Each year when the weather starts to warm up I begin to think about what we are going to do over the summer. We do not have a true summer because of our year round school but we still want to do fun things and visit fun places while it is warm. There are so many places here in Utah to visit and see and do. Each Friday we are going to share a location in Utah where you can take your family. We will share pictures so you know what to expect. We will share family friendly facts about the locations that I like to know before heading off to a new place. I do not like getting somewhere new and then saying to my kids, “If only I would have known…..then we would have brought….”
Ogden Dinosaur Park
Where is it located?
1544 East Park Boulevard in Ogden, UTAH
According to their website: From Interstate 15 take Exit 344 and drive approximately five miles east on 12th Street, following the signs to Dinosaur Park. The park is about one-half mile west of the junction of Valley Drive and Park Boulevard.
How much does it cost?
Prices range from $2 (2-12) up to $7 (18+). See their website for current pricing.
I have seen discount vouchers available online at different merchants.
Is food allowed?
Yes! You are able to bring in your own food. Of course glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
They do have a Cretaceous Corner Cafe if you opt to purchase food. However, the Cafe is only open the end of May until the beginning of September.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes! I would advise bringing a stroller even if your child only occasionally sits in it. You will be walking a lot. I find it easier to push a stroller even if it is just carrying the diapers and food then carrying a child or two on that rare occasion they become tired.
How close are the bathrooms?
Bathrooms are located in two places. One in the Stewart Museum, which is where you begin. The other is by the playground and picnic tables. As a mom who seems to always be potty training a third location at the back of the park would be even more helpful.
Is there a picnic area?
Yes! There are picnic tables in a couple places. There are also park benches throughout. We opted to eat while we walked and took breaks on the benches when needed.
Are there shaded areas?
Yes! You will be able to find many shaded areas to get out of the sun.
What should I expect?
When you first enter you will be able to explore inside the Stewart Museum. There are some great things to see inside including a working lab. Don’t get too concerned if you are not getting enough dinosaurs because there are many, many to see outside.
Once exiting the museum you will need your map to wind your way through all the dinosaurs. My kids always have fun following a map. This is a great place to learn how to use one. There are some benches along the way if you need to take a break.
Don’t forget to cross over the stream (no you are not allowed to get in it, dinosaurs are already there) to find picnic tables and a big grassy area and a playground.
Any safety concerns?
There is a fun playground area. It is large. If you sit at one end you will not be able to keep an eye on your children if they venture to the opposite end.
The path is easy to follow, however there are a lot of twists and turns making it easy to be out of eye sight.
Overall opinion?
We are not an obsessive dinosaur loving family but my kids absolutely loved the Ogden Dinosaur Park. They were amazed at the size of the dinosaurs. They couldn’t believe how many different kinds there were. They didn’t get bored because each dinosaur vignette was different (and that is not just because each dinosaur is different in their looks). This was a drive for us, but it was worth the drive. There were enough things to see and do we made a day out of it.
Anything else I need to know?
We packed a picnic blanket which we were able to spread out by the playground. The baby was able to crawl around while the other kids played right in front of us. They have some cute photo ops in this area too. If your family is like mine water and snacks are necessary to keep everyone walking happily!
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