Moab: Moab Giants Dinosaur Park and Museum Entrance Ticket

If you’re heading to Utah and have a fascination with dinosaurs or just love engaging, family-friendly attractions, the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park and Museum might catch your eye. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 28 reviews and a cost of about $28 per person, it offers a full day of prehistoric adventure. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a group of friends, or simply want to tick off a unique experience, this park promises a mixture of outdoor exploration, indoor exhibits, and interactive activities.

One of the standout features is the walk among over 100 life-sized dinosaurs on a half-mile outdoor trail—an eye-popping experience that’s perfect for photo ops and learning. The park also offers a virtual 5D aquarium experience, a 3D theater, and hands-on dig sites, making it a comprehensive spot for dinosaur enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

A quick note of caution: The 5D Prehistoric Aquarium, especially the Megalodon encounter, can be intense for some younger children or those sensitive to motion or sudden visual effects. Still, most visitors find it thrilling rather than overwhelming.

This attraction appeals most to families seeking educational fun, individuals interested in paleontology, or anyone looking for a memorable outdoor adventure with a twist of the past. Let’s explore what really makes Moab Giants a worthwhile stop and how you can make the most of your visit.

Key Points

• Impressive Life-Size Dinosaurs: Walk among over 100 dinosaurs, creating great photo opportunities and educational moments.
• Interactive Exhibits: From dig sites to fossil footprints, the hands-on activities keep visitors engaged.
• Virtual Aquarium Experience: Features realistic sea creatures, including the massive Megalodon, for an adrenaline rush and educational fun.
• Indoor and Outdoor Attractions: A well-rounded experience with indoor theaters, museums, outdoor trails, and play areas.
• Scenic Views: Stunning vistas of Utah’s desert landscape, Arches National Park, and the La Sal Mountains.
• Value for Money: At $28, the all-day access pass offers excellent value, especially considering the variety of attractions included.

A Deep Dive into the Dinosaur Park Experience

The Outdoor Trail: Walking with Giants

The outdoor half-mile trail is the heart of Moab Giants. You and your family will stroll past more than 100 life-sized dinosaur models. These replicas aren’t just static statues; many are highly detailed and positioned to mimic how dinosaurs might have looked in their natural habitats. Reviewers comment on how realistic the models look, with Melvin noting that “the exhibits look absolutely real,” which speaks to the impressive craftsmanship.

Walking along this trail, you get a sense of scale that isn’t easily conveyed through pictures. The sheer size of the T. rex and the towering sauropods is awe-inspiring. It’s also a perfect setting for photos—something you’ll want to take advantage of since the landscape provides a dramatic backdrop of the Utah desert and distant mountains.

Interactive Dig Sites and PaleoCamp

For those interested in paleontology, the Dig-It-Out sites are a highlight. Kids and adults alike love the chance to dig up fossils or examine footprints. The reviews mention how engaging these stations are, with one guest suggesting it’s worth spending a full 2-3 hours here. It’s a fantastic way for children to get hands-on experience in how scientists learn about dinosaurs and their environment.

PaleoCamp adds a layer of educational fun, helping visitors understand how fossils are formed and what they tell us about prehistoric life. The Rock Art Gallery further enriches the experience with exhibits about ancient markings and footprints.

The Indoor Attractions – Theater, Museum, and Aquarium

When the sun’s beating down or the kids need a break, the indoor facilities provide a welcome refuge. The 3D Theater offers regular screenings of movies like “T.Rex” and “Dinosaurs Alive”, which provide a fascinating look at dinosaur behavior and science, narrated with accessible language suitable for all ages.

The Tracks Museum is another educational jewel, focusing on footprints and how they reveal dinosaur movement, behavior, and even details about their environment. Reviewers like Annie suggest planning at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate all the exhibits, including the museum and theater.

The 5D Prehistoric Aquarium is the park’s showstopper for many visitors. It’s a virtual aquarium that feels remarkably real, with stunning visual effects and physical sensations. You’ll see sea creatures like ancient sharks, with the Megalodon providing an intense moment that some find exhilarating and others find a bit too much for young kids, as Laura mentions: “The Megalodon scene was intense, and some children got upset.” The show lasts about 15 minutes with shows every 30 minutes, so check the schedule when planning.

