Does your child ever ask were there dinosaurs near me?
Do you search for NJ dinosaur museums and dinosaur parks near me?
Dinosaurs may have gone extinct over 65 million years ago, but children are still fascinated with them. I know my house was once full of dinosaur books, puzzles, toys, and movies. If your family is like mine was when my boys were younger, you are always looking for new or new-to-us dinosaur museums, NJ dinosaur parks, and other places to find dinosaurs in New Jersey.
Well, New Jersey is full of opportunities for learning about dinosaurs. Here is a list of some of our favorite places to see dinosaurs in New Jersey and nearby and yes our list includes New Jersey dinosaur parks and dinosaur museums near me and you.
Dinosaurs are Invading New Jersey
Every few days when I check my email it seems I’m getting another press release about another dinosaur park coming to New Jersey. I’m totally here for that. We know how much NJ families love dinosaurs so news of more places to see dinosaur museums and parks in New Jersey is thrilling to us. This guide is a work in progress. As we learn of more dinosaur museums, exhibits, fossil hunts, events, and more in and near New Jersey we’ll keep this guide updated.
The Best Places to See Dinosaurs in New Jersey
Our list of the best places in New Jersey with dinosaur attractions continues to grow. Have you visited everywhere on this list?
Learn About Dinosaurs at NJ Dinosaur Museums!
Let’s get started with dinosaur museums in New Jersey.
The Dinosaur Den at the Morris Museum in Morristown NJ
- This NJ dinosaur museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown, New Jersey.
- Although the Morris Musuem currently has the “Digging Dinosaurs” exhibit, it appears it is only available for school field trips.
The Morris Museum has an entire exhibit dedicated to dinosaurs called “Digging Dinosaurs.” In the dinosaur exhibit children can touch a real dinosaur egg, follow dinosaur tracks, and hear the simulated sound of a honking Hadrosaur. The museum is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission costs $12 for adults and $8 for children 3 – 17 years old.Morris Museum participates in the monthly Bank of America Free Admission Weekend. Find out more details here.- The Morris Museum is currently open.
- Learn more at morrismuseum.org.
Written in the Rocks: Fossil Tales of New Jersey Exhibit at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton NJ
- Located at 205 West State Street in Trenton, New Jersey.
- Another great spot to check out dinosaur fossils and learn more about these amazing creatures is the natural history exhibit at the New Jersey State Museum. “Written in the Rocks: Fossil Tales of New Jersey” is a “permanent “long-term view” dinosaur-themed museum exhibit.
- The New Jersey State Museum is open.
- Learn more at their website, state.nj.us/state/museum.
Rutgers Geology Museum in New Brunswick, NJ
- Located at 85 Somerset Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey, this museum has a designated dinosaur museum space.
- The Rutgers Geology Museum contains a dinosaur trackway and several dinosaur-related artifacts discovered in New Jersey. They have pieces related to Hadrosaurus, Maiasaura, Allosaurus, Styracosaurus and Brachiosaurus. In the past, they have hosted several special events related to dinosaurs. The museum is open during the academic year:
- The Rutgers Geology Museum is open during the academic school year.
- Tuesday- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Limited Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (visit their website for specific dates)
- They are closed on some holidays. See their website for details.
- Admission is free.
- The Rutgers Geology Museum is open with limited hours during the academic school year.
- Learn more at their website, geologymuseum.rutgers.edu.
Monmouth Museum in Lincroft, New Jersey
- The Monmouth Museum is located at 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738 on the Brookdale Community College campus, parking lot #1, off Museum Drive.
- Coming Fall 2024 – Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed
- Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed is designed to be an interactive experience that engages visitors through both science and art. Visitors will be able to view and touch six full dinosaur skeletal molds As well as enjoy a paleontological dig in the exhibit, searching for fossils.
- The Monmouth Museum is open Tuesdays – Sundays. Check their website for the visiting hours for specific exhibits.
- Admission to the Monmouth Museum is $14 for visitors ages 2-64 years old and $10 for seniors and military.
- Learn more by visiting their website at monmouthmuseum.org.
Trailside Nature Center in Mountainside NJ
- Located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, New Jersey.
- The Trailside Nature Center has a Hadrosaur exhibit in the children’s discovery room. Kids and parents can compare their foot size to that of a Hadrosaur, New Jersey’s dinosaur. Visit this article, Explore Trailside Nature and Science Center with Kids for more information.
- Trailside Nature Center is open Tuesdays – Sundays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- Learn more at their website, https://ucnj.org/trailside-nature-and-science-center/.
Play with Dinosaurs! Dig for Dinosaur Fossils! NJ Dinosaur Parks!
Kids love to play at parks and these dinosaur-themed parks and trails in New Jersey are a big hit with kids! For the true dinosaur fan, you can’t miss out on these playful interactive dinosaur experiences close to home.
Field Station Dinosaurs in Leonia NJ – The Most Epic Dinosaur Park in New Jersey!
- Located at 3 Overpeck Park Driveway in Leonia New Jersey.
- New Jersey’s must visit attraction for any dinosaur fan! It’s one of our favorite places to see dinosaurs in New Jersey. Part dinosaur museum, part dinosaur park, this open air space hosts 32 animatronic dinosaurs, but you’ll be fooled a few times for how real they appear. The park moved from its Hudson County location to a Leonia park a few years ago so be sure to check the website for updated information.
- For 2024, Field Station Dinosaurs will be open from May 25th – November 10th. During the spring and fall season they are open on Saturdays and Sundays. During the summer season they are open Tuesday – Sunday.
- Ticket prices vary. Check their website for more details.
- View more pictures in our Field Station Dinosaurs photo album on Facebook. Click over to read our Mom’s Guide to Field Station Dinosaurs in New Jersey or our new guide to What can Toddlers and Preschoolers do at Field Station Dinosaurs?. You can also learn more at their website, jerseydinos.com.
- Field Station Dinosaurs is open from May 25th – November 10th, 2024.
Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park at Rowan University in Sewell NJ
Currently a NJ dinosaur park, soon to be a dinosaur museum in New Jersey.
- Located at 625 Woodbury-Glassboro Road, Mantua Township, New Jersey.
- On this former mine, thousands of fossils from the Cretaceous Period can be found. The park was purchased from the mining company in 2016 and they are actively building a dinosaur museum (set to open during 2024!) and a visitors center.
- The Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park plans to have a cretaceous gallery, quarry experience, virtual reality, live animals, a paleontology-themed playground and more! Their galleries will have life-size depictions of dinosaurs, opportunities to learn about ancient marine life, and the opportunity to experience the adventure of a lifetime by digging for real fossils at their active research site.
- You can learn more on their website here.
A Dinosaur Playground at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange NJ
- Located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange, New Jersey.
- Find some dinosaur fun for your little ones while you visit the zoo by checking out their dinosaur-themed playground. The playground equipment is designed to look like dinosaur bones and there is a dinosaur skeleton to climb through and play on. The zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is $20 for adults and $17 for children ages 2-12.
- The playground is closed during the winter and during inclement weather.
- Turtle Back Zoo is OPEN.
- Learn more at their website, turtlebackzoo.com.
The Dinosaur Garden at Camden Children’s Garden in Camden NJ
- Located at 3 Riverside Drive in Camden, New Jersey.
The Camden Children’s Garden hosts the “Dinosaur Garden” exhibit. In this area of the garden, children can visit with the Apatosaurus made from recycled car parts, or check out the Hadrosaur and his nest. Camden Children’s Garden is open Thursday and Friday 10am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Admission is $9 per person but children 2 and under are free.- The Camden Children’s Garden and its dinosaur park remain closed.
- Learn more in our Camden Children’s Garden story or at camdenchildrensgarden.org.
