Do you have a dinosaur fan at home? There are some great dinosaur things to do in Dorset to keep the kids entertained.
The Jurassic Coast in Dorset was one of the more important sources of Jurassic reptiles such as the plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. In Jurassic times when the sea levels dropped, creating the swampy forests, dinosaurs ruled the land.
As the sea levels rose, it’s believed by scientists that this is what contributed to wiping out the dinosaurs.
Dinosaur Museum Dorchester
Icen Way, Dorchester DT1 1EW
The dinosaur museum in Dorchester was the first museum in Britain to be dedicated solely to dinosaurs.
Inside the museum, you can experience the sounds and even smells of a T-Rex, see real life fossil displays which include dinosaur heads and teeth.
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There are plenty of interactive displays and even a feely box if you’re brave enough to put your hands in!
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum Lyme Regis
Coombe St, Lyme Regis DT7 3PY
A privately owned museum in Lyme Regis, the Dinosaurland museum is suitable for all ages. This fossil museum contains local marine fossils from the Jurassic period. There are more than 10,000 specimens on display. Aimed at children (and adults) aged 6+.
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Portland Museum
217 Wakeham, Easton, Portland DT5 1HS
The Jurassic fossils collection in the Portland museum include dinosaur bones. Discover the history of Portland through the Jurassic era when dinosaurs roamed.
Related Post – Visiting Portland Bill
Mighty Claws Adventure Golf
Playgolf, Riverside Ave, Christchurch, Bournemouth BH7 7ES
The theme at Mighty Claws adventure golf is Jurassic World. The 18 hole course where you’ll meet a variety of different species of prehistoric dinosaur.
Each hole has different challenges and whilst some holes are easier than others. There are plenty of water features at Mighty Claws, so be prepared to lose your ball on certain holes around the course.
Mighty Claws site also has a restaurant attached which serves amazing pizza and milkshakes.
Santa Fe Fun Park Mini Golf
Santa-Fe Fun Park, Mermond Place, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1DG
Enjoy an 18 hole adventure golf course right on the seafront at Swanage. Step back into the Jurassic era as you put your golf balls through the large dinosaur setting.
Spyway Dinosaur Footprints
Langton Matravers, Swanage BH19 3HG
At Keates Quarry in Swanage, managed by the National Trust, you can discover fossilised dinosaur tracks in the ground.
It’s thought that the footprints were made by the brachiosaurus, a long necked plant eating dinosaur. The Isle of Purbeck over 140 million years ago was a subtropical wilderness of coastal forests and swamps.
Science Zone UK
21 Royal Arcade Boscombe, Royal Arcade, Bournemouth BH1 4BT
You can meet Mark the resident T-Rex at the Science Zone in Bournemouth. He is taken for walks through the arcade when he’s not sleeping, and loves having his photo taken and saying hello to people.
Dinosaur Roar At Farmer Palmers
Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Discover the brightly coloured dinosaurs in the woodland trail at Farmer Palmers farm park.
Additional stages of the activities will include a palaeontology tent with interactive activities and events all aimed at young children.
