Dinosaurs in the Park: New immersive dinosaur experience coming to Heaton Park this summer

Dinosaurs are set to take over Heaton Park this summer as part of a new immersive experience involving life-size animatronics, educational activities and fun fair rides.

After a successful run in Plymouth, the Dinosaurs in the Park trail will be open in Manchester from 20 July to 6 August. It features 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, including well-known favourites like the Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Velociraptor, as well as some of the more obscure prehistoric creatures like Dilophosaurus, Kentrosaurus and Hypacrosaurus.

What else can we expect?

In addition to exploring the Heaton Park dino trail, guests can also learn more about palaeontology in the  fun zone, which will offer activities for all ages, including the Paleontology tent, where there will be fossils and dinosaur dung. There is also a Designasaurus studio, where you get to create your own dinosaur and watch it come to life on the Videosaurus screen.

Some of the other things on offer include excavation digs, mini golf, a dino kingdom bouncy castle and a soft play area for under 3s. If that’s not enough fun for one day, there will also be fun fair rides for an additional cost per ride.

The Park will also be taking advantage of local expertise with two guest visits from the University Manchester’s Dr Dean Lomax on Sunday 23 July and Saturday 5 August. He will be discussing all-things dinosaurs as well as answering visitors’ questions, showcasing some of his fossil collection and there will even be an opportunity for children to bring their own fossils to show Dr Lomax and learn more about them.

How to get tickets

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online via the Dinosaurs in the Park website. Tickets cost £11.13 (including booking fee) for anyone over three concessionary tickets are £8.34 and there are also family ticket options for four people for £42.40.

There is a 20% discount if you book a slot for after 3pm.