Divided between two states, with Colorado having the majority holding, Dinosaur National Monument is a “must see” park for anyone interested in Dinosaurs, and especially any family with a budding paleontologist in their midst. 

Before entering Dinosaur National Monument, remember that you are in a desert area and stock up accordingly!  Although you may be able to purchase refreshments within the park, this isn’t a theme park and so there may be quite a drive between the visitor centers.  Also ensure that everyone in your party has a hat and that you leave an itinerary of where you intend to be exploring in the park with someone who will raise an alert if you don’t return by nightfall.  Also observe all safety recommendations that are posted by the park personnel.   This is especially important if you intend to be hiking in the park.

Having observed the safety requirements, visit the visitor center and find out what activities are happening in the park that day, and pick up a map so that you know what there is to see and the best way to get there.  If you are just passing through the area, you could leave your proposed itinerary with the center staff so that they know where you are heading. 

One of the most interesting sections of the park for visitors is the Dinosaur Quarry.  This is actually located in Utah, close to the town of Jenson.  Here, in the Dinosaur Quarry building, you’ll see hundreds of dinosaur fossil bones exposed from the rock.  The quarry itself was proclaimed to be the largest single collection of dinosaur bones found.  Although it’s possible that visitors could be lucky enough to find a previously undiscovered fossil, it’s illegal to remove any such item from the park and if you are fortunate enough to be the first person to discover a fossil, you must have it in to the appropriate authorities in the park.  Other points of interest in the park are the petroglyphs along Park Drive, and cabins that are reported to have belonged to homesteaders.  For those looking for a more physical thrill amongst the ancient history, there are river trips of various lengths and skill levels on the Green and Yampa Rivers.

Dinosaur National Monument is a “in the field” museum which shows ancient history in the shape of the Dinosaur remains that have been uncovered there, the Indian art that was discovered and also the more modern history of settlers.  It’s a unique experience to record for your vacation photo album.

If you’re visiting Orlando, Florida, you probably have a trip to Universal Studios on your list, and therefore may decide to skip MGM Studios, however you may find that – especially if you have younger children – MGM is a better alternative as there are less attractions with height restrictions than Universal.  Although there are a few more thrill-seeking rides, most of the MGM Studio park is at a more gentle pace making it a good destination for families, or those who are a little mobility impaired.

Upon entering the park, you’ll be on Hollywood Boulevard.  This is a place to shop merchandise of both a traditional souvenir nature, and also more limited edition collectors pieces, as well as find restaurants and other kinds of retail outlets.  Walk to the bottom of the Boulevard however and you’ll find the Great Movie Ride.  Although the queue for this may be long, it does move quickly and the journey through well known movie scenes is well worth the wait. 

Around the rest of the park there are shows such as the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular which shows how stunts are performed and re-enacts scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark, a car and motorcycle stunt show called Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, and Fastasmic! A night-time show in the Holywood Hills Amphitheatre. 

For the young, and young at heart, there’s such things as the Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3D show, the Little Mermaid show, the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground, Beauty and the Beast show, and Playhouse Disney live on stage.  Thrill seekers aren’t forgotten completely however with the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Aerosmith’s indoor Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. 

With the Journey in Narnia, and the Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour, there’s a great day of entertainment to be had at Disney’s MGM Studios.  If you love Disney, it’s well worth a visit!

Bents Old Fort is a reconstruction of a 1840s trading post.   Now under the watchful eye of the National Parks Service, the original adobe fort was one of the few white settlements on the Sante Fe trail west of Missouri. 

Although the Fort may not be worth a detour to many people, if you are in the area, and have any interest in 19^th century US frontier history, Bents Old Fort not only shows the physical layout of how such an establishment was run, but also gives a good indication of the kind of natural elements the people who managed and traded at the fort lived with.  With summer temperatures that can go above 100 F, and winter ones that can drop to 0 F during the day, the very brief quarter of a mile walk down the path from the arrivals area, to the fort gates, is a good indicator of how tough people had to be to cope with weather extremes. 

At the fort today there’s a 20 minute video presentation that tells the fort’s story, and there are demonstrations and exhibits.  You can take either a self-guided tour, or alternatively join a guided tour which in the summer are lead by living history interpreters.  There are a number of special events that happen throughout the summer, some of which are specifically aimed at kids, and a visit to the national park website will identify when these take place. 

Whether you have an interest in military life of the time, the wagon trains, the explorers who opened up the west, or just want to give your kids some kind of “live” history experience to help their school studies – look around the store to see what kind of diet those who lived in, or travelled through the area lived on - a trip to Bents Old Fort will have something to interest you.

Situated about 75 miles west of Orlando is the home of the Busch Gardens.  Located in Tampa, Florida, this theme part is inspired by the sights and sounds of Africa, and provides an aesthetic contrast to the sugar/sweet images of Orland’s Disney parks.

The Busch Gardens are set around 10 different themed areas that include savannahs, jungle and even pyramid features, so there’s something for the whole family to enjoy here.   Although animals are a great focal point in the park, it is home to one of America’s top zoos, there are rollercoasters for those who want a little more excitement in their day, or areas for those who prefer a bit of calm to take a gentle stroll in the afternoon.  For those who aren’t quite up to the daring rollercoaster rides, there’s the Seregenti Express railroad that will take you through some areas of the park, and an 8 minute land rover experience that will leave you exhilarated but not shaking!  If you aren’t afraid of heights, the Sky Ride Cable Car will give you a wonderful overview of the park below you.

Younger members of the family will love the Animal Nursery located in the Nairobi sector of the Busch Gardens.  Here they’ll find baby birds, and other animals plus a petting zoo - there are primates in this area also with apes and chimps vying for visitor attention.  For anyone who wants a closer experience with the animals, check out the daily schedule for visitor participation feeding and training encounters.  Another must do for those who like to get off the main beaten track is a behind the scenes tour – these take approximately 4-5 hours and you’ll find information about times and locations in the park, or ring the park in advance for more details. 

As with all theme parks, entrance isn’t cheap, nor is refreshment once you get inside, but it’s a great day out with a very authentic feel and if you intend going to other parks such as SeaWorld and/or Universal in Orlando, then you could considering buying a pass that will allow you multi-park entry at a reduced cost then paying for all entrance fees separately.