Spending some time on the Isle of Wight is a truly idyllic experience and made even more of a memorable trip if you take time to enjoy the superb attractions. So, if you’re looking for a rip-roaring adventure there’s nothing quite like Dinosaur Isle. This museum is conveniently situated in Culver Parade, Sandown right on the sunny Isle of Wight and there’s good reason to make this a destination visit because actually this UK isle used to be home to many different dinosaur species – it’s believed there were at least 25 of them roaming the isle millions of years ago.
Dinosaur Isle is a must-see for parents of young children up to teenagers. During the summer it opens from 10.00am to 6.00pm daily, last admissions are at 5.00pm (as the evenings get darker the closing time changes to 5pm in September/October and then 4pm from November to March). The attraction is of particular worth if you’re visiting the isle over school holidays because there are incredible fossil walks (not included in entrance price) organised on different days. The walks are led by experienced palaeontologists who explain more of the history in depth and help you to search for fossils (great fun for young children). There are approximately 50 different walks taking place at different times of the year including the Summer Solstice walk and Spring and Autumn festival walks and some of them can last up to 2 hours! As some advice, do book these walks in advance to avoid disappointment. If you do take part in the walks, expect to find lots of small fossils such as actual dinosaur bone and even fossil poo! Even if you don’t visit on a day when a walk is taking place, you are guaranteed a spectacular display of some of the biggest prehistoric monsters that used to roam the earth. The prices are reasonable, adults £5, children from 3 to 15 years £4, family of four £16.50 and Family of 5 £19.50. However if you’re savvy take a look at our discount voucher for Dinosaur Isle.
As well as what’s inside, the building itself is something to be seen to be believed! Built in August 2001, it resembles an enormous Pterosaur shape which towers against the seafront and you’ll witness magnificent views across the Solent, especially marvellous on a sunny day. However, when you visit Dinosaur Isle your focus won’t be on the beach because what’s in store inside is a mind-blowing prehistoric experience which will imprint on you and your children’s’ imagination forever inspiring and opening minds to unbelievable experiences!
The biggest advantage of spending the day at Dinosaur Isle is the educational element as well as pure enjoyment as adults and children alike gawp at the huge exhibits. The museum is home to 30,000 geological specimens which have given researchers and historians an incredible insight into the Isle of Wight’s history and the earth’s evolution. Dinosaur Isle is also home to a working laboratory where unidentified fossils are closely examined and preserved so that we can learn even more about the world all those millions of years ago.
Children of all ages will really get excited about this attraction and there’s so much for them to see and interact with. The dinosaur exhibits move and each one is exceptionally life-like, some of them built to full-scale size. Every exhibit has important information placed alongside or close by. Younger children might need some help understanding the literature although staff are extremely enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly so don’t be afraid to approach someone if you have a specific question. Children are handed activity sheets and worksheets to complete as they walk round so it encourages them to learn some interesting facts and explore the exhibits themselves.
Make sure you go upstairs to the educational activity room where there’s plenty for children to do such as crayon rubbing to make fossil and dinosaur impressions, dinosaur colouring and painting and children can even dress up in dinosaur outfits! For the very young ones there’s a soft play area with stuffed dinosaur toys for them to enjoy. If your children want to help excavate dinosaur bones there is a specific lit-up sandpit area designated to this task which is both educational and great fun too.
Don’t miss out on the powerful microscope which is positioned close to the entrance. This is a wonderful opportunity to see fossilised pieces such as dinosaur bones and insect wings. There’s also a superb area where you can spend time touching and examining skulls and bones as well as see the museum’s developing work. You should also make sure you see the Velociraptor animatronic which is the actual dinosaur used in the first Jurassic Park movie and if you’re really lucky you might get to operate it yourself!
The attraction is perfect for any time and especially as a suggestion for a rainy or cooler day -expect to spend a good two hours roaming the museum and a further couple of hours if you take part in one of the walks. It’s superb indoor attraction for all and even more so if you’re a palaeontology enthusiast – you won’t be disappointed.
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