From cute little critters to snarling, jaw-dropping monsters, everything about of dinosaurs is simply and undeniably fascinating. If you’re hopelessly enamored of these majestic beasts from prehistoric times — and, seriously, who isn’t? — you can even plan your next getaway around them.

That’s right, you don’t need to be Steven Spielberg to awaken your inner paleontologist. There are plenty of dinosaur destinations out there where you can completely geek out among real specimens from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous eras. Because life always finds a way (See what we did there?) here’s a handy list with a few destinations for a fun-filled dinosaur-themed vacation across North America!

Alberta, Canada

Prehistoric bones at Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Commonly nicknamed “the dinosaur capital of the world,” Alberta is a region of sweeping prairies, canyons, valleys, and lakes. Its biodiversity made dinosaurs abundant back in the day, especially in the area now known as Dinosaur Provincial Park. More than 44 species have been discovered within its grounds. Today, visitors to Dinosaur Provincial Park can sign up for a wide range of hikes, tours, and events, including multi-day “fossil safaris” where educational lessons on paleontology and guided digs by real scientists are provided. You can also explore the area on your own and even go camping among the dinosaur bones, Alan Grant-style. With the stars above and sleeping T-Rexes below, it’s a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for dinosaur enthusiasts!

Rocky Hill, Connecticut

Walk the same paths as these lumbering creatures when you visit Dinosaur State Park in Connecticut. This place displays real-life dinosaur tracks made by eubrontes and other species dating back 200 million years, protected by a white geodesic dome that extends over sandstone dotted by claw marks and footprints.

When you’re done following the trail, head back to the main building to enjoy many other dino-themed activities and attractions, including fossils, dioramas, murals, interactive maps, arts and crafts, and even  mining events. You can also take advantage of educational exhibits on other science topics such as geology, zoology, and archeology. Listen to a bird sounds station. Explore the Mesozoic Magnetic Wