My sons LOVE dinosaurs, so when a Park Mama reader recommended Lasdon Park and Arboretum for its small, but epic, dinosaur garden, we couldn’t wait to explore it!
A scenic drive along the Taconic Parkway hinted of fall – golden and crimson leaves were already peeking through and the nip of cool air as we started along the trails reminded us that autumn is near.
“Mama, DINO, DINO!!”, my almost 2 year old squealed. My 4 year old was equally elated: “Mama, there’s a T-Rex and a triceratops and there’s MORE!” There’s only like 6 dinosaurs in total, but it was enough to put the biggest smiles on their faces. Don’t be fooled by the size of the dinosaur garden though – there’s plenty more to see.
We picnicked on an open lawn, strolled along paved paths dotted with conifers and fragrant gardens, enjoyed hydrangeas in full bloom, studied trees planted in honor of poets and historical figures, and admired the Chinese Cultural Garden complete with indigenous plants and a stunningly crafted pavilion. Our favorite part was stumbling upon a lovely fish-filled pond. A frog even leapt out to greet us as we made our descent along the water’s edge to appreciate the stillness. What a delightful place.
The Park Mama Tips:
- Arrive early. The dino garden is popular and was starting to feel crowded around 11am on the Sunday we visited.
- There’s a few parking areas, but the one closest to the dinos is beside the Veteran’s Memorial. Go to #13 on the map.
- The park is stroller-friendly, with the exception of the dino garden. Stroller parking out front is easy though.
- Bathrooms are closed, so plan ahead. Travel potty for the win!
- The park has done a wonderful job engaging kids – check out this scavenger hunt or download this interactive app to make the dinosaurs come alive.
For more info: