Crystal Palace Dinosaur Park, Southeast London
Crystal Palace Dinosaur Park in Southeast London is an absolute gem for families. And yes – it’s free! We had such a fantastic time wandering around the park, spotting dinosaur sculptures that are both fascinating and a little quirky. My kids were thrilled with the dinosaur skeletons peeking out of the sand in the Jurassic-themed play area—perfect for little adventurers!
The playground itself is simple but charming, with swings, seesaws, and slides to keep younger kids entertained. The real highlight for us, though, was the dinosaur trail by the lake. It’s incredible to see how people imagined dinosaurs back in the 1850s. Just be prepared—the sculptures are a little far from the path, but there are clear signs pointing out which dinosaurs you’re looking at, which kept the kids engaged.
We were lucky enough to visit on a Sunday when there was a food and craft market, which added a lovely touch to our day. The cafe near the dinosaurs was a bit pricey, but the coffee was excellent, and I highly recommend the almond brownies! That said, packing a picnic is a smart choice, as there are plenty of picnic tables dotted around the park.
What’s really great about this park is how much space there is. The wide, open grassy areas are perfect for picnics or just relaxing in the sun while the kids burn off energy. If you’re feeling active, there’s even a National Sports Centre nearby, and for history buffs, the iconic tall mast from the 1930s makes for an interesting sight.
We visited in colder weather, so the paths around the lake were quite muddy—definitely bring wellies if it’s been raining! But even in winter, the park didn’t disappoint. We spotted loads of wildlife, including squirrels and birds, and even got to see the frozen-over lake.
All in all, Crystal Palace Dinosaur Park is a brilliant day out for families. It’s easy to get to by train, there’s plenty of parking, and there’s just so much to see and do. Whether your little ones love dinosaurs, climbing around the playground, or simply running about in green spaces, this park has something for everyone. Highly recommend!
Map
- Address Thicket Rd, London SE20, United Kingdom
-
What a delightful experience at Crystal Palace Dinosaur Park! The dinosaur sculptures are truly fascinating and add a unique charm to the park. The Jurassic-themed play area is perfect for kids, and the dinosaur trail by the lake is a must-see. The food and craft market on Sundays sounds like a wonderful addition to the visit.
-
Crystal Palace Dinosaur Park sounds like such a fun and unique place to visit! I love how it combines history, nature, and family-friendly activities all in one spot. The dinosaur sculptures are so fascinating to see—it’s like stepping back in time. The food and craft market on Sundays sounds like a great addition. I’d definitely pack a picnic, but those almond brownies sound tempting! What’s the best time of year to visit to avoid the mud but still enjoy the park’s charm? I’d love to hear more about your experience—would you go back?
-
The dinosaur sculptures by the lake are perfect for sparking curiosity in kids. Packing a picnic and enjoying the open grassy areas sounds like a great idea to make the most of the visit. It’s impressive how the park combines history, nature, and fun activities for all ages.
Leave feedback about this