Last Updated on February 15, 2024
Are you looking for the best dinosaur attractions in Florida?
The State of Florida is known for its unique roadside attractions and theme parks, so it’s no surprise that there are more fake dinosaurs in the Sunshine State than anywhere else in the world.
According to the Paleobiology Database, a non-profit public resource, Florida is one of the top five states with the most dinosaur fossils in the United States.
Across the Sunshine State, you can find interactive exhibits, life-sized dinosaurs, dinosaur-themed playgrounds, and so much more.
From dinosaur parks to museum displays to theme park exhibits, check out all the places you can visit for a dinosaur-themed adventure.
Here are our recommendations on the top dinosaur attractions in Florida.
Table of contents
Dinosaur World Florida – Plant City
Dinosaur World is a must-visit roadside attraction for dinosaur fans. Located in Plant City, the Central Florida spot takes visitors back to the age of dinosaurs.
It features many different things to see and do. Plus, it’s fun for people of all ages.
The dino park has hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs onsite. The museum has animatronic dinosaurs, dinosaur eggs, and other cool educational exhibits.
Admission includes access to the Jurassic Mini Golf, museum, and themed playgrounds.
TIPS:
- Dinosaur World is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Ticket prices are $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Children 2 and under are admitted for free
- For more hands-on fun, visitors can book additional experiences, like the Fossil Dig or the Dino Gem Excavation, for an additional fee.
- The dinosaur park has no food service, so a great option is to pack a picnic lunch.
For more information, visit the official Dinosaur World website.
Dinosaur World Address: 5145 Harvey Tew Rd., Plant City, FL 33565
Orlando Science Center – Orlando
Orlando Science Center is a popular local attraction with educational rotating and permanent exhibits. The center’s DinoDigs exhibit is a great place to learn all about prehistoric predators.
The dinosaur exhibit includes information about dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, like giant reptiles and prehistoric sharks.
See different fossils, such as dinosaur bones and shark teeth, and even have a hands-on experience digging for fossils!
TIPS:
- Orlando Science Center is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Admission fees are $24 for adults and $18 for children ages 2 to 11. Children under the age of 2 are admitted free.
For more information, visit the official Orlando Science Center website.
Orlando Science Center Address: 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Top Things to Do in Winter Park, FL, in 2023
Florida Museum of Natural History – Gainesville
Florida Museum of Natural History is in Gainesville on the University of Florida’s campus.
Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land is a great educational exhibit in the museum that covers 65 million years of Earth’s history, including the dinosaur eras.
Check out the impressive fossil collections, from teeth and bones to whole skeletal mounts.
In addition, visitors learn about the environments and changes the planet endured while dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
TIPS:
- Florida Museum of Natural History is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
- Admission to the permanent exhibits is free. Donations are accepted.
- Special exhibits are available at an additional charge.
For more information, visit the official Florida Museum of Natural History website.
Florida Museum of Natural History Address: 3215 Hull Rd., Powell Hall, UF Cultural Plaza, Gainesville, FL 32611
Don’t miss the Top 5 Things to Do Near Gainesville FL
Museum of Discovery & Science – Fort Lauderdale
Museum of Discovery & Science is a STEM museum in Fort Lauderdale with many fun and interactive exhibits.
The Dino Dana Exhibit is a fantastic dinosaur attraction packed with fascinating information.
Learn about all sorts of prehistoric creatures while exploring the Dinosaur Boneyard. If you want a cool experience to participate in, check out the museum’s augmented reality Fossil Hunt.
TIPS:
- Museum of Discovery & Science is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
- General admission is $27 for adults and $22 for children ages 2 to 12.
- Discounts are available for local residents of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
For more information, visit the official Museum of Discovery & Science website.
Museum of Discovery & Science Address: 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Jurassic Park, Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Orlando
Though we don’t usually cover the major theme parks, there was no way we could write an article about dinosaur attractions and not mention Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando.
Jurassic Park is an entire section of the Islands of Adventure theme park in Universal Orlando.
