Ohio Dinosaur Attractions and Events | Dinos and Designs

Akron Fossils & Science Center

What to Expect

Get ready for a hands-on adventure into the past at the Akron Fossils & Science Center! This isn’t your average museum; here, you can touch real fossils, participate in a fossil dig, and learn about the world of dinosaurs in an interactive and engaging way. It’s a perfect destination for families looking for both fun and education.

The Prehistoric Experience

The center features a variety of real fossils and replicas, including dinosaur fossils. They offer guided tours with hands-on fossil experiences and a Creation Education Museum that presents a perspective on the origins of the universe and life.

Hours: Off-Season (Labor Day – Memorial Day): Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Summer (Memorial Day – Labor Day): Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Chip’s Clubhouse

What to Expect

Get ready for a tee-rific time at Chip’s Clubhouse, where mini-golf meets the Mesozoic Era! This charming and challenging 18-hole course is guarded by prehistoric creatures, making for a truly unique and fun-filled outing. Bring the family, challenge your friends, and see if you can score a hole-in-one under the watchful eye of a T-Rex!

The Prehistoric Experience

The miniature golf course is dinosaur-themed, featuring a prominent 7-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex statue named “Chip” at the entrance, as well as other life-sized dinosaur figures throughout the 18 holes of the course.

Hours: Seasonal. May-August: Daily 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. April, September, October: Weekends, weather permitting. Check website for specific hours.

Cincinnati Museum Center – Dinosaur Hall

What to Expect

Step back in time and walk among giants at the Cincinnati Museum Center’s Dinosaur Hall! Prepare to be awestruck as you come face-to-face with the prehistoric rulers of our planet in a truly immersive and educational experience. It’s a colossal adventure for the whole family that you won’t want to miss!

The Prehistoric Experience

The Dinosaur Hall features six massive and rare dinosaur skeletons from the Jurassic Period, including the 70-foot-long Galeamopus and the fearsome Torvosaurus. Many of the specimens are unique to this museum and are subjects of ongoing scientific research.

Hours: Thursday – Monday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)

Jurassic Quest – Toledo

Dates: October 18, 2025 to October 19, 2025

What to Expect

The dinosaurs are roaring into Toledo for a limited time! Don’t miss Jurassic Quest, the nation’s largest and most realistic dinosaur experience. Walk among life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, dig for fossils, and even ride a T-Rex! It’s a thrilling and educational adventure for the whole family that will transport you back to the age of dinosaurs.

The Prehistoric Experience

Jurassic Quest features over 100 true-to-life size animatronic dinosaurs from the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic periods. The event includes interactive exhibits, a fossil dig, dinosaur rides, a baby dinosaur show, and opportunities to meet dinosaur trainers.

Hours: Saturday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Hours may be subject to change, check official website)

Orton Geological Museum

What to Expect

Uncover the Earth’s ancient secrets at the Orton Geological Museum on the beautiful campus of The Ohio State University! This hidden gem is a treasure trove of geological wonders, perfect for aspiring paleontologists and curious minds of all ages. Get ready for a fascinating journey through time, from shimmering minerals to the mighty dinosaurs that once roamed our world.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum’s centerpiece is the impressive mounted skeleton of a Cryolophosaurus ellioti, a crested carnivorous dinosaur discovered in Antarctica by an OSU geologist. Visitors can also see other dinosaur bones and fossils, including a T-Rex skull.

Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (during academic year, summer hours may vary)

Spray and Play at Veterans Park

What to Expect

Cool off and have a dino-mite time at the Spray and Play at Veterans Park in Delaware! This fantastic splash pad offers a refreshing escape for the whole family with a fun prehistoric theme. It’s the perfect spot to beat the summer heat while the kids embark on a water-filled dinosaur adventure.

The Prehistoric Experience

This dinosaur-themed splash park features large dinosaur prints on the sidewalks, a slide designed to look like a dinosaur, and various water features with a prehistoric motif, creating a fun and immersive play area for children.

Hours: Seasonal (Memorial Day to Labor Day): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily