The best places to take dinosaur-obsessed kids in and around Manchester

It turns out Manchester is home to many spots that will fill your kid’s wildest Dinosaur dreams, from museums to a raptor safari.

So many kids get obsessed with dinosaurs, and if you’ve got a dino-fan in the family here are some of the fun activities and events to get involved with around Manchester.

Dippy the Dinosaur, Rochdale

Dippy on Tour opened up back in February but quickly closed due to the pandemic. Luckily, they’ll be back open from August 3rd. The diplodocus skeleton left London’s Natural History Museum to tour the UK earlier this year.

Dippy will be in Rochdale until October, before making it’s way to Norwich Cathedral as its final stop.

Stephen Taylor/Geograph

Dinosaur Safari

Using the wonders of technology, many of Manchester’s parks have ranges of quiz trails and guided tours that are free to use. You simply use the app to search for dinosaurs and test your knowledge. There are also Fairy Trails available.

The app is available in Alexandra Park, Boggart Hole Clough, Debdale Park, Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, Phillips Park, Whitworth Park, and Wythenshawe Park – you can get the app here.

Raptor Safari/Facebook

Raptor Safari

The real mini adventure at Raptor Safari near Manchester Airport is now back open following a devastating flood. They’re offering private hour-long tours for families with a Ranger, which will let you see gigantic moving dinosaurs like the famous T-Rex.

There are even some Ice Age beasts like the woolly mammoth there too. The slots run from 9am to 6:30pm daily.

Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo

Make a day of it and visit Dinosaur Safari at Blackpool Zoo, with six new mega beasts, including Dilophosaurus and a baby Stegosaurus which all make sounds and move. Tickets are just £15.25 for children and £19.75 for adults – you must pre-book online.

Gulliver’s Dinosaur and Farm Park/Facebook

Gulliver’s World

The theme park in Warrington has its very own Lost World section, perfect for any dino fans. You can dig up fossils or enjoy the Flight of Pteranodon ride. Gulliver’s World is open every weekend from 10:30am to 5pm.