The Play List: Dinosaur World
If you’ve needed an excuse to check out Dinosaur World, there’s no better time than now. The beloved roadside attraction that you’ve likely driven past a million times on I-4 has an all-new attraction featuring ride-on dinosaurs! It’s a fun addition to its assortment of places to play, which already include two age-appropriate playground areas, a splash pad for tots, fossil digs, mini golf and tons more. Read on to learn why Dinosaur World should be on your Play Time checklist.
Places to Play
Dinosaur World has two wonderful dino-themed playgrounds split up by age group located just through the main entrance of the park. Kids can play in a huge dinosaur skeleton and climb, slide and swing to their heart's delight. There’s also a small splash pad area for younger kids. The best part for parents is the seating area, which is huge, completely covered and includes plenty of misting fans and picnic tables.
Jurassic Joyride, the all-new ride-on dinosaurs, can be found in The Boneyard, which is indoors and has a large bleacher seating area for spectators (it’s also a great spot to escape the rain). A welcome replacement to the sand pit that was there up until just last month, the experience was just right for our 5-year-old. The mechanics were a bit tough for our 3-year-old, as you have to twist and turn the handles. Note: This attraction costs $5 per child and can be purchased in advance or directly inside The Boneyard.
For the full experience, you can also add-on Uncle Rex’s Dino Gem Excavation Mine, Aunt Cera’s Fossil Dig and the Dino Express Train Ride individually for a small fee each, or rolled together into the price of an Excavation Pass.
While you’re there, play a round of mini-golf or jam out with the Dino jam-band. Kids can pretend to be paleontologists while learning fun facts about dinosaurs as you weave along the winding paths that seem like a labyrinth going back in time. The trees and vegetation at Dinosaur World feel prehistoric, and the ginormous dinosaurs set throughout fit right in.
Pro Tips to Help Plan Your Day
It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella with you to Dinosaur World, as it's a mostly outdoor attraction and summertime in Florida. After the drive to get there, we like to hit the playground first to get out the wiggles and to make sure it doesn’t get rained out later. We save the indoor attractions like the Doom of the Dinosaurs and the Museum for the end in case it rains or we need to cool down.
Dinosaur World is a lot bigger than people think, so keep in mind that it is a good amount of walking on hilly paths if you want to see the whole park. Smaller guests may get scared of the predatory scenes portrayed along Carnivore Way, but that portion is avoidable if needed.
If you’ve got a dino-loving kid, an annual pass is a great option and makes things super affordable if you plan to come back. Add-ons are sold separately for these, but you get discounts for friend tickets, 10% off at the gift shop, and, the best part, reciprocal discounts at our other favorite attractions including the Florida Aquarium, CMA, MOSI, Glazer Children’s Museum, Great Explorations and more.
Including the 30-45 minute drive to get there, Dinosaur World is a great half-day activity that leaves the kids super satisfied – and tuckered out!
Tickets
- Annual Passes: $59.95 per adult; $49.95 for children ages 3-12; $54.95 per grandparent or senior.
- Excavation Pass (includes everything): $34.95+ for children ages 3-12; $39.95+ for adults
- General Admission: $19.95+ for children; $24.95+ for adults; $22.95+ for seniors.
Children 2 and under are free; save $3 when you buy online.
5145 Harvey Tew Road
Plant City, FL 33565
813-717-9865
dinosaurworld.com/florida
Open Daily:Â 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
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Image Credits: Zoe Joiner | Originally published in the August 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.