For generations, children have been fascinated by dinosaurs, and with good reason. These enormous, fearsome creatures roamed a planet that looked very different from the one we inhabit today, and inspire a sense of wonder while raising questions about the mystery of life. Of course, it’s the most dramatic dinosaurs that have captured the imagination of children, and which have them searching for the latest ‘dinosaur attractions near me’ during school holidays.
Let’s take a look at the five most popular dinosaurs that have captivated children for decades.
Tyrannosaurus Rex
The king of all dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus Rex is a favourite because of its ferocious nature and incredible strength. Ruling over the lands that now make up western North America at the end of the Cretaceous Period, this carnivore could kill prey with a single chomp of its huge jaws and swallow large chunks of meat whole. It could also sprint up to 20mph, making it difficult to run away from. It’s undoubtedly one of the most impressive dinos around, which is why we love it so much.
Triceratops
Triceratops fascinates adults and kids alike due to its bizarre appearance. Like a kind of prehistoric rhino, it boasted a large frill around its head - the purpose of which is still debated among scientists - and three curved horns that could be used in self defence. Despite its dangerous appearance, Triceratops was a slow moving, plant eating dinosaur.
Stegosaurus
Another popular dinosaur among children is the Stegosaurus. Like Triceratops, the Stegosaurus had a weird and wonderful appearance, with large plates that ran from its neck all the way to its tail - a tail which had four large spikes on the end. Again, the fearsome appearance belied the docile, slow moving nature of this dinosaur.
Brachiosaurus
The sheer size of the Brachiosaurus has made this dinosaur a favourite with children. Its long neck and small head (housing an even smaller brain) make it one of the most recognisable dinosaurs, and its peaceful nature gives it a non-threatening appeal. Unlike many sauropods, Brachiosaurus’ forelegs were longer than its hindlegs, giving it an inclined appearance and an ability to reach food in the highest treetops. It’s thought to have roamed in herds.
Velociraptor
In Jurassic Park, the Velociraptor is portrayed as a large, intelligent and reptilian predator, and as such it caught the public imagination. Now, kids know that this dinosaur was actually about the size of a poodle and covered in feathers. It was, however, fast and clever with an excellent sense of smell, which made it a highly effective predator.
If you’re looking for a dinosaur event near me, look no further than Dinosaur World Live, a stage show that uses stunning puppetry to bring the most exciting prehistoric creatures to life. Meet favourites such as T-Rex and Triceratops, as well as lesser-known dinos such as Giraffatitan and Microraptor in this 50-minute performance that’s perfect for kids aged three and up. Book your tickets to this unique dinosaur experience today.
