A Family Trip to Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is one of the most incredible places in the United States to take dinosaur-loving kids. Located on the border of Colorado and Utah, this park preserves a 1,500-bone fossil wall that will leave your family in awe. This itinerary is designed for families with elementary-age kids, but we've included tips for adapting it for toddlers and teens too. We spent three days exploring the monument and came away with memories that still spark dinosaur conversations at the dinner table.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Visitor Center

Arrive in the afternoon, check into lodging, and visit the Quarry Visitor Center.

Stop at the Quarry Visitor Center to watch the orientation film
View the active paleontology lab through the glass wall
Walk the short Fossil Discovery Trail behind the center
Pick up Junior Ranger activity booklets at the desk

🍽 Dinner at Crockett's Cafe in Jensen, UT

Day 2: The Quarry Hall & Hiking

Full day exploring the main quarry exhibit and short family-friendly hikes.

Morning visit to the Quarry Exhibit Hall with the 1,500-bone wall
Ranger-led fossil talk (check schedule at visitor center)
Pack a picnic lunch at the Split Mountain picnic area
Afternoon hike on the Fossil Discovery Trail (0.5 miles, easy)
Complete Junior Ranger program and earn badge

🍽 Packed lunch; dinner at Dinosaur Family Restaurant

Day 3: Petroglyphs & Departure

Explore Native American rock art before heading home.

Morning drive to the Swelter Shelter petroglyph site
Short interpretive walk to view ancient rock carvings
Last look at the quarry wall in the gift shop
Depart by noon

🍽 Breakfast at lodging; lunch on the road

🧳Travel Tips for Families

Visit in spring or fall for the best weather — summer temps exceed 100°F.

The Quarry Exhibit Hall requires a short uphill walk; bring water and sun protection.

Book lodging in Jensen, UT or Vernal, UT at least 2 months in advance during peak season.

Bring a fossil identification guide — kids love matching what they see to the book.

The Junior Ranger program is excellent for ages 5-12; allow 1-2 hours to complete.

Cell service is limited in the monument; download maps in advance.

Books to Read Before You Go

Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House #1)

by Mary Pope Osborne

Read this before the trip to build excitement about time-traveling to the age of dinosaurs.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs

by Catherine D. Hughes

Perfect field guide for identifying dinosaurs kids will learn about at the quarry.

The Magic School Bus: In the Time of the Dinosaurs

by Joanna Cole

A fun classroom adventure that introduces paleontology concepts.