Long before mankind inherited the earth, dinosaurs wandered the planet. More than 65 million years may have passed but their existence hasn’t been forgotten — especially with attractions like these reminding us that dinosaurs aren’t just legends,  but an amazing part of our planet's history. So if you are a paleontologist at heart, explore the following five dinosaur-infused attractions, which bring the historic animal to life.

Utah: Dinosaur National Monument

From the fascinating Quarry Exhibit Hall to petroglyphs carved into the rock walls of canyons, the presence of the dinosaurs is inescapable at the Dinosaur National Museum, which wouldn’t have it any other way.  The prehistoric creature undeniably steals the show as skeletal displays lurk around every corner and various species like the famous Stegosaurus, Allosaurus as well as the Diplodocus make their grand appearance. 

Over 1,000 fossils are preserved at the Dinosaur National Monument’s Quarry Exhibit Hall, which makes it an ideal place for all paleontologists at heart to explore.  But that’s not all this dinosaur haven has up its sleeve.  Thrill seekers can ride the waves of the Yampa and Green Rivers for a river rafting adventure through Utah’s eerie canyons.  And although the museum’s million-year-old fossils are well-preserved treasures, visitors are allowed to touch them.

South France: Meze Dinosaur Museum

Not only did dinosaurs rule millions of years ago, they dominate the Meze Dinosaur Museum as well.  South France’s largest playground dedicated to the animal comes to life with this open-air exhibit placed in the heart of a paleontological site. 

Captivating legends of the dinosaur’s origin float in the air as life-size replicas are sprinkled along the museum’s winding trails. Over the years many dinosaur eggs and nests have been excavated from the site on which the Meze Dinosaur Museum sits.  If you can imagine these colossal beings roaming the planet, just imagine centuries ago they once stood exactly where you’ll be exploring their heritage in this extraordinary museum-park.

South Africa: Sudwala Dinosaur Park

How do you intensify the surroundings of ancient caves?  You add realistic images of dinosaurs and other life-size creatures. 

The Sudwala Caves are an ancient underworld that provided shelter for prehistoric cavemen and other archaic creatures. Since bones, teeth, tools and other findings were extracted out of the crystalized caves, many visitors have been drawn to this strange phenomenon. The Sudwala Dinosaur Park adds to the their mystery with huge displays of artfully built dinosaurs that have been placed amid the tropical trees encircling the caves. Just don’t confuse a fake dinosaur for a Nile crocodile, because those reptiles are real.

China: Zigong Dinosaur Museum

With more than 60,000 square feet to explore, the Zigong Dinosaur Museum is arguably one of the largest sites to take a voyage into the animal’s profound history. After all, traces of the dinosaur’s existence have been extracted out of the area since the 1970s, which makes it one of China’s most significant burial grounds. The museum in itself is a time capsule as fossils of Yangchuanosaurus, Xiaosaurus and Huayangosaurus appear around every corner.

As enthusiasts delve deeper into the Zigong Dinosaur Museum’s spaces, more and more strange creatures are brought to the onlookers’ attention.  It even sits on a concentration that boasts a variety of dinosaur collections. If you thought “Jurassic Park” was just an artfully created blockbuster, then you’ll want to visit Zigong Dinosaur Museum where every turn is marked by the ancient monster.

Montana: Museum of the Rockies

Where can you see the world’s largest Tyrannosaurus skull in addition to the most fossils preserved in the U.S.?  That is at the Museum of the Rockies.

Although the paleontology section of the museum isn’t its main focus, it definitely rocks the house with exquisite fossils including the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex. The museum is a paradise for the dinosaur enthusiast, especially since the fossils displayed here were one buried deeply inside of Montana’s mountainous terrain. Even if you aren’t intrigued by the life of earth's oldest wildlife, you will become an instant fan once you’re staring at the cold gazes of the ferocious T-rex, Triceratops and Deinonychus.

Need more inspiration for educational trips for the family? Check out 7 Unique Museums for Kids.