17 Best Dinosaur Attractions in Florida • Authentic Florida

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Last Updated on August 2, 2023

Are you looking for the best dinosaur attractions in Florida?

The State of Florida is known for its unique roadside attractions and theme parks, so it’s no surprise that there are more fake dinosaurs in the Sunshine State than anywhere else in the world.

According to the Paleobiology Database, a non-profit public resource, Florida is one of the top five states with the most dinosaur fossils in the United States.

Across the Sunshine State, you can find interactive exhibits, life-sized dinosaurs, dinosaur-themed playgrounds, and so much more.

From dinosaur parks to museum displays to theme park exhibits, check out all the places you can visit for a dinosaur-themed adventure.

Here are our recommendations on the top dinosaur attractions in Florida.

Dinosaur World is a must-visit roadside attraction for dinosaur fans. Located in Plant City, the Central Florida spot takes visitors back to the age of dinosaurs.

It features many different things to see and do. Plus, it’s fun for people of all ages.

The dino park has hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs onsite. The museum has animatronic dinosaurs, dinosaur eggs, and other cool educational exhibits.

Admission includes access to the Jurassic Mini Golf, museum, and themed playgrounds.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Dinosaur World website.

Dinosaur World Address: 5145 Harvey Tew Rd., Plant City, FL 33565

Orlando Science Center is a popular local attraction with educational rotating and permanent exhibits. The center’s DinoDigs exhibit is a great place to learn all about prehistoric predators.

The dinosaur exhibit includes information about dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, like giant reptiles and prehistoric sharks.

See different fossils, such as dinosaur bones and shark teeth, and even have a hands-on experience digging for fossils!

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Orlando Science Center website.

Orlando Science Center Address: 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803

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Florida Museum of Natural History is in Gainesville on the University of Florida’s campus.

Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land is a great educational exhibit in the museum that covers 65 million years of Earth’s history, including the dinosaur eras.

Check out the impressive fossil collections, from teeth and bones to whole skeletal mounts.

In addition, visitors learn about the environments and changes the planet endured while dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Florida Museum of Natural History website.

Florida Museum of Natural History Address: 3215 Hull Rd., Powell Hall, UF Cultural Plaza, Gainesville, FL 32611

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Museum of Discovery & Science is a STEM museum in Fort Lauderdale with many fun and interactive exhibits.

The Dino Dana Exhibit is a fantastic dinosaur attraction packed with fascinating information.

Learn about all sorts of prehistoric creatures while exploring the Dinosaur Boneyard. If you want a cool experience to participate in, check out the museum’s augmented reality Fossil Hunt.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Museum of Discovery & Science website.

Museum of Discovery & Science Address: 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Though we don’t usually cover the major theme parks, there was no way we could write an article about dinosaur attractions and not mention Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando.

Jurassic Park is an entire section of the Islands of Adventure theme park in Universal Orlando.

Inspired by Jurassic Park movies, this area has rides, games, gift shops, and other attractions.

The Jurassic Park Discovery Center is a great spot, a building with interactive exhibits and towering dinosaur displays.

This is the place you’ll learn all about the Jurassic World and its time span while examining “dinosaur eggs” and fossil evidence.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Universal Orlando website.

Universal Orlando Resort Address: 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819

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Located just down the road from the famous Ron Jons Surf Shop and the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Dinosaur Store is another excellent dinosaur attraction in Florida.

Part store, part museum, and part adventure zone, it’s a fun place for the whole family.

The Dinosaur Hall at the museum is a must-visit, with exhibits from various dinosaur eras. This section has huge cast skeletons of some of the most beloved dinosaurs and authentic fossils.

A trip to the Dinosaur Store isn’t complete without a stroll through the 4000-square-foot gift shop.

The store carries a massive selection of dinosaur-themed gifts and souvenirs, like t-shirts, hats, jewelry, fossils, and minerals.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Dinosaur Store website.

The Dinosaur Store Address: 250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

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Bongoland was an old Florida roadside attraction from 1948 to 1952. It featured dinosaurs that were constructed from chicken wire and concrete.

When Bongoland closed, it became part of Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens.

Several of the original Bongoland Dinosaurs are still located within the gardens. It’s a nostalgic journey back to yesteryear to visit this dinosaur attraction in Volusia County.

In addition to seeing the long-standing dinosaurs, enjoy the beauty and native plant species that call this garden home.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens website.

Bongoland Address: 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd., Port Orange, FL 32129

Just down the road from Weeki Wachee Springs is Harold’s Auto Center, a unique auto shop that features a can’t-miss dinosaur.

The spot originally opened as a Sinclair gas station in 1964 and later became Harold’s Auto Center in 1977.

As you drive to it, you’ll see Dino, a 47-foot-tall “Apatosaurus” that is also 110 feet long.

In addition to seeing this humongous roadside attraction, you can also have your car serviced at this family-owned establishment.

Harold’s Auto Center is open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit the official Harold’s Auto Center website.

Harold’s Auto Center Address: 5299 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606

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If you are a fan of quirky landmarks, see the Headless Brontosaurus in Brooksville. This Hernando County roadside wonder was constructed in the 1960s by August Herwede.

Herwede wanted to make his own Dinoland after the 1964 New York World Fair.

Unfortunately, the attraction was left unfinished after Herwede fell while working on this project, later dying.

Today, visitors stop by this somewhat eerie site to see the uncompleted dinosaur still left standing.

Headless Brontosaurus Address: 25431 Lake Lindsey Rd., Brooksville, FL 34601

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1676 E Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Bay Lake, FL 34747

31 Memorial Pkwy. SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

16554 N Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers, FL 33903

One Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884

Experience the excitement of the most extensive dinosaur tour in North America. See life-sized moving dinosaurs brought to you in a safe, educational, and fun environment.

Watch as various dinosaurs move and roar in their natural habitat, interacting with the people along the way.

Get up close and personal with baby dinos, play adventurous games, and dig for fossils! There are also bounce houses, a coloring station, and an area for the little dino fans.

This prehistoric adventure is scheduled in several Florida locations in 2023: Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Jurassic Quest website.

Daytona Beach’s Jurassic Quest Address: Ocean Center Convention Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

West Palm Beach’s Jurassic Quest Address: Expo Center at the South Florida Fair, 9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33411

Orlando’s Jurassic Quest Address: Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

The Great Dino Rescue is a traveling show held in Orlando this August. This entertaining dinosaur attraction is a family experience that features over a dozen dinosaurs on stage.

Follow along during the hour-long performance and learn more about natural history. The show features themed lighting and effects that immerse the audience in this fun adventure.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Jurassic Jungle website.

The Great Dino Rescue Address: Kissimmee Civic Center, 201 E Dakin Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34741

Expedition: Dinosaur is a traveling exhibit currently at the Museum of Discovery & Science.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital presents the exhibit and features new technology to highlight information on these prehistoric creatures.

The exhibit includes life-size animatronic dinosaurs, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Attendees take on the role of an early paleontologist to learn how dinosaur fossils have been unearthed and studied.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Museum of Discovery & Science website.

Museum of Discovery & Science Address: 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

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