Gig and The Dinosaurs

~ beetleypete

(These are not my photos)

Once he started speaking, our grandson could never really manage the word ‘Granddad’. He tried a few versions, eventually settling on the name ‘Gig’, when addressing me. So that stuck, and I quite liked it too.

I rarely go out on day trips with Julie, her daughter, and the little man. However, we had him staying for the weekend, and he loves going to the Dinosaur Park more than anything else. With the prospect of good weather, we decided to take him there yesterday. It is a large place, with a selection of different areas to explore, as well as some live animals to see, and a great collection of over 100 dinosaurs, some of which move, and roar!

There are lots of play areas for small children, including this well-constructed adventure area, which ‘Gig’ had to explore too.

Like most similar attractions, it is not a cheap place to go. Despite getting our grandson in free of charge, as he is under three years old, everything else in the park attracts extra charges, and the refreshments cost a lot of money too. There is a big zip wire to go on at a price, as well as as quite a few things to add to the day out, including a cost-extra Deer Safari. We stuck with what was included in the admission price, and still managed almost four hours wandering around enjoying the attractions.

If you are ever in this area, it is a great place to take children of all ages. The water splash area is very popular, and there are animal encounters, as well as dedicated play areas for under-7 children.
Just make sure to buy cheaper tickets in advance, and take your own picnic to enjoy too.
http://www.dinosauradventure.co.uk/

42 thoughts on “Gig and The Dinosaurs”

  2. This looks really good! My sons is dinosaur crazy so we are always looking for dinosaur activities. Norfolk is a bit far for a day trip but next time we are planning a holiday, we will definitely look into here!

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    1. Sorry it is too far for a day trip. But if you are ever nearby, I don’t think you will be disappointed. For kids of a ‘certain age’, it is dinosaur heaven! The North Norfolk coast has a lot to offer, and somewhere like Sheringham is a good base, not too far from these dinosaurs.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  3. This looks amazing! I think Little O would love it when he’s a little bit older. My grandmother’s name was Petronella. It’s a feminine of Peter, which means rock and so her nickname her whole life was Pebble. My eldest cousin couldn’t pronounce Pebble so he called her Peppie and us littler ones just copied him. She became known as Peppie to everyone.

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    1. I have no doubt that Little O would love that Dinosaur Park. It’s only around two hours by car from Colchester, so when he is almost three, you can add it to your list!
      I like my nickname, but wonder how long it will last. I hope as long as ‘Peppie’.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  4. I love your nickname. I think there is nothing as wonderful as your own name from your grandkids. As for dinosaurs, here we have a state park with actual dinosaur prints, a nice trail and an interpretive center. Great fun, especially when my grandson was in the dinosaur-obsessive phase. (Before he became fascinated with car shows.)

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    1. I didn’t even take the camera, Theo. We had a large pram-buggy, a ‘baby bag’, all the picnic stuff in a big cool bag, and a toddler running around too. That’s why I used stock photos. Julie took lots on her phone, but she is out again today, so I couldn’t transfer any.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. They only arrange them for the poorer people who live on benefits. You have to show benefit books or cards to qualify. Not every attraction is included, and there are often time and date restrictions too. The dinosaur park gives a (very) small reduction for pensioners, and a discount for group bookings too.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  10. I loved dinosaurs when I was a kid, and visited a park like this in Utah. and my parents always told me my grandfather was a contemporary of these things, so I in turn told my younger sister, and we believed that for quite a while.

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    1. I must confess that after four hours running around with a toddler, I did feel a lot like a dinosaur, Robert! My father in law told Julie’s children that he was a Roman soldier, and they believed that. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  13. He will never forget these days, Pete. My parents took me to so many theme parks and events that I can not even begin to list them all. But I have the memories of a fantastic childhood!!

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    1. There are a couple of others in the west country, but nothing north of The Wash. He likes it so much there, we might get a season ticket! There are some reasons why I didn’t take any photos, or mention his name. Too much to go into, on an open platform.
      Best wishes, Gig. 🙂

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    1. You can book online, Robbie. In August, it will be advisable to do just that I think. Take a picnic, as there are lots of provided picnic areas, and it will save you a small fortune too! I actually really enjoyed it, although some people complain on Trip Advisor that the dinosaurs are too static, and too boring for older kids. That said, it was great for someone not yet three years old. There are rope-bridges, and Neanderthal camps, as well as the extra (paid) activities that I mentioned. I would call it a good day out myself, but I suspect it all depends on the age of the children. A change of clothes for the popular water splash feature might be appropriate too.
      They give you a trail map, and if you stamp all the sights, the child gets a medal at the end!
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  17. Sounds like a wonderful day…..we have a robot dino park going on as I type…..it comes around every year…interesting but only if you have the mind of a child….enjoy your day in the sun and the picnic (wine and cheese sounds like the perfect outing…LOL) chuq

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