The 5 little known places to take kids obsessed with dinosaurs – and one is hiding in a very popular UK shopping centre
DO you have a dino-mad youngster who loves nothing more than a day out spent hanging out with a Tyrannosaurus Rex?
There are a number of little-known places across the UK that are perfect for any budding palaeontologists - and they could be fun for adults too.
From adventure parks to a dinosaur-themed soft play in a shopping centre, we round up the prehistoric-themed days out…
Dinotropolis soft play in Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent
If you find it a struggle to drag your kids to Bluewater Shopping Centre, you may be able to use a trick up your sleeve.
Located on the upper floor is the three-level soft play , which is themed on the awe-inspiring creatures.
The play jungle includes Dinosaur animatronics, Raptor racing, ball pools, tunnel slides and secret walls.
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There is even a facility to bring your own personal Dinosaurs to life.
If you love retail therapy, but your partner doesn’t, this could be the perfect way to keep everyone happy.
Paradise Park, East Sussex
Take your kid to see life-size moving dinosaurs, fossils and a Dinosaur Safari at
This is one of the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur attractions and is against the backdrop of beautiful natural woodland.
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Inside the Museum of Life you can explore the fascinating world of animals and plants from millions of years ago to the present day.
There are over 40 roaring dinosaurs in total, which is certainly a thrill for any dino-lover.
Knebworth House, Herefordshire
The whole family will enjoy the stunning country estate of , which has a huge play area dubbed Knebworth Fort, a maze and giant slides.
However, it is the dinosaur-themed adventure section which will really appeal to some Velociraptor fans.
The trail includes a whopping 72, life-sized dinosaurs and you can hear their roars in all their glory using wind-up sound boxes.
You can also create your own caveman drawings and attend events during the year, such as the How to Train Your Dinosaur special.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, North Devon
If you are in Devon, you may wish to swap ice creams and walks to do some dinosaur spotting at .
Here there are 19 animatronic dinosaurs, including a life-sized T-Rex.
Hop on the Dino Express train and journey through a dark tunnel to a caveman village - just watch out for what happens when Dave the dinosaur sneezes!
After this, you can check out the dinosaur museum, which has real and replica fossils and an indoor playzone.
Wingham Wildlife Park, Kent
While the is mainly dedicated to hundreds of animals from all over the globe, there are some prehistoric creatures there too.
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Adventurous explorers can check out their Dinosaur Park, which features some of the more fearsome and fascinating animals to have roamed the earth.
There are 22 dinosaurs to encounter, before you head back to see the jaguars and penguins.