Today we’re sharing the ultimate guide to Dino experiences for kids in the East Valley.
I have a dino crazy kids at home, at age three I believe my son knows more about dinosaurs than anyone else I have ever met. He is ready for his dino dig.
Until that day comes I feel like we have been to every dino themed place in the East Valley.
As one dino mom to another I have worked with my fellow East Valley moms to compile a list of the very best dinosaur themed spots in the Valley.
XO,
Deena
East Valley Dino Destination #1: Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the place to be if you have a dino loving kid!
The museum has everything from life size dinosaur fossils and dinosaur status. Along with the life size dinosaurs there is a fossil digging and gold panning exhibit in the outdoor court. Along with the fossils and digging fun, in the lower level there is a room for kids ages 3-10 filled with books, blocks, dinosaur themed toys to expand the learning into playing fun.
My son, 3 years old, spends hours guiding himself through the exhibits, always ending in the playroom.
The best thing about the museum is that it is a great indoor experience for the whole family. The museum has attractions for all ages. The dino bones and playroom is great for toddlers to school age. The exhibits host a number of informative facts about the big bang, dinosaurs, Native American artwork, Arizona History and more.
The museum hosts a number of activities for different age groups throughout the year that can be found on their website and social media.
The best ticket deal is the family pack of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) $50. There are also a number of discounts for seniors, veterans, students, and Mesa employees.
East Valley Dino Destination #2: Tyannostorus
Another great Mesa find is Tyannostorus– a store and play based educational experience focusing on STEM related activities for school age kids to adults, classes starting at $10.
The store host a wide range of fossils games, toys and models, gems, stones, dinosaur models, plush toys and more. The store items range in price that are able to fit in all types of budgets. Along with classes and activities.
Tyannostorus has options for birthday parties, field trips and scout events. This fun comes with a cost that can be tailor to your family’s budget and is compatible with Arizona ESA.
Address: 1816 West Baseline Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202, United States
East Valley Dino Destination #3: Dino Dig at The Riparian Preserve in Gilbert
If you are looking for some free fun, the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert has a dino fossil dig area, where your little dino lover can live out their paleontologist dramatic play in real life.
Be sure to bring shovels and buckets. The best dino digging toy is a large paint brush from a home improvement store.
The Riparian Preserve has a multitude of family fun activities from fishing to animal watchings, playgrounds, water activities. A great place to bring a picnic to make it a full family day.
Address: 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd Gilbert, AZ 85234
East Valley Dino Destination #4: Pangaea Land of Dinosaurs in Scottsdale
Okay, so not in the East Valley but it’s pretty close. The Pangaea Land of Dinosaurs is a small interactive experience.
The life-like models of every kind of dinosaur is extremely impressive. Included in admission are three guided experiences including a two types of fossil digs and a craft.
Budget hack: Get FREE admission here with a Get Out Pass annual pass; use code XOXOEVM for the best deal on this annual pass that gets you complementary admission at 70+ local attractions. Learn more about the Get Out Pass here.
Seasonal Dino experiences in the East Valley
Local libraries host dinosaur events, scavenger hunts and story times throughout the year.
The Phoenix Zoo has hosted yearly dinosaur exhibits.
Westworld has hosted a multitude of dinosaur exhibits and interactive experiences.
The best way to keep up to date on such activities is to look on social media of each attraction and of course keep up to date with all things East Valley Mom social media and newsletters.
Happy dino hunting mama!
