When the kids were small, this blogging routine was so straightforward: have fun with the kiddos during the day and then write up my blog post about our adventures during naptime or after kid bedtime. Boom. Done.
These days though, the new routine is anything but, well, routine. Sure, we still make time for fun as a family, but inbetween those adventures we have soccer, basketball, baseball (so. much. baseball.), track, dance, gymnastics, karate, violin, community service, robotics team, school social events, sleepovers, and some real whammies that make me wonder where the years have disappeared to like PSATs (what?! how do I have a kiddo old enough to be taking the PSATs? Wasn’t he just hanging out on this playground with me on his 2nd birthday like yesterday?!)
And of course, naptime is a distant memory and bedtime is basically just when all of us have been able to get home, finish schoolwork, practice instruments, eat dinner and flop into bed exhausted LOL
So you can imagine how often I get to share about our adventures here on the blog in anything like “real time” these days (you can usually still get that real time update on our Instagram though, so be sure you’re following!). Which is why it is currently 42 degrees outside and yet my little lady is wearing a bathing suit in the pic below from our visit to The Dinosaur Place in Montville, CT 🙂
So this is not our first visit to The Dinosaur Place. But it has been quite some time since we have been back.
It was Little Miss’s first visit, and we were pleased to see that a lot of what we loved back in the day has remained the same:
But there have also been some big (dare I say, dino-sized) changes since I last wrote a blog post about this destination back in 2015. Mainly in the Monty’s Playground area:
The T Rex Tower and the playscapes are always open, but the big seasonal attractions, like the original Splash Pad and the (new since our last visit) Copper Creek mini golf course are currently closed for winter as I write this. But make sure you check them out next season as they offer great entertainment!
What makes The Dinosaur Place so unique though, is their signature trails featuring 100+ life-sized dinosaurs tucked into the natural habitat in a way that makes you feel like you might have journeyed back to the jurassic for the afternoon 🙂
One of the additional activities you’ll find along the trails is the A-MAZE-asaurus:
Other activities you’ll encounter along the way include Melody Magic–an interactive music playground and Lapilli Landing with it’s pee wee mini golf, pedal carts and a tiny train ride (these activities cost extra).
As I mentioned at the start of this post, it took me longer than anticipated to finally document this adventure on the blog. So I was really excited when I discovered that The Dinosaur Place has a NEW holiday offering that will extend the prehistoric fun into the new year!
Dino Lights Winter Festival launches on Nov. 29 and runs through Jan. 4. It will be open 4 pm to 8 pm
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays. Online ticketing ONLY, so be sure to reserve your spot.
More info from the website:
Step back in time and into a winter wonderland as you walk an enchanting trail illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and populated by life-sized, festive dinosaurs. The unique experience offers holiday cheer and excitement for the whole family.
Sounds like the perfect holiday happening for the dino-loving kiddos in your life 🙂
While you’re there, you can also check out the eclectic shops for some unique holiday shopping!
Discovery Depot also offers some unique indoor science activities that will be perfect for the colder months.
It was so fun to revisit this true Connecticut gem. It brought back some lovely memories from when the boys were small and just awed by the sheer scale of the life-sized (and life-like!) dinosaurs. It was wonderful to see Little Miss make her own memories enjoying the new attractions and activities we had not experienced before. If I were making a list of Connecticut places you must take your kids before they grow up, The Dinosuar Place would definitely be near the top. Hope you get to have your own dino-mite (I just can’t help myself LOL) adventure there soon!
The Dinosaur Place
1650 Hartford-New London Tpke Montville, CT 06370
Phone: 860-443-4367
Email: info@naturesartvillage.com
Find them on Facebook and Instagram!
Hours (2025):
Since this information changes seasonally, please visit their website for the most current schedule.
***CHECK OUT DINO LIGHTS WINTER FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 29, 2025 TO JANUARY 4, 2026 @ THE DINOSAUR PLACE!***
Copper Creek Mini Golf is currently closed for the winter season. Visit this page for more info.
Pricing (2025):
Since this information changes seasonally, please visit their website for the most current pricing.
Copper Creek Mini Golf is currently closed for the winter season. Visit this page for more info.
Details (2025):
Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: YES
Baby Changing Station: YES
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: YES. During the summer season you can purchase food from the Monty’s Munchies snack bar and the ice cream shop.
Outside Food Allowed: YES. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, coolers & wagons.
Cash Required: NO.
Buy Tickets Online: YES. Find the link to purchase tickets online on their homepage.
Age Recommendation: This destination can be entertaining for a wide range of ages (even adults!), but I would say the sweet spot is ages 3-10.
Dress Code: Water shoes are required for the Splash Pad. Socks are required for the T-Rex Tower.
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Birthday Party Venue: YES. Get more info HERE.
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