The Dinosaur Place — Attraction in Montville

Families with 2 or more kids will find the pricing to be a bit on the outrageous side. I, for one had 5 children and my husband and myself. Keep that in mind moving forward. Lets discuss just the general admission now, wont get into the fact your choosing to add on price for other activities. Anyways, For what your park offers in general admission fee, it is unreasonable. Your park at its core, is a walk around with essentially two playgrounds, a splash pad, and a few well placed cement dinosaurs and a gift shop. So, we can assume that overhead is pretty low and upkeep as well. You know you cater to small children pretty exclusively with older kids not really too interested in the dino world, not saying they aren't but generally, its smaller kids. This isn't a super park with adventure rides and characters. It's walking and viewing, yet, you have the audacity to break up the stunning per person charge not only for child vs adults but this whole other bracket of charges?! Why do you feel it's acceptable to charge (off peak vs peak) which peak hours is yet another up-charge of yours (clever, not) $22- $30 for 2-5 year olds then up-charge $25-$35 for 6-17 year olds and then yet another denomination of 18- 59 yr olds with the cost being $22-$30 with seniors paying $21-$28 and children under 2, free. (aw, how considerate of you) but for families with two or more kids the costs to walk your park and simply gaze upon your life size cement statues is pure, GREED. A family during peak, because that'd be when families can plan an outing (smh, nice of you to capitalize on forced timing for families) Mom, Dad and let's say 2-3 kids typically 5 year old, one 9 and one is 7, now, let's add one more 8yr old (like my family ) let's tally! Hm, that's $195.00! Almost $200, Just to get in the door! Now you've also added activities and other eye catching attractions which can be accessed for additional fees, of course! Which are the genius museum, mini golf and discovery depot. Must I add the insult of saying PARKING IS FREE! (Wow, thanks!) You allow people to park free in the parking lot of the establishment you run and ultimately charge families hundreds of dollars to walk your park and view cement dinosaurs. Now I understand you're in the business to make money but come on, its something families have to save up for now! Theres lunch/snacks/drinks and don't get me started on the gift shop! I dont know many families that can go any weekend and drop $500/$600 or even more on the drop of a whim. You are truly gouging the parents to death. These prices are UNREASONABLE! You should consider a pricing change or offer packages for larger families or not charge extra for things that CLEARLY should just be in general admission. I cannot imagine how many customers youve already lost and can never get back but, obviously youve lost my family and I. We simply cannot afford these insane prices. Its sad. Its sick. Its not right. Its pure greed. Its Shameful! On behalf of kids and family, Be...

Great place if you want an local place to buy jewelry supplies or rocks (whether for decor or magick), if you have multiple children it can be worth it to bring them here to play in the summer heat at the splash pad, but beware the pricing is quite high. The trails are nice, but could really use an update with the attractions. I found the local wildlife I saw more interesting then the information on the dinosuars, and I love dinosaurs. The one animatronic dinosaur was probably the most interesting one there. If the others were updated to more scientifically accurate models that have recently come out in the past decade and more effort was put into their posing, presentation, and interactiveness with the audience it would be an amazing place for those of all ages and worth the price. I was also disappointed that the many large rocks they have for decorations, none depict fossils of any sort, even if they were painted or replicas of fossils it would seem better than bland, random boulders. There also could have been more places along the trail to rest, dispose of trash (perhaps have separate recycling bins? Its 2018 my friends), and more to stuff in general to educate. The outdated dinosaurs models obviously will appeal to a lot of children, but how much are they learning? Most young kids wont want to read the in depth description about them. It would be nice if besides those ones, there were simpler "fun facts", for the younger children to read and learn. Its more of a cheap running down park for your kids to have fun and play at on the playground then a fun, educational way to let your children play and learn while you drain your bank account. It's more worth it to pay the same amount to bring them to the mystic aquarium or the niantic children's museum. Or make a trip to the Peabody museum of science, Boston museum of science or children's museum of science in Boston! If you're just looking for a way for your kid to have fun and get tired out, go someplace free, or much cheaper. Ocean Beach, Hole-in-the-wall Beach, Mccooks Beach, Harkness Park, Devils Hopyard, all popular local places to go. We have so many trails and local parks with playground equipment your kids can play on. Some schools you can bring your kid to the playground during the summer to play. I seriously suggest not coming here unless you really dont care about the cost. Education and fun can be attained...

I was invited to go to this park with my brother and his children. I thought it would be nice to see the kids having a good time. However, I was told it was $30 per person. What!?!? I called the facility and spoke with a young lady, who confirmed that the park was designed for children, but adults were required to monitor them. And everyone had to pay to enter. I stated that the fee— making adults pay— did not make sense. She then transferred me to Dan— who would not admit to being an owner, but based on his demeanor, he certainly acted like he owned the place.

I asked Dan how the flat $30 admittance fee was justified. He said “We only make our money ten weeks out of the year… the price is the price and everyone has to pay. I’m sorry you can’t afford it.” Interestingly, Dan also added, “You are the first person in twenty-five years to complain about the price.” I am!?!? Really? I doubt that.

Dan was definitely rude and condescending. Dan stated the price was made up by “the management team” and, additionally, admitted to being part of that team. He would not give me his last name. Dan concluded the call by saying, “This conversation is over,” and hung up.

Ok, Dan. Hello Google reviews. CT has many wonderful places to bring children. Try the Dinosaur park in Rocky Hill. …or any of the beautiful state parks with trails, waterfalls and picnic areas. I wanted to spend time with my niece and nephew, but for all of us to go, it would have cost $180. This venue in Salem is definitely a tourist trap. STAY AWAY!! However, if you feel $30 per person to walk on some trails and watch your children do a few indoor activities is worth it, hey, this is America. Have fun. But I, however, draw the line at this kind of retail r-ping. It is not the consumers’ problem that a business only chooses to stay open ten weeks each year. Find another revenue stream! Find a place in CT, owned or maintained by people, that want to support your family activities and joyous time together, by not nickel-and-diming...