Dig for Dinosaur Bones at Orlando Science Center

10 Awesome Dino-mite Dinosaur Places in Orlando for Kids

Young children tend to go through periods of being obsessed with a particular thing or interest. The most common fascinations are vehicles (car, truck, bugs, etc.), with dinosaurs a close second. A few years back, my eldest son was in his ‘everything-must-be dinosaur’ phase. This mommy blogger isn’t claiming to be a paleontologist or anything like that. However, I am kind of a parental expert when it comes to family-friendly dinosaur-themed. So, here are the best dinosaur places in Orlando.

Two boys wearing Jurassic Park Live t-shirts
T-shirt swag from Jurassic Park Live Tour | Image by Nancy DeVault

Best Dinosaur Places in Orlando

1. Orlando Science Center 

777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803

Stomp back in time and come face-to-face with prehistoric giants in DinoDigs at Orlando Science Center. This immersive exhibit features towering fossil replicas of ancient creatures, from the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex to the massive Triceratops.

Visitors can uncover the science of paleontology through interactive dig pits, hands-on fossil explorations, and engaging activities that reveal how scientists study life from millions of years ago. Explore ecosystems of the past and learn how dinosaurs connect to the world we know today. With awe-inspiring displays and opportunities for discovery, DinoDigs invites curious minds of all ages to experience the wonder of prehistoric life. It is included with general admission (free for OSC members), providing access to all four floors of Orlando Science Center’s exhibits and experiences. More info at www.osc.org.

2. Florida Museum of Natural History 

3215 Hull Rd., Powell Hall, UF Cultural Plaza, Gainesville, FL 32611

Thanks to its iconic mascot, gators come to mind when one thinks about the University of Florida. But this college town’s museum is known for other creatures too. The Florida Museum of Natural History has tons of dinosaur fossils that date back 65 million years. Plan a dino daytrip!

Note: The Florida Museum of Natural History’s Powell Hall and its public exhibitions, including the “Butterfly Rainforest,” are temporarily closed for a large-scale expansion project. The Museum anticipates reopening in 2026.

3. The Dinosaur Store 

250 W. SR 520, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Don’t let the name fool you. The Dinosaur Store is more than a souvenir shop. It’s home to the Museum of Dinosaurs. Prepare to brave three areas on your visit. It’s definitely a must-do in Cocoa Beach.

First, explore the second and third floors of the museum, totaling 20,000 square feet of prehistoric dinosaur stuff, plus ancient cultural relics. This includes fossils, cast skeletons, a mineral cave and more.

Next, pop over to the Adventure Zone. In this interactive space, find arcade games, science stations and live reptile exhibits. Lastly, check out the gift shop. Because, why not? Everyone needs another stuffy….

4. Dinosaur World

5145 Harvey Tew Rd., Plant City, FL 33565

Beyond Orlando’s theme park district, venture a bit south on I-4 to Dinosaur World. This destination features a winding path amidst assorted plants. Do keep your eyes peeled to spot the prehistoric sculptures.

Path at Dinosaur World
Path at Dinosaur World | Image by Nancy DeVault

Dinosaur World also has a fossil dig, gem dig and super fun dino-themed playground. Pack a picnic lunch and bring Fido on a leash.

Playground at Dinosaur World | Image by Dani

5. Jurassic Quest

Traveling convention – multiple Florida locations

Jurassic Quest claims to be the “#1 dinosaur experience in North America.” Aside from well-made animatronic dinosaurs, this traveling, family-friendly convention has unique things for kids to do. This includes riding a dinosaur!

There’s also a live show featuring baby dinosaurs and their human trainers. Cute! Plus, crafts, bounce houses and digs.

Ride-on dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest
Ride-on dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest | Image by Nancy DeVault

Jurassic Quest has several Florida stops schedule for the summer 2025. The closest option is Tampa (at the Florida State Fair Expo Hall). Or travel to Jacksonville, Miami or West Palm Beach.

6. LuminoCity Dino Safari

Florida Mall, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809

Another traveling experience, LuminoCity Dino Safari is another temporary attraction featuring animatronic dinosaurs, as well as interactive exhibits. LuminoCity’s Dino Safari visited the Florida Mall from February 14 through March 21, 2025. Keep an eye out for future dates.

The attraction features two exhibition areas, Dino Safari and Ice Age Adventure. In the latter, visitors will be up-close to animated dinosaurs as well as lit ice age animal sculptures.

Like other dinosaur places in Orlando, this attraction will be outdoors, so do plan (for heat) accordingly.

7. Jurassic World Suites at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819

Orlando has endless possibilities when it comes to amazing hotels and rentals. For your next staycation, consider booking the Jurassic World Suites at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

The theme is executed perfectly. From the giant dino footprints on the floor to the wall mural to the bold bedding. Slumber like a stegosaurus here!

8. T-Rex Cafe

1676 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Perhaps among the most fun restaurants at Disney Springs, T-Rex Café is worth battling the tourist crowds. Sure, the menu is standard. But the engaging atmosphere is anything but.

It’s wise to book reservations. Still, if you must wait, there are plenty of ways to pass the time. There’s a free fossil dig, a stocked gift shop and an abundance of dinosaur sculptures to appreciate around the large dining room.

Dinosaur Places in Orlando within the Theme Parks

Not surprisingly, some of the local theme parks weave dinosaur themes into the fun. When visiting these destinations, check out:

A Note About Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Sadly, Dinoland U.S.A. is closing to prepare for a new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The final day of operations to ride the Dinosaur right at Animal Kingdom is February 1, 2026. Restaurantosaurus will cease operations after that day as well, and food favorites from this spot will find a new home – to be announced.

9. Peppa Pig Theme Park

Although it does not bring much scientific representation of dinosaurs, Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure is adorable and fun for little dino fans.

10. Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure

The attractions include Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Pteranodon Flyers, and Camp Jurassic. Plus, there are dino-themed quick-serves and stores.

Put this on your calendar, summer is the perfect time to sink your teeth into dinosaur activities and attractions. International Dinosaur Day is May 20 and National Dinosaur Day is June 1.

Have a dino-mite time visiting the dinosaur places on our list. And enjoy celebrating International Dinosaur Day and National Dinosaur Day.