the number of fossil collections, dinosaur exhibits and archaeological digs have dramatically multiplied in recent years. The following attractions, two of the best in the country, are sure to delight your budding young paleontologist.
DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT
JENSEN, UTAH
Dinosaur National Monument is one of the finest dinosaur bone beds in the world. At its Quarry Visitor Center, families can check out a wall of rock embedded with 1,600 real bones and watch as paleontologists gingerly demonstrate their craft. So far, 11 species have been unearthed here. Admission is $10 per vehicle. For more details, call 435-789-2115 or visit the Web site.
GEORGE S. ECCLES DINOSAUR PARK
OGDEN, UTAH
While most of the 100 life-size models that inhabit this outdoor dinosaur park are hands-off, several are intended for climbing. Kids can slide down the nose of a Pteranodon, climb inside the skull of a Triceratops or visit a friendly Brachiosaurus in a treehouse. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for kids ages two to 12 and free for kids under two. Call 801-393-3466 for more information, or visit the Web site.
Kelly Milner Halls is a free-lance writer in Longmont, Colorado.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
