Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Dinosaur attractions continue to fascinate and educate children, and there are large dinosaur exhibitions in most large metropolitan areas of California. Museums are excellent for field trips and family outings, and other dinosaur attractions such as the Cabazon Dinosaurs can at least be entertaining for their curiosity value. California also has the distinction of having more than one tyrannosaurus skeleton exhibition. Both Los Angeles and Berkeley have skeletal displays of this awe-inspiring creature.
The museum of paleontology at the University of California in Berkeley boasts the largest paleontology artifact collection in the world. A rare, full-scale tyrannosaurus rex skeleton is among the many dinosaur bones in the university museum's collection. The Valley Life Sciences Building contains the tyrannosaurus skeleton, as well as other dinosaurs, and is the sole area of the museum that is regularly open to the public. The rest of the museum is used for scientific research, though it opens to the public once a year during Cal Day, every April.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has numerous dinosaur attractions. Kids can admire the many dinosaur skeletons -- including a tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops, watch animatronic dinosaur puppets and get a glimpse of paleontologists at work inside the museum's Dino Lab. It is recommended that you call ahead if you want to experience the puppets, and though many exhibits such as the dinosaur skeletons are permanent, there are sometimes temporary dinosaur exhibits as well.
Visitors to California's Southernmost metropolis can check out the San Diego History Museum, which is conveniently located near the world famous San Diego Zoo. In addition to a permanent dinosaur bones exhibition, the museum also features dinosaur themed 3-D films. Movies are subject to change, and there are sometimes temporary dinosaur exhibitions, so it doesn't hurt to call or visit the museum's website in advance.
Although it's more kitschy than educational, kids and adults may enjoy the Cabazon Dinosaurs which can be found near I-10 between Riverside and Palm Springs. The dinosaurs consist of a giant brontosaurus and tyrannosaurus, which tower over the interstate and are claimed to be the largest dino sculptures in the world. Originally built adjacent to a motel as a roadside tourist attraction, the Cabazon Dinosaurs now feature a museum and small children's ride.