Where to See Dinosaurs in Metro Detroit

Amaze the little dino lovers in your family by taking them to one of these dino-mite spots.

Families with little dino lovers at home will love seeing the look of amazement on their child’s face when they come face-to-face with a dinosaur. 

From life-sized replicas and fascinating exhibits to hands-on fossil digs, explore a world of ancient creatures and discover hours of family fun at these dinosaur attractions in metro Detroit. 

Looking to plan a dino-mite family vacation? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Dinosaur Attractions in the Midwest.

This article was recently updated on June 12, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on dinosaur attractions in metro Detroit. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.

Canterbury Village Dino & Dragon Stroll

dino-stroll-canterbury-village
Photo credit: Canterbury Village

2025 dates TBA

Find 75 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, including walking Velociraptors, baby dinos and even fantastic smoke-breathing dragons! Enjoy live music by The Dino Band, Jurassic photo ops and more at this annual event. 

Cranbrook Institute of Science

Discover a full-sized T. rex skeleton and learn about the descendants of dinosaurs that still roam the earth. Snap a photo inside the jaws of a megalodon and learn about the ancient creatures of the Ice Age, including the saber-tooth cat and the mastodon. 

Dinoland

Photo credit: Dinoland

This Jurassic indoor play place has two locations in metro Detroit. The multi-level prehistoric playscapes have ninja courses, slides, zip lines, a rock wall and, of course, dinosaurs everywhere! There is a soft play area for tots, a Dinoland Cafe for when you need to refuel, and birthday party packages for celebrating your dino lover’s special day.

Dinosauria at the Detroit Zoo

Dinosauria at the Detroit Zoo
Photo credit: Detroit Zoo

Encounter dinosaurs at the zoo! This dino-mite annual event is a favorite among dinosaur lovers. The immersive walkthrough experience includes 34 life-like animatronic dinosaurs and a new T-Rex photo opp.

Fun ZoneZ

Families can enjoy interactive arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars, a toddler play area and virtual reality attractions, all in a dinosaur-themed entertainment center. Try Mesozoic Era: Age of the Dinosaurs laser tag, or enjoy some family time in the laid back Quiet Zone, a gaming zone with pool tables, ping pong, darts and more for ages 12 and up. 

Jurassic Quest

dinosaur attractions metro detroit
Photo Credit: Jurassic Quest

  • Cost: $22-plus/ages 2-64, $23/seniors 65-plus, free for kids 2 and under

Keep an eye out for when this traveling dinosaur show will visit Michigan. Experience life-size animatronic dinos, meet baby dinosaurs, watch live raptor trainings, bounce on dino-themed inflatables and so much more. From crafts to dinosaur rides, expect to find exciting dinosaur activities the entire family can enjoy.

Schmaltz Geology Museum and Dinosaur Park

Discover a small dino park outside this  geology and mineral museum. The park has seven scale model replicas of dinosaurs from the Mesozoix Era. Plus, the museum is free!

Stage Nature Center

Go on your very own fossil expedition at the American Mastodon Dig Site at this free nature center. The kids’ activity pit is filled with rubber mulch and replica bones. Kids will use shovels and brushes to unearth fossils and mastodon bones. 

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

Dinosaur discoveries university of michigan museum natural history
Photo credit: Leisa Thompson, courtesy of the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

Explore Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas, which showcases the latest dinosaur science from the past two decades. Fossils, computer simulations and life-like models will allow guests to discover how dinos looked, moved, behaved and became extinct, based on the newest interpretations of ancient fossils.


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Nikki Roberts
Nikki Roberts
Nikki Roberts is the assistant editor on the Metro Parent team. She is always on the lookout for the coolest and trendiest new attractions, restaurants and events for metro Detroit families. Her newsletters, online family guides and exciting digital content keep families informed on all the latest happenings around town.

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