At some point in our childhood, we’ve all been fascinated by dinosaurs. These prehistoric creatures, long extinct but leaving behind fossils scattered across the globe, are the ultimate obsession for toddlers and kids everywhere (and let’s be honest, for adults like me too!). If mini-golf or arcades, aren’t enough to keep the little one in your life entertained, it might be time to check out the best dinosaur-themed activities in and around Los Angeles!
1. Dinosaur Hall at the Natural History Museum
The Dinosaur Hall at the Natural History Museum is the ultimate dinosaur museum experience in Los Angeles. With over 300 fossils and 20 complete skeletons, including a T-rex trio, it’s a dino lover’s dream. Kids can explore interactive displays and learn how paleontologists uncover the past and on top of that, this spot is a free museum!
📍 Location: 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
📆 Hours: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎫 Ticket info: Free for L.A. County residents, Monday-Friday 3-5 p.m.
2. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Step back in time at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, an iconic spot where Ice Age fossils are still being discovered. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this family-friendly destination lets kids watch paleontologists in action at the fossil lab and explore life-sized exhibits of mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
📍 Location: 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
📆 Hours: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎫 Ticket info: Free for L.A. County residents, Monday-Friday 3-5 p.m.
3. Jurassic World – The Ride
Get ready for a thrilling adventure on Jurassic World – The Ride, a dark water attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. This immersive experience takes you through the Mosasaurus Aquarium, a tropical jungle with Stegosaurus and Parasaurolophus, and into Predator Cove, where chaos reigns after the Indominus rex escapes.
With stunning animatronics, a suspenseful storyline, and an epic splash finale, this dinosaur-themed ride is a must for thrill-seekers and Jurassic World fans alike.
📍 Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
📆 Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday – Monday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
🎫 Ticket info: One day general admissions from $109
4. Wonder of Dinosaurs
Wonder of Dinosaurs in Redondo Beach boasts the largest display of dinosaurs on the West Coast, making it a must-see for families looking for dinosaurs near LA. The new Dinos-A-Glow exhibit features glowing, colorful dinos, while the dinosaur-themed inflatable obstacles add an extra layer of excitement. Besides exploring the massive replicas, kids can enjoy fun activities like navigating a maze, riding a spinning dino, or jump into the fun with Dino Bouncers.
📍 Location: 1815 Hawthorne Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
📆 Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Sundays 11 a.m – 6 p.m.
🎫 Ticket info: Kids ages 2-12, $16. Adults (ages 13 and up) $8
5. Discovery Cube Los Angeles
For an unforgettable day of fun and learning, head to this interactive museum filled with engaging exhibits for kids. The Dino Quest exhibit is a highlight, showcasing life-sized prehistoric giants, a fossil excavation site, and interactive missions that make science come alive. Perfect for families, this dinosaur park in Los Angeles offers something for every budding paleontologist.
📍 Location: 11800 Foothill Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342
📆 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🎫 Ticket info: Kids (ages 3 to 14) $17, Adults (ages +15) $20
6. Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology
Located in Claremont, the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology is a hidden gem among LA dinosaur museums. With two spacious exhibition halls and over 140,000 fossil specimens, 95% discovered by Webb students! It’s a treasure trove for dino enthusiasts. Visitors can explore fascinating fossils, history exhibits, and a unique connection to student-led discoveries.
📍 Location: 1175 Base Line Rd, Claremont, CA 91711
📆 Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m
🎫 Ticket info: General admission $12, Youth (ages 5 – 18) $9, Free for kids under 4
7. Cabazon Dinosaurs
Cabazon Dinosaurs is one of the most iconic and quirky roadside attractions near Los Angeles. This dinosaur park features two massive steel-and-concrete sculptures—Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex, famously seen in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Don’t miss the Santa T. rex for a fun and festive photo op!
📍 Location: 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
📆 Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m – 6 p.m., Friday – Tuesday, 9 a.m – 7 p.m.
🎫 Ticket info: Kids (ages 3 – 12) $13, Adults (ages +15) $15
8. Dinosaur Coffee
Dinosaur Coffee is a whimsical, themed coffee shop perfect for adults with a playful side. Whether you’re winding down after a day of exploring dino exhibits or just enjoying the creative decor, this spot is a must-visit. They serve made-to-order coffee, teas, and delicious pastries, ideal for a fun, laid-back break in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 4334 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
📆 Hours: Daily 7 a.m. – 6 p.m,
9. Dinosaur Farm
Located in South Pasadena, Dinosaur Farm is a cheerful toy and bookshop that’s a paradise for kids fascinated with all things prehistoric. Specializing in dinosaur-related gear, it’s the perfect spot to find educational and fun items, from collectible toys and puzzles to board games, books, and room decor. If you’re looking for a unique gift or a treat for your little dino fan, this is a must-visit destination for dinosaur lovers near Los Angeles!
📍 Location: 1510 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030
📆 Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
10. Dinosaur Park
Prehistoric Playground in Laguna Hills combines outdoor fun with a dino-themed twist. This spacious park features athletic fields and a unique playground showcasing fossil and dinosaur-inspired elements. Kids will love exploring the bridge, which recreates a fossil reef with imprints of real fossils over 15 million years old. Don’t miss the 70-million-year-old Hadrosaur replica embedded into the bridge wall
📍 Location: Laguna Hills, CA 92653