Hike the Dinosaur Trail at Allaire State Park in Allenwood, NJ
- Located at Allaire State Park. We parked at the lot at 4001 Squankum Allenwood Road in Allenwood.
- It is with great sadness that we have to report this dinosaur trail in Allaire State Park was destroyed by vandals. You can read more in this Facebook post.
- As of October 2022, a few of the dinosaurs are still standing.
- The trail is less than a mile and loops around. It’s not far from the parking lot at all. Walk around the yellow gate and then head towards the right. There are no trail markers but it won’t take long to discover this NJ dinosaur park either.
- Tucked away in the woods and among the hiking trails at Allaire State Park are dinosaurs and other creatures waiting to be discovered. We found dinosaurs, a squirrel, a magnificent butterfly woodchime, and more animals, and teepees, all created from sticks, in the woods of an Allaire State Park hiking trail. It’s a pretty easy trail, flat and short.
- We had so many pictures of this NJ dinosaur park we couldn’t help but share a few.
Dino Dig Adventure Experience at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City
- Located at The Liberty Science Center at 222 Jersey City Boulevard in Jersey City, New Jersey your kids will enjoy digging at this NJ dinosaur park.
- This interactive, engaging, and hands-on exhibition lets guests uncover ancient dinosaur fossils buried in more than 60 tons of sand. In the 1,750-square-foot Dino Dig Adventure, visitors will be immersed in the landscape of a real paleontological dig. Search for fossils from seven different dinosaur species, including replicas of bones, eggs, and even dinosaur poop.
- This is an outdoor experience open when weather conditions are favorable for outdoor play.
- Learn more in our article, What can toddlers and preschoolers do at the Liberty Science Center.
- Learn more at https://lsc.org/explore/exhibitions/dino-dig-adventure.
Xpedition Dino at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson
- Sadly this dinosaur park located at Six Flags Blvd in Jackson, New Jersey is now closed.
- Six Flags Great Adventure, the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park, will launch Six Flags Xpedition Dino daily May 28 through September 7, 2021. Guests will have the option to drive their own vehicles or walk through this Jurassic adventure, which will feature 30 life-size dinosaurs with realistic movement and sound.
- The Six Flags Xpedition Dino was available for summer 2021.
- Learn more in our Dinosaurs Exist at Six Flags Great Adventure Xpedition Dino! or at https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/store/tickets-now?.
More nearby places to see dinosaurs near me and you in New Jersey.
Hadrosaurus Foulkii Site, a dinosaur statue at the Kings Highway end of Lantern Lane, Haddonfield, NJ, the original home of dinosaurs in New Jersey
- Located at the Kings Highway end of Lantern Lane in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
- Not quite a dinosaur park or a dinosaur museum this is still a NJ dinosaur attraction worth exploring. This historic site is a perfect destination for the future paleontologists in your family. It is the spot where the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton was discovered. In 1858 William Parker Foulke unearthed a skeleton of New Jersey’s official dinosaur, the hadrosaur. During your visit to the historic site you can see the spot where the discovery was made and visit the “Ground Zero” of dinosaur paleontology.
Riker Hill Fossil Site
- Riker Hill Fossil Site is located at Sunshine Lane, Livingston, NJ (Essex County).
- Riker Hill Fossil Site is one of only two known localities of major size along the Northeastern coast where large numbers of dinosaur footprints are preserved in situ.
- The site was designated a national natural landmark in 1971 and covers 17 acres of land.
- Learn more about Riker Hill Fossil Site at their website.
Fossil Hunting with Fossil Guy
- Fossil Hunting with Fossil Guy happens in Big Brook, NJ at 95 Hillsdale Rd, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.
- “Today amateur fossil hunters can still go to New Jersey and find Dinosaur-aged fossils. Anyone with an interest in fossils can enjoy a trip down to New Jersey to dig some up. One of the better known areas is in Monmouth County where Cretaceous age fossils can be found. Throughout the county, Big Brook and surrounding brooks cut through the ground, digging though the layers of earth. These brooks erode through recent layers, cut into the Pleistocene, and finally carve away at ancient fossil bearing Cretaceous deposits.”
- Please check their website for more information (including rules, regulations, and required permits).
The Bayville Dinosaur
- The Bayville Dinosaur can be found at Heritage Square Building at 510 Rt. 9 South, Bayville.
- The earliest known mention of the dinosaur that would become the “Bayville Dinosaur”, was in an issue of Red Bank Register from 1935. After being relocated a handful of times, a few accidental beheadings, and numerous makeovers, the Bayville Dinosaur is now an official landmark and loved by those in Bayville.
- Please visit their Facebook page to learn more about “Bud” the Bayville Dinosaur!
More Places Near New Jersey to See Dinosaurs
For more opportunities to visit with dinosaurs take a day trip to Philadelphia or New York City.
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City
- Every dinosaur lover needs to check out the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs at the museum. It is full of fossils from one of the two main groups of dinosaurs, giving a dinosaur museum space within the museum itself. The museum is home to close to 100 specimens. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. The museum does offer a pay-what-you-wish donation, NJ residents adult admission is $25 and resident children ages 2-12 are $14.
- Be sure to check their website for scheduled exhibit closures before planning your trip.
- The American Museum of Natural History is OPEN.
- Learn more at their website amnh.org.
The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia
- During a visit to Dinosaur Hall children can view over 30 dinosaur specimens. They can also dig for fossils and participate in interactive dinosaur activities in the dinosaur museum space at the Academy.
- The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
- When purchased online, admission to the museum is $25 for adults and $21 for children ages 2-12. On weekdays after 3:00 pm admission is discounted to $10 per person.
- The Academy of Natural Sciences is OPEN.
- Learn more at their website, ansp.org.
Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Dutch Wonderland is located at 2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
- They are open during the summer season from 10 am – 6 pm, however their hours change seasonally so check their website for their most accurate days and hours.
- Dutch Wonderland is a fun filled family theme park that has something for everyone, including dinosaur lovers! Visit their Prehistoric Path which includes 20 lifelike dinosaurs positioned along a shaded path.
- Learn more about Dutch Wonderland’s Prehistoric Path from their website.
More Places to See Dinosaurs across the Country
Fernbank Museum in Atlanta
- Our friend, Leslie, over at 365 Atlanta Traveler put together this great article about “Why Fernbank Museum Is The Best Museum In Atlanta For Kids”. In the Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit you can find the famous Fernbank Museum dinosaurs. Leslie says, “There are dozens of life-size dino structures both inside and out, including a 47-foot long, 8-ton Giganotosaurus that the kids will LOVE!” Click over to learn more about the Fernbank Museum.
As you can see there are so many different opportunities to learn about and find dinosaurs in New Jersey and across our region.
Where is your favorite place to see dinosaurs?
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.
Dinosaur Gifts for Kids
Support your kids love for dinosaurs and Jersey Family Fun by buying dinosaur gifts for your kids
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We also have affiliate relationships with online stores like Amazon. When you use one of our links to get to their store and make a purchase we receive a small commission that gets invested back into this site. With that in mind, we’d love it if you would get your kids some dinosaur gear with these links.
Put the kids’ knowledge of dinosaurs to the test with dino-mite Prehistoric Animal Games! Complete with 80 illustrated game cards, a hands-on activity poster, and easy-to-follow instructions — this exciting card game from The Young Scientists Club makes learning a fun, interactive experience! Kids can challenge their friends and siblings to an exciting game of bingo, test their memory, guess the animal, and have fun with the facts! There are 4 games in one! Buy it on Amazon.
Marc Rogoff
Tuesday 19th of March 2024
You can add the Monmouth Museum to this list. They now have a STEAM wing with a small dinosaur exhibit and fossils from NJ and elsewhere. They also have monthly fossil digs at Monmouth County streams. (Yes, dinosaur fossils have been found!)
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