, as it's included in the ticket price. Tickets for the DinoPark alone aren't available. The smaller zoo hosts 133 animal species, totaling 456 inhabitants, including both domestic and exotic animals. Kids will love Grandma's Farm, where they can interact with and pet the animals.

You can bring your dog to the DinoPark. Ensure it can handle a day on a leash with a muzzle and the DinoExpress ride. Tickets for your dog are required. More details on fees and hours are on the park's website.

Attractions

Set in a lovely forest park, you'll stroll among dozens of giant dinosaur models. Many move and make sounds.

This DinoPark, part of the same network as Ostrava, shares most attractions but has some differences. There's no volcano, but the DinoBike cable car offers an exciting experience. Ride high among the treetops, pedaling to move the cabin along the cable, with views of attractions below.

If your kids are curious about astronomy, visit the observatory to observe the sun. Don't miss the cinema, featuring a 4D experience that feels like time travel to meet real dinosaurs.

Like Ostrava, this park also has playgrounds, paleontologist activities, a Mesozoic plant, and a journey through Earth's history.

Practical Information

Parking at the ZOO's main entrance is paid. A 24-hour stay costs 40 Czech crowns (1.65 €).

You will walk on forest paths covered with pebbles. A stroller can handle it, including the few stairs in some places. The DinoExpress accommodates strollers.

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, part of the same network. It's integrated with the zoo. The best value is a combination ticket for ZOO + DinoPark. Buying a separate DinoPark ticket inside the zoo costs more. You can't visit the park without the zoo.

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

Attractions

The park is 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 zoo's main entrance. Public transport, line number 29, also reaches here.

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, though spaces may be limited in season. Pay at the machine upon departure; each hour costs 3 euros.

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

Children under 3 enter free, while older kids and adults pay 10 euros. Tickets are bought at the entrance machine.

Attractions

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

Practical Information

The park was under development last season, so not everything was complete. Toilets are only at the entrance, and are TOITOI booths. The buffet is also at the entrance.

You'll walk on forest paths, manageable with a stroller, but be ready for some challenging spots due to elevation changes.

Conclusion

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