Crete with Kids: Dinosauria Theme Park, Heraklion
If you need a break from all the stunning beaches, refreshing swimming pools, and unique archaeological sites in Crete, or if you’re wondering what things you can do in Heraklion with kids, you should know that there’s a theme park in Crete that might be what you’re looking for, Dinosauria Park! In this article, I will tell you all about our visit to this prehistoric experience!
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Dinosauria Park, an Interactive Theme Park in Heraklion, Crete
One of the many family activities in Crete that my kids loved was visiting the Dinosauria Theme Park.
This interactive theme park in Gouves is about 18 km east of the center of Heraklion. It is a great place for adults and kids to learn about dinosaurs and the island’s past.
The theme park features a fantastic museum, excellent fossil replicas, and animatronics. Besides, each stage of your visit includes very exhaustive information boards. Dinosauria Park displays the creatures along a natural trail, accurately recreating their environment.
Among the many replicas, kids loved the T-rex, the velociraptor, and the triceratops. Other models include the oviraptor, the stegosaurus, the mosasaurs, and the mammoth!
However, that’s not all! Inside the park, kids will find more than 50 different dinosaur species, models, and robotics as they follow a route that starts at the park’s time machine and makes them travel from the present to ancient times.
Different sections include a fossil museum, a dinosaur hospital, and special excavation sites (that my kids truly enjoyed).
At the end of the visit, you can watch augmented reality movies in the specially configured 5D Cinema, which uses simulators with VR masks.
For smaller kids, there is a large, outdoor-certified playground and a restaurant. Finally, don’t miss visiting the shop, where kids can obtain their Dinosaur Diploma and purchase interesting educational toys.
The Fossil Museum
This is where the visit starts! We get a bit more serious in this area as we encounter a well-curated exhibition of Mediterranean bones and fossils.
Kids begin their journey back in time through this rare collection. After the museum visit, children are ready to jump into the fascinating world of dinosaurs in the heart of prehistory.
Dinos & Animatronics
After checking out the museum, kids access a fantastic green area in the open and walk along a well-signed path.
All along the trail, kids will encounter fascinating dinosaur replicas and even some quite scary (and unexpected) animatronics that will surprise and entertain the whole family.
Each animal portrayed also features a signpost with information and curious facts, including where certain dinosaurs were common and the size of each dinosaur compared to human size. There are also replicas of different early cavemen, like the Neanderthal.
Dinosaur General Hospital
One of the sections that I found didactic, entertaining, and quite innovative is the so-called Dinosaur General Hospital. In this part of the theme park, well-prepared staff explain to the kids the differences between species and show how life began for dinosaurs.
Children will enjoy the hi-tech labs for dino egg hatchery and the special treatment given to newlyborn creatures and injured ones, too!
Moreover, the spaces are primarily devoted to creative activities, workshops, and a sandbox where kids can pretend they’re archaeologists discovering hidden bones and treasures.
The staff speak different languages, so this experience will fascinate your kids no matter where you come from!
Excavation Area
When they spend time in the sandbox area, specially designed for kids to “play archaeologists” and make exciting discoveries, including fossil replicas, dinosaur bones, and other historical findings, kids are loaned a helmet and excavation tools. This is a very exciting part of the visit for children.
My kids enjoyed this particular attraction a lot. Besides, no matter how much time your kids decide to spend in this spot, the excavation area is in the shade, so there’s no risk of sunburn!
Movie Theater
A 5D cinema features themed films (a small extra fee applies), which kids enjoy after a long walk through the past in the dinosaur garden. My kids (and me) had fun at the 5D cinema, where special effects make the experience truly captivating.
Finally, the Dino Snack Bar will wait for parents to enjoy snacks and drinks while the kids have fun in the playground.
Kids will love getting their Archaeology Level One Diploma at the end of the experience. I suggest immediately heading to the nearby CretAquarium to finish the day with another interesting visit.
This wonderful marine environment is just around the corner. Alternatively, you can visit the magnificent archaeological site of Knossos with the kids or head to another nearby park, the Labyrinth! Anything you choose will be a great way to end your fun and different day on the island.
Remember, the weather is very hot in summer for kids, so don’t forget your hat and water bottle for your visit to the Dinosauria Theme Park!
Location
Dinosauria Theme Park
International Exhibition Center (DEKK)
Gournes, Heraklion, Crete +30 2810332089
Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
About Gournes: Gournes is a small village on the northern coast of Crete, about 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of Heraklion city center. It’s easily accessible by road, making it a convenient location for exploring the northern coast of Crete.
In the area of Gournes, specifically in the Old American Base, you can find other entertainment areas and theme parks, including the well-known CretAquarium, Planet Crete, and The Age of Hercules. Overall, this region offers a well-rounded experience for families exploring the northern coast of Crete.
>> Looking for more things to do in Heraklion with kids? Check out the Labyrinth Theme Park and the fantastic CretAquarium!
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A Local Mom’s Guide to Dinosauria Theme Park in Heraklion
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
