Whether it is a ferocious Tyrannosaurus or a towering Brachiosaurus, there is something about dinosaurs that invites curiosity. We may not be able to meet them face to face, but it is still possible to stand in the shadow of these reptile giants and unearth their fossil remains. For an “in the trenches” experience, hop a plane to Grand Junction, Colorado, where you can join paleontologists on a dinosaur dig. Or for an adventure right in your own back yard, make tracks to Glen Rose, Texas, where you can step in authentic dinosaur footprints.
By Car: Glen Rose, Texas
What to Do
Dinosaur hunters will want to make their first stop at Dinosaur Valley State Park. The huge footprints encased in rock along the banks of the Paluxy River are so unmistakable that it is easy to imagine the sauropods and theropods that made them more than 110 million years ago. The three-toed prints are best viewed when the river is low, and at 3 feet wide, they are large enough for small kids to sit inside comfortably as they imagine the size of the beast that made such an enormous impression. The visitor’s center of the park contains replicas, murals and skeletons to fill in the science details. Just outside the park, check out Dinosaur World, where you can walk the mile-long wooded path and encounter 100 life-size and realistic dinosaur models. Still have time for more? Head to Big Rocks Park for some big-time fun jumping and hiding among the mammoth rock structures, or take a safari drive through Fossil Rim Wildlife Center for face-to-face encounters with some not-so-extinct species.
254/897-4588; tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/dinosaur_valley
254/898-1526; dinosaurworld.com
Where to Stay
Don’t let the name fool you; there is no roughing it at the Rough Creek Lodge. Although a wide variety of lodging choices are available, families will want to choose to stay in the cabins, where kids can roam outdoors, checking out the teepee, playground and horseshoe pits, and even borrow bicycles to zoom around. The outdoor activities included in your room rate are seemingly endless – bungee trampoline, zip lines, petting corral, hayrides and so much more. The Kid’s Ranch provides nightly kids-only parties so parents can enjoy some time alone. Gather at the S’more Pit to end the day together.
888/670-1223; roughcreek.com
Where to Eat
The Riverhouse Grill, located in a charming 1900s home, offers just the right amount of elegance to make the meal special but is casual enough for families. You can’t go wrong with the organically raised local Black Angus beef, but be sure to pair it with truffle fries for a culinary treat. The chef will happily prepare special meals for kids. At Storiebook Café, you can pair a delicious lunch with children’s story time.
254/898-8514; theriverhousegrill.net
254/897-2665; storiebookcafe.com
By Plane: Grand Junction, Colorado
What to Do
What would it be like to go beyond the typical museum experience and work side by side with a paleontologist unearthing real dinosaur bones? At the Museum of Western Colorado, they can answer this question and any others you might have about excavating and preserving dinosaur fossils. Kids 5 and older will be thrilled to get their hands dirty in the name of science as they learn about the tools and tricks of the trade on the one-, three-, or five-day dinosaur dig excursions. Whatever length you choose, you’ll work with renowned paleontologists in the quarry, digging up and preparing fossils. Your visit to the quarry will be complemented by a stop at Dinosaur Journey Museum, where you can see your specimens in the lab and enjoy the hands-on exhibits.
888/488-3466; museumofwesternco.com
Where to Stay
If you choose a three- or five-day dinosaur dig, airport transfers, meals and lodging will be included in the package. If you choose a shorter dino dig, you might want to make nearby Grand Junction and the family-friendly Doubletree hotel your home away from home. A warm cookie and a cozy bed await upon check-in, but you’ll also love the many places to play – tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course and swimming pools overlooking the famous bluffs of the Grand Mesa plateau.
970/241-8888; doubletree.hilton.com/grandjunction
Where to Eat
At Dream Café, the chefs know that quality dining begins with quality ingredients, which is why they strive to buy fresh local fare to craft a healthy menu. Don’t worry, kids; healthy doesn’t mean bland and boring. You’ll find plenty of creative and delicious items for breakfast and lunch.
970/424-5353; dreamcafegj.com