Cafe and Gift Shop

A good visitor experience isn’t complete without a break for snacks or souvenirs. The onsite café offers quick bites, and reviewers mention enjoying good burgers after a morning of exploration. The gift shop is well-stocked with dinosaur-themed memorabilia, making it an ideal spot for a memento of your trip.

Scenic Views and Relaxation

Beyond the exhibits, the park offers breathtaking views of Utah’s iconic landscape. From the Dinosaur Trail, you’ll see vistas of Arches National Park and the La Sal Mountains, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds Moab. It’s a reminder that this isn’t just a museum—it’s a chance to connect with the landscape that ancient creatures once roamed.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Plan for 1-3 hours: Depending on your interest level, you can spend a quick hour or a full afternoon.
• Bring comfortable shoes and sun protection: The outdoor trail involves walking in exposed desert terrain.
• Check the schedule: The 3D theater runs movies every half-hour, and the 5D Aquarium shows every 30 minutes.
• Consider purchasing combo tickets: If you’re interested in the theater, aquarium, and museum, they’re all included in the VIP pass, making it excellent value.
• Children and sensitive visitors: The Megalodon scene in the aquarium can be intense; parents should decide if it’s appropriate for their kids.
• No pets allowed: Only service animals with proper documentation are permitted.
• No food or drinks allowed inside the exhibits: Use the café for refreshments.

Cost and Value Analysis

At $28 per person, the all-inclusive ticket provides access to both indoor and outdoor attractions for a full day. Considering the variety of experiences—life-sized dinosaurs, interactive fossil digs, educational films, and virtual reality aquarium—the value is significant. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated the educational value combined with fun—a great family outing that offers more than just entertainment.

The ticket’s flexibility, being valid for 365 days, means you can visit at your convenience, which is handy if you’re planning a longer trip to Moab or the surrounding parks. Plus, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a low-risk option for spontaneous or carefully planned visits.

Authentic Experiences from Visitors

Melvin’s review sums up the overall impression well: “The virtual aquarium with the Megalodon Shark was very impressive, and the exhibits look very real.” He also appreciated the staff’s friendliness and knowledge, which enhances the experience for visitors.

Annie’s advice to allocate 2-3 hours suggests the park is quite expansive and engaging enough to warrant a half-day visit. She emphasizes taking water and enjoying the walk through time with authentic-looking dinosaurs, making it clear that pacing yourself will lead to a better experience.

Laura’s comment about the delicious cafeteria hamburgers and the realism of the dinosaur models shows that the park offers both educational content and enjoyable amenities.

Susan points out a minor hiccup—non-functional drink machines—which, while disappointing, doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love Moab Giants?

This park offers an excellent balance of outdoor adventure, educational content, and interactive fun. It’s best suited for families with children, dinosaur enthusiasts, or travelers looking for a distinctive activity within the Moab area. The life-sized dinosaur replicas and engaging exhibits make it more than just a museum; it’s a chance to step back into prehistoric times and see the world through the eyes of paleontologists.

If your idea of a good day involves walking among giants, learning through play, and enjoying scenic views, Moab Giants is likely to satisfy. It’s also a smart choice for those with a flexible schedule, thanks to its year-round validity and wide range of attractions.

While the aquarium scene might be intense for the very young or sensitive, most visitors find it adds a memorable thrill to the visit. The ticket price reflects the quality and breadth of experiences on offer, making it a worthwhile addition to your Moab itinerary.

FAQ

Is the ticket valid for multiple visits?
Yes, your all-inclusive VIP pass is valid for 365 days, allowing you to visit multiple times if you wish, though most visitors tend to spend a few hours exploring it all in one go.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. There’s an on-site café where you can purchase meals and snacks after your exploration.

Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed inside the park, only service animals with proper documentation.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection like a hat and sunscreen are recommended, especially for outdoor parts of the park.

How long does the entire visit take?
Depending on how much you want to engage with each activity, visiting can take from one to three hours.

Is the park accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility concerns.

This detailed look at Moab Giants Dinosaur Park and Museum shows it’s a thoughtfully designed attraction that offers real educational value mixed with fun. Whether you’re snapping photos of towering dinosaurs, marveling at the virtual sea creatures, or just soaking in the Utah landscape, it’s a museum experience that’s likely to leave a lasting impression.