Dinosaur World
4.5(7.1K)google
4.0(293)yelp
Family
Overview
Conveniently positioned along Interstate 4 in Plant City between Tampa and Orlando, Dinosaur World is a spectacular, 20-acre lush outdoor adventure park designed specifically as a paradise for dinosaur enthusiasts and families. Visitors can wander down shady, winding boardwalks set amidst lush tropical foliage to encounter over 150 life-sized, incredibly realistic dinosaur sculptures crafted with impeccable scientific detail. The park features an expansive indoor museum with authentic fossils, an interactive gemstone mining sluice, a giant dinosaur-themed playground, and dog-friendly walking tracks.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeNovember through March is ideal to enjoy the cooler winter weather. Since this expansive park features outdoor nature trails with life-sized dinosaur models, arriving right at 9:00 AM opening is highly advised; the morning sun filtering through old oaks creates a prime prehistoric ambiance without midday heat.
Getting ThereSituated in Plant City at 5145 Harvey Tew Rd. Driving is the most practical method: travel along I-4 to exit 19 (Harvey Tew Rd), where you will immediately spot a giant dinosaur billboard at the ramp. Turn onto Harvey Tew Rd to find the park's expansive, complimentary surface lot.
Travel Tips
- While the common boardwalk park is dog-friendly, pets are strictly barred from the Dino Dig sand arenas and indoor artifact museum galleries. The facility operates no commercial hot-food dining infrastructure; maximize budget optimization by fully packing lunch coolers at mainland grocery stores off I-4 Exit 17.
- Navigate unpaved oak canopy terrain and vector hazards: the path network weaves through native central Florida hardwood hammocks. Dirt loops become swampy post-rain, demanding closed-toe athletic footwear; the undergrowth harbors aggressive chigger and snake populations, rendering stepping off paths illegal.
Photo Tips
Best LightOptimize spot-metering under dense tree canopies: large model elements situated beneath old-growth oak hammocks suffer from broken dappled light that disorients automated camera meters. Override camera matrices by utilizing manual Spot Metering on focal subjects and engaging a CPL lens to strip leaf reflection noise.
Reviews
Positive
- Over hundreds of life-sized dinosaur models are scattered through a lush tropical jungle; a true paradise for dinosaur-loving toddlers, full of rustic fun.
- The grandest perk is allowing guests to bring all their own food and drinks for a picnic; it features wide shaded pavilions, with no predatory food traps.
- The Dino Dig and gem-mining areas are brilliantly planned; kids can personally unearth real shark teeth and arrowheads to take home, full marks for experience.
- The accessible boardwalks are flat and mostly tucked beneath giant shade trees, avoiding long treks and making stroller or senior movement easy and cozy.
Heads up
- All dinosaur models are fully static fiberglass sculptures; they don't move or roar, lacking high-tech interactive elements, and adults may find it boring.
- Adult tickets exceed $20; for a small park with zero mechanical rides that relies entirely on viewing sculptures, some guests feel the value is low.
- Some dinosaur sculptures show visible paint peeling and fading due to year-round weathering under Florida's sun and rain; upkeep seems lagging.
- The location is awkward, sitting right off the highway between Tampa and Orlando; without driving it's hard to reach, and the gift shop inventory is generic.