Print Article
Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource
USA: Southeast, Tracking Dinosaurs on Vacation. Dino fanatics of all ages found their interest in the magnificent prehistoric reptiles rekindled with the ABC Mega Series of Dinotopia, based one of my favorite childhood books. Luckily nearly everyone in North America is within a short drive of ancient “lizards” and mammals.

From still active dig sites to cool hallways in which immense skeletons loom, to fascinating exhibits which display the most recent theories on lifestyle this list sums them all up. Coast to coast, from sunny California to Connecticut, the U.S. offers dinosaur lovers and their families a chance to get up close and personal with natural history. Only what we believe to be the best is featured on this list. Of course if you’ve visited a fantastic dinosaur site, let me know and I will add it. Have a great time tracking dinosaurs.

Tennessee: Pigeon Forge, Walk amongst dinosaurs. Unlike other dinosaur museums, the Dinosaur Walk Museum in Pigeon Forge allows families to walkthrough one of the world’s largest collections of life-size dinosaur sculptures, from a two-story high Tyrannosaurus Rex to a 12-inch tall Microraptor. Giant sea lizards, flying reptiles, bones, skulls and ancient skeletons complete this one of a kind collection. Carefully designed and created by "paleoartists" there is a sense of Jurassic Park within the complex. This is not a thrill-based attraction with loud surprises and eerie sound effects to traumatize the unsuspecting. There are sound effects and the wall murals of forests, volcanoes and canyons. It's truly an easy paced entertaining place that is ideal for young children going through the dinosaur stage of learning. At the end of the “walk” is a movie theatre showing high definition education films which will bring dinosaurs to life on the screen. Children of all ages will enjoy the dinosaur fossil dig and dinosaur movies. Bonus points: Directly in back of the actual museum is an antique store with awesome yet affordable fossils, rocks and petrified wood. (106 Showplace Blvd., Pigeon Forge 37863. 1(865) 428-4003 or www.dinowalk.com)

Kentucky: Big Bone Lick State Park. This state park was once a salty, sticky swamp where prehistoric mammals such as – giant mastodons, wooly mammoths, and ground sloths met their death. Their fossils were discovered and placed on display, for everyone to see. Scientists recognize this place as the Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology. You can reserve a campsite at the Big Bone Lick State Park to explore for longer than a day. (3380 Beaver Road, Union, KY 41091. Union. 1 (859) 384-3522, www.parks.ky.gov/stateparks/bb/index.htm)

Louisiana: Audubon Nature Institute - Pathways to the Past. A natural history museum on the grounds of the Audubon Institute, Pathways to the Past, is devoted completely to exploring the dinosaur/bird connection. The museum was designed for young people, but is fascinating for all ages. Bonus points: Numerous attractions are found at Audubon such as; a zoo, a golf course, an aquarium, an IMAX, and much more. (P.O. Box 4327, New Orleans, LA 70178. New Orleans. 1 (504) 861-2537, www.auduboninstitute.org)

North Carolina: Natural Science Museum.
In addition to a “Dinosaur Gallery” as well as a room full of fossil exhibits, a petting zoo, and a planetarium there are also dozens of other fine elements for families to explore. The World's first dinosaur ever discovered with fossilized heart is on display. The fossilized heart is on display in the museum's new $71-million building, which opened April 7, 2000. The Fossil Lab allows visitors to the museum to interact with the paleontologists as they work on restoring skeletons. (11 W. Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601. Greensboro. 1 (919) 733-7450, www.naturalsciences.org)

Florida: Florida Museum of Natural History. This is one of the top ten paleontological museums in the United States. Rather than dinosaurs, the extensive collection has a focus on early mammals and marine animal fossils. This museum also features exhibits on the flora and fauna of North Florida, and exhibits on the people and environments of Florida. Virtual exhibits on St. Augustine: America’s Oldest City, The Aucilla River Prehistory Project, and Fossil Horses in Cyberspace, as well as others are available on the museum’s Website. Bonus points: They have a program called “Pony Express” that is designed to promote the scientific study of fossil horses. They sponsor fossil digs several times a year at a site, Thomas Farm locality in north Florida, known to be 18-million years old. The Thomas Farm digs are open to persons over the age of 15 (minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Once a year they conduct a family day-dig. (SW 34th Street and Hull Road, PO Box 112710, Gainesville, FL 32611. 1(352) 846-2000. 1(352) 846-2000 (Dickenson Hall), 1(352) 392-1721, www.flmnh.ufl.edu)
 
Researched and compiled by Travel Communications. Copyright 2008.
RELATED ARTICLES
Tennessee: Pigeon Forge, Vacation on the Wild Side - Hiking, Fishing and Zorbing.
A summer family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains means cool nights, sunny days, natural beauty and a dozen ways to enjoy being in the wild. We have had the good fortune to experience the natural beauty that surrounds Pigeon Forge and enjoy the lively, friendly atmosphere of the mountains. In reality, it is hard to beat summer in the mountains. We have assembled an action list for a terrific family vacation including the newest adventure – the Zorb. We have assembled an action list for a terrific family vacation.
Tennessee: Pigeon Forge, Family Vacation Ideas Skydiving, Shopping and Zorbing with Teens.
Traveling with teens isn’t often easy – their desire for independence prove problematic, especially on vacation. Pigeon Forge holds the key to a successful family vacation with teens. Few places offer a range of activities for all ages, especially teens notorious for thrill-seeking but Pigeon Forge, with the newest thrill craze zorbing and as always the amazing rides at Dollywood, meets the teen vacation challenge.
North Carolina: Charlotte, Family Vacation Ideas – Roller Coasters, Science Fun, and Great Theatre for Kids.
Located in the Piedmont region of the state along its southern border, the “Queen City” makes family vacationing easy. Once a hornet’s nest of rebellion Charlotte’s has sustained an independent Southern ambiance all its own. Attend theatre or create art; ride the Scream Weaver or meet SpongeBob SquarePants; count dinosaurs or put on your green shoes.
Tennessee: Pigeon Forge, Spring Break Family Vacation Ideas – Dinosaurs, Go Carts, and Shopping for Bargains.
Need a break? Looking for fun with no hassles? Pigeon Forge has a spunky charm, a friendly mountain spirit and plenty of ways to enjoy time away with the kids. Imagine sunshine and fresh mountain air; think sweatshirts and sneakers; have fun and make memories. The order of the day is easy-paced and fun with no long lines, and oodles of bargains to be discovered. From trout fishing and miniature golf to wildflower walks and entertainment geared to families, the choices are plentiful.
Tennessee: Pigeon Forge, Togethering in the Smoky Mountains.
Families often find themselves time zones apart from family and friends, add to that balancing hectic school and work schedules and getting together anywhere takes planning. Togethering, another way to say reunion, is becoming more popular each year. Pigeon Forge, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, takes some of the extra effort out of the planning part. They have a Reunion Consultant who takes care of the details and makes the idea of togethering in the mountains sound easy and lots of fun.

Read More Articles

FAMILY VACATION IDEAS
Ashford Suites Hotel

Ashford Suites has a perfect setting for getting together with the whole family. Click to learn more about getting together in High Point North Carolina. [Read More]

www.ashfordsuites.com

Plan A Road Trip to Charlotte NC

We will work our magic to make your family trip to Charlotte, NC filled with fun, on the way and upon arrival. Read about it then plan it with our Road Trip Wizard™. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

Start planning your road trip....

Plan Your Road Trip to Baton Rouge

We will work our magic to make your family trip to Baton Rouge Louisiana is filled with fun, on the way and upon arrival. Read about it then plan it with our Road Trip Wizard™. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

Start planning your road trip....

Baton Rouge Family Vacation Ideas

Go where the fun comes easy. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

www.bracvb.com

GTC Voluntours Louisiana.

Voluntour New Orleans. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

generationstouringcompany.com

KOA Cherokee / Great Smokies

Stay with us on the river swim, fish and enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

www.koa.com/

KOA Cape Hatteras

Vacation with us on the edge where fun here is as limitless as the sand. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

www.KOA.com

Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages

Our Vacation Packages offer action-packed family fun travel all year round! [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

www.mypigeonforge.com

Alligator Bayou Cajun Cottage

Stay with us to enjoy bayou wilderness, perfect for the whole family. [Read More]

www.Alligator Bayou Cajun Cott...

Pigeon Forge Family Get Away

Heading to the mountains? Look for the best deals in Pigeon Forge here. Check out our Pigeon Forge Value Card; savings for the whole family online. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

www.mypigeonforge.com

Smoky Mountain Reunion Places

Pigeon Forge, TN: Thinking of a mountain reunion for your family or group? We can help to make your get together easier. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

www.pigeonforgereunion.com

Pigeon Forge Cabins, Condos & Chalets

Whether you’re looking to get away with friends or your entire family, Pigeon Forge offers a variety of cabins, condos and chalets that will fit the size of your clan. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

www.mypigeonforge.com

Mt. LeConte Lodge

Hike in and sleepover. A great hike for active families with older children. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

www.leconte-lodge.com

Country Inns and Suites

Bonus points: Cookies in the afternoon and Read It & Return, an on-the-road lending library for all ages. [Read More]

Related Article Related Article

www.CountryInns.com

Mountain Chalet Getaway

A perfect family escape place. The cabin lies on a five minute drive off of 64 near Rainbow Springs. [Read More]

www.hartleyandsons.com

Wildlife Gardens

Sleep in one of our four cabins. [Read More]

www.wildlifegardens.com

Historic Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Family Fun pagacke offered one weekend each month April - September, includes Friday night lodging, meals, village admission ticket, riverboat cruise plus a family fun pack with activities. Scheduled activities begin with dinner and a bonfire Friday night, including 19th century games, a nature hike or program, garden activities and a box lunch on Saturday. Reservations required. [Read More]

www.shakervillageky.org

The Winds Resort

Oceanfront rooms and suites. [Read More]

www.thewinds.com

Earth Shine Mountain Lodge

Come watch the earth and shine with your family. [Read More]

www.earthshinemtnlodge.com

Lake Lure Inn

Across the street from the fabulous beach of Lake Lure. [Read More]

www.lakelureinn.com

See More Family Vacation Ideas