the dinosaur place at nature's art village

the dinosaur place at nature's art village印象

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  billkimball

  From the road, if you're not specifically looking for this place, it would be easy enough to pass by it thinking it was just another ice cream place... It's not that it's hard to find, it's that the exterior is so unassuming that one could easily drive by.The place is very clean, has a fantastic playground area, and nature trails lined with well placed, well maintained dinosaur figures. In addition to the figures are placards with information about the specific dinosaur type seen along the trails. There's a "maze" area to play in, and a splash pad for the warmer months. Every hour on the hour, a replica volcano "erupts" (smoke/water) and there's even one of the dinosaur figures that is animated (across from the volcano, so, if you have little ones who are skittish, you might want to either skip the dino in the "cave" or go with them) and spits water at unsuspecting guests - very cool.Finally, there's the gift shop/ Nature's Art building which is well worth a stop into as well. Really cool souvenirs and educational games/trinkets, but also some really interesting stones, crafts, and fossils on display.If you've got kids and are looking for a cool way to spend the afternoon - check out Dinosaur Place! We went over to Mystic, CT afterward (about 15 minutes away) for dinner, so there is plenty to do in the surrounding area if you're looking for food or a secondary location as part of a day trip.

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  Amanda143

  I went here with 4 boys ages from ages 2 to 5 and they just loved it! The guy at the front was so sweet and let us borrow a stroller since we forgot one. Thank gd bc there is a bit of a walk around to see the dinosaurs. After our walk we played on the great splash pad. its small enough you can just sit and watch and relax. And lastly we had lunch at a picnic table near the amazing playground. It was pricy but it was worth it.

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  lisal403

  When my son was very young we spent a great amount of time at Nature's Art exploring the mining room, museum, and the shop. We always came home with a special something. A bucket of beautiful stones, a craft or even a fossil. Today he is 19 years old and much to old to do the things he once did, but that does not stop me from stopping by the shops and buying that perfect gift for a loved one or even for myself. There is so much more for the young children at Natures Art today. Water park, nature trails, frozen yogurt and also all the things that Eric enjoyed doing when he was a young boy.

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  Candiafamily5

  This place was one of our planned destination spots when we vacationed in Mystic. It was raining on and off that day so the splash pad was not working, but the park still did not disappoint. We had a great time and the kids went mining for different rocks that they were able to keep (for a price of course) and then sit and find out what kind of rocks they were. They have a great gift shop and the dinosaurs are amazing to walk around and see.

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  Lfinocchiaro93

  We enjoyed it with our 4 year old son. He loves dinosaurs right now, so a year from now I wouldn't pay the $15/person to get it, but today it fit our needs. Well laid out, clean, and interesting. I think the price is steep for a park. The maze is great, brachiosaurus observing the park from above is cool too. I recommend it, but caution on price and expectations.

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  BernardP290

  My wife and I took our daughter and two grandchildren (ages 5 and 1/2 and 3 and 1/2) to the Dinosaur place. It was really nice. Once you get your arm stamped you are in - and there is a senior discount if you are over 60 (which I am). We saw some nice replica dinosaurs and then spent a lot of time on a great playscape. The high light of the playscape was a climbing attractions where you can climb up a web of rope. It is fun and challenging. Parents DO need to pay attention to the kids tho - not something you want to let them on unless you are nearby. We then walked a nice wooded trail to the Maze. This may have been the grandkids (and grandparents) favorite. The Maze is challenging - and even if you stand up on the observation deck - it is still tough to see your way through it. On a thursday it wasn't too crowded!We then had a picnic lunch and went to the splash pad. It is the largest splash pad in New England. After that we had an ice cream and went to the "bone zone" where you can "mine" for semi precious stones. It is fun though a lithe pricey - definitely something worth checking out.Its less than an hour to this attraction from Hartford.

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  userChris

  My youngest is 4, and he loves all things dinosaurs. Normally the entrance fees prevent us from visiting, but there was a price special that made the visit possible.I had been there once before with my oldest, so I knew what to expect. With life size Dino's throughout the wooded trail, my son was excited to keep walking to see what would be ahead. They do look semi-realistic, and are set among trees and other plant vegetation. I do have to say it is really very neat and unique place.There is also a splash pad (which was closed during my recent visit) and a large play-scape area that has a Dino theme (of course). As much as I did enjoy my visit, this is really an expensive walk and play area, so I can not recommend it at full price. Yes the kids will love it, but the normal entrance fee is way over priced.Plan a special event or a special trip, or better yet a discounted admission date. You will enjoy it so much more.

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  CWBsmom

  We found this place by doing a Google search and were so glad we took a chance and went. The life-size dinosaur statues were very neat and my son loved it. A lot of the dinos are along a wooded path so even though it was warm that day, were spent a great deal of it in the shade. The splash pad is huge with places for parents to sit within sight and the change rooms/bathrooms were clean. The maze was fun but easy enough for my four year old to navigate, and difficult enough to that my husband had to think a bit! The mining was fun but maybe a little too much for a four year old's attention span, but he still had fun and the staff was great showing him what to do. My only complaint was the snack bar wait times. There were only two employees working and they seemed a little overwhelmed. The bounce house was also a favorite and allowed my little one to burn off a little energy. The playground area was also a good energy burner and we had to keep returning to cross the rope bridge. Overall a great day and a great change from the usual "amusement" park. My son keeps asking if we can go back!

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  NewEnglandTraveler23

  This is a very unique place to go for a day trip. They offer many different activities that you will not see any where else. They have a few different pricing plans depending on which activity you are interested in and if you want to do a few in one day they have multi plans options available as well. It seems if you batch several options together the pricing goes down per activity. My daughters favorite when she was younger was always the jackpot mine where the kids hunt for stones, gems and crystals and then can identify them afterwards. It was fun and educational. She also loved the Thunder Creek where she learned how to pan for gold. This was such an exotic activity she was beaming with happiness for days, she had so much fun. In addition on several visits we did the Bone Zone where the kids can become a Paleontologist for a day. There really is nothing like this place and all it offers anywhere else around. On the first floor as you enter is a lovely large gift shop. It has many local items from New England and hand crafted jewelry. I often purchase gifts here that I cant find anywhere else. Natures Art is a great day trip for families, the kids will have so much to chose from.Lots of free parking as well.

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  BoSoxStrong

  This place is waaaay expensive! We payed over $100 for two adults and two young children to see plastic dinosaurs. You walk along a trail outside where you look at the dinos. It's ok at best and ridiculous on what they charge. If you are on a tight budget, don't go here. Ripoff!!!!!