Wondering how to entertain your little one? What about a fun-filled adventure for the whole family?
Take a scenic drive on Highway 7 and head to Canada’s Dinosaur Park near Peterborough – the only dinosaur park in Canada that offers a drive-thru chance to explore the world of pre-historic dinosaurs and ancient reptiles. It is the perfect trip for you and the kids to go back to a place in time when these creatures roamed the earth without having to leave your car!
With over 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and hundreds of live reptiles such as alligators, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and lizards, there’s no shortage of excitement at Canada’s Dinosaur Park, erstwhile Indian River Reptile Zoo.
But the real star of the show is Canada’s very own “Scotty” Tyrannosaurus Rex. In 2019, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum announced that “Scotty” was the largest T-Rex ever discovered, beating out “Sue” at the Field Museum in Chicago. At 50 feet long, “Scotty” is now on display as a life-sized animatronic dinosaur at Canada’s Dinosaur Park.
And don’t forget to visit the Boneyard for an educational experience searching for ancient fossils.
But Canada’s Dinosaur Park isn’t just about the dinosaurs. It’s also home to Canada’s largest non-profit reptile sanctuary, with over 200 rescued reptiles from around the world. These animals act as ambassadors for their species, allowing visitors to safely get up close to reptiles they wouldn’t likely see in the wild.
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And for the brave of heart, get tickets to the park’s Crocs after Dark experience offered during select dates in summer. This nighttime adventure allows visitors to see dozens of alligators, caiman, and crocodiles up close and personal as caregivers feed them. Using low-beam flashlights altered to eliminate any white light that may bother the crocodilians, visitors can witness the unique sight of dozens of red eyes gleaming back in the pitch black.
But it’s not all about the animals. Canada’s Dinosaur Park also offers a brand new, exclusively designed 18-hole championship mini-golf course, winding through megalithic standing stones for a one-of-a-kind experience. And take a nature walk to learn about the famous Norwood Esker, a gravel ridge left behind by our last retreating glacier over twelve thousand years ago.
So whether you’re a dino enthusiast, reptile lover, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Canada’s Dinosaur Park and Reptile Sanctuary has something for everyone. And with all proceeds from ticket sales going towards the non-profit reptile sanctuary, you can feel good about supporting a great cause while having a blast.
Things to Do Nearby: Highway 7 Attractions
Trip Planning — Canada’s Dinosaur Park
What: Spead over 37 acres, Canada’s Dinosaur Park features over 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and hundreds of live reptiles such as alligators, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and lizards. You can also visit the Feathers & Fossils Museum, famous Croc-Walk, Bone Dig, Gift Shop, Mini-Golf, and enjoy satisfy your cravings from food trucks onsite.
When: Opens Late April until Late Summer
2023 season: Opens April 29th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much:
Dinosaur And Reptile Walk-Thru
Adult (19-59) – $24
Seniors (60+) – $20
Youth (13-18) – $20
Child (4-12) – $15
Children under 3 – FREE
Mini-Golf
Adult – $12
Youth – Seniors (60+) – $10
Child – $8
Children under 3 – FREE
Where: 2206 County Road 38, Indian River, Ontario.
16 kms from Peterborough on Hwy #7 At County Road #38.
About 2 hours from Toronto and Kingston.