Dinosaur World, located just outside Cave City, Kentucky, is an hour-and-a-half drive from Nashville, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky. Home to dinosaur replicas so large they can be seen from U.S. Interstate 65, Dinosaur World is an interactive, outdoor park. Life-size replicas of more than 100 dinosaurs dot well-marked paths, with informational signage positioned next to each creature. The signage provides a brief history of each species.
Children ages 3-12 can take part in the Fossil Dig, where they sift through sand in a paleontological setting to uncover fossils. More than 10 different types of fossils have been found during digs, including shark teeth, amber, coral, Trilobites, Crinoids and even dinosaur bones. Guests can keep three pieces from their dig as souvenirs from their trip.
The indoor educational Prehistoric Museum contains several exhibits, and features dinosaur bones, raptor claws, dinosaur eggs and other interesting and rare items that help tell stories about how the dinosaurs lived. Visitors are introduced to a brief history of paleontology in an interactive environment. Guests are encouraged to ask questions of the informative staff.
The Bone Yard, an interactive dig site designed for children, provides an exceptional, hands-on learning environment. Children are given shovels to dig in a huge sand pit and are given the mission to uncover a massive replica of a dinosaur skeleton. The exhibit is one of the park's most popular activities. A short educational film about dinosaurs is viewed by visitors in the park's Movie Cave, which was designed to give visitors the essence of being in a real prehistoric cave. Guest will watch the video prior to exploring the park.
A playground provides the perfect atmosphere for kids to be kids. Swing sets, slides made out of replica dinosaurs, jungle gyms and more are available for climbing and exploration. The site is perfect for birthday parties and other occasions. Group tours for educators and classes are available, with registration in advance. Educators are provided the "Teachers Guide to Dinosaur World,'' which provides them with ways to incorporate basic subjects into the trip. Students can explore the world of math, language arts, science and other subjects while exploring Dinosaur World. Girl and Boy Scout troop leaders also are encouraged to bring their trips to the site to take part in the many educational and interactive opportunities.
While there is no food served at Dinosaur World, guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Lunch can be eaten in a picnic pavilion, decorated with paintings of a variety of species of dinosaurs. Pizza delivery also is available at the picnic pavilion. A gift shop on site has a variety of items for purchase, including toys, books, artifacts and movies.
Dinosaur World is filled with educational and interactive exhibits. The park is constantly changing and expanding. Open year round, the expansive park is a great way to introduce children to the prehistoric past and allow them to explore and learn in a structured setting.