Inspired by Jurassic Park movies, this area has rides, games, gift shops, and other attractions.
The Jurassic Park Discovery Center is a great spot, a building with interactive exhibits and towering dinosaur displays.
This is the place you’ll learn all about the Jurassic World and its time span while examining “dinosaur eggs” and fossil evidence.
TIPS:
- Jurassic Park is open during Islands of Adventure operating hours. Hours vary by season.
- Theme park admission is required to enter Jurassic Park.
- Tickets start at $109 for adults and $104 for children ages 3 to 9.
For more information, visit the official Universal Orlando website.
Universal Orlando Resort Address: 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
Make sure to check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Orlando at Night
The Dinosaur Store – Cocoa Beach
Located just down the road from the famous Ron Jons Surf Shop and the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Dinosaur Store is another excellent dinosaur attraction in Florida.
Part store, part museum, and part adventure zone, it’s a fun place for the whole family.
The Dinosaur Hall at the museum is a must-visit, with exhibits from various dinosaur eras. This section has huge cast skeletons of some of the most beloved dinosaurs and authentic fossils.
A trip to the Dinosaur Store isn’t complete without a stroll through the 4000-square-foot gift shop.
The store carries a massive selection of dinosaur-themed gifts and souvenirs, like t-shirts, hats, jewelry, fossils, and minerals.
TIPS:
- The Dinosaur Store is open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. It is closed on Tuesday.
- The store is free to visit, and the museum and adventure zone are paid experiences.
- Tickets for the museum are $16 for adults and $12 for children.
- Tickets are sold in-store only.
For more information, visit the official Dinosaur Store website.
The Dinosaur Store Address: 250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Don’t miss 12 Reasons to Launch Your Trip to Florida’s Space Coast.
Bongoland – Port Orange
Bongoland was an old Florida roadside attraction from 1948 to 1952. It featured dinosaurs that were constructed from chicken wire and concrete.
When Bongoland closed, it became part of Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens.
Several of the original Bongoland Dinosaurs are still located within the gardens. It’s a nostalgic journey back to yesteryear to visit this dinosaur attraction in Volusia County.
In addition to seeing the long-standing dinosaurs, enjoy the beauty and native plant species that call this garden home.
TIPS:
- Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
- Admission to the gardens is free. Donations are appreciated.
For more information, visit the official Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens website.
Bongoland Address: 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd., Port Orange, FL 32129
Harold’s Auto Center – Spring Hill
Just down the road from Weeki Wachee Springs is Harold’s Auto Center, a unique auto shop that features a can’t-miss dinosaur.
The spot originally opened as a Sinclair gas station in 1964 and later became Harold’s Auto Center in 1977.
As you drive to it, you’ll see Dino, a 47-foot-tall “Apatosaurus” that is also 110 feet long.
In addition to seeing this humongous roadside attraction, you can also have your car serviced at this family-owned establishment.
Harold’s Auto Center is open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
For more information, visit the official Harold’s Auto Center website.
Harold’s Auto Center Address: 5299 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
While you’re in the area, check out Celebrating the History of Weeki Wachee Springs
Headless Brontosaurus – Brooksville
If you are a fan of quirky landmarks, see the Headless Brontosaurus in Brooksville. This Hernando County roadside wonder was constructed in the 1960s by August Herwede.
Herwede wanted to make his own Dinoland after the 1964 New York World Fair.
Unfortunately, the attraction was left unfinished after Herwede fell while working on this project, later dying.
Today, visitors stop by this somewhat eerie site to see the uncompleted dinosaur still left standing.
Headless Brontosaurus Address: 25431 Lake Lindsey Rd., Brooksville, FL 34601
While you’re in the area, check out Exploring Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee
Additional Dinosaur Attractions in Florida
T-Rex Cafe, Disney Springs
1676 E Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Emerald Coast Science Center
31 Memorial Pkwy. SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Nature Park at the Shell Factory
16554 N Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
If you enjoyed this article about the best dinosaur attractions in Florida and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions: