Beneski Museum of Natural History
11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA 01002
What to Expect
Prepare to be amazed at the Beneski Museum of Natural History, which houses the world’s largest collection of dinosaur tracks! This remarkable museum at Amherst College offers a deep dive into the prehistoric world with impressive fossil skeletons and exhibits. It’s an educational and awe-inspiring destination for anyone fascinated by the age of dinosaurs.
The Prehistoric Experience
The museum features an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including skeletons of a mammoth and mastodon. Its most significant feature is the Hitchcock Ichnological Cabinet, which is the world’s largest collection of fossilized dinosaur footprints.
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Dinoland Ice Cream Bar & Par
167 Elm Street, Salisbury, MA 01952
What to Expect
Putt your way through a prehistoric paradise at Dinoland Mini Golf! This fun-filled 18-hole course is guarded by friendly dinosaur statues, making it a perfect outing for families and friends. After your game, you can enjoy delicious ice cream for a truly dino-mite day of fun.
The Prehistoric Experience
An 18-hole miniature golf course with a dinosaur theme, featuring numerous large dinosaur statues throughout the course.
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Hours may vary seasonally.
Dinosaur Footprints
US-5, Holyoke, MA 01040
What to Expect
Walk in the footsteps of giants at this incredible outdoor attraction where you can see and touch actual dinosaur tracks preserved in sandstone! Discovered in 1802, these are some of the first dinosaur prints ever to be scientifically described, offering a tangible connection to the prehistoric world. It’s a must-see for aspiring paleontologists and curious families looking for a unique adventure.
The Prehistoric Experience
This reservation preserves hundreds of authentic dinosaur footprints from the Jurassic period, embedded in sandstone. These tracks were left by various types of dinosaurs, including two-legged carnivores up to 20 feet long.
Hours: April 1 to November 30, daily, sunrise to sunset. Closed in winter.
Discovery Museum
177 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720
What to Expect
Say hello to Bessie, the friendly dinosaur mascot who greets you at the Discovery Museum! While you’re there, enjoy a variety of hands-on exhibits that blend science, nature, and play. Bessie is a beloved local landmark and the perfect start to a day of family fun and learning.
The Prehistoric Experience
A large, friendly dinosaur statue named ‘Bessie’ is located on the museum’s front lawn, serving as its mascot and a popular photo opportunity.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed on Mondays (except for select holidays and school vacation weeks).
Harvard Museum of Natural History
26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138
What to Expect
Step into a world of discovery at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, where you can marvel at the skeletons of massive dinosaurs and the prehistoric Coelacanth. Explore the world’s only mounted Kronosaurus, a colossal 42-foot-long marine reptile, and get up close with one of the first Triceratops skulls ever discovered. A visit here is an unforgettable journey through Earth’s ancient past that will fascinate visitors of all ages.
The Prehistoric Experience
The museum’s Romer Hall of Vertebrate Paleontology showcases an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, skeletons, and other prehistoric reptiles. Highlights include the massive Kronosaurus, a Triceratops skull, and various other dinosaur specimens.
Hours: Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 24, December 25, and January 1.
Museum of Science
1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114
What to Expect
Ignite your curiosity at the Museum of Science, where you can stand in the presence of a 65-million-year-old Triceratops fossil named Cliff! This incredible, near-complete skeleton is a breathtaking sight for any dinosaur enthusiast. The museum offers a thrilling and educational experience, allowing you to explore the prehistoric world and the giants that once roamed our planet.
The Prehistoric Experience
The museum is home to ‘Cliff,’ a nearly complete 65-million-year-old Triceratops fossil. Additionally, the ‘Dinosaurs: Modeling the Mesozoic’ exhibit explores how paleontologists use fossils to create life-size dinosaur models.
Hours: Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Six Flags New England
1623 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001
What to Expect
Get ready for a prehistoric adventure at Six Flags New England on the Dino Off Road Adventure ride! This thrilling attraction takes you on a journey back in time where you’ll come face-to-face with incredible life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs. It’s the perfect blend of theme park excitement and dinosaur discovery for the entire family.
The Prehistoric Experience
The ‘Dino Off Road Adventure’ ride is a family-friendly attraction where guests ride in safari-style vehicles along a track and encounter numerous life-size, animatronic dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Dilophosaurus.
Hours: Open seasonally from April through October. Hours vary, check the park’s official website for the daily schedule.
The Rock, Fossil & Dinosaur Shop
213 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield, MA 01373
What to Expect
Embark on a prehistoric adventure at The Rock, Fossil & Dinosaur Shop, a delightfully quirky roadside attraction where you can walk among dinosaurs and dig for treasure! Pan for gems, explore a mock mine shaft, and wander through an outdoor dinosaur exhibit. It’s a fun and interactive experience for the whole family, perfect for a day of discovery.
The Prehistoric Experience
This attraction features an outdoor area with numerous life-sized dinosaur statues. Visitors can also engage in hands-on activities like digging for fossils in sandpits and panning for gemstones.
Hours: Open seasonally. Check website for current hours, typically weekends and select weekdays in spring, summer, and fall.
Event and attraction details are provided for informational purposes only. Please verify dates, hours, locations, and availability directly with the hosting venue or official event organizer. Listings may change or be canceled without notice. We are not responsible for outdated or incorrect information, as all events are managed by independent third parties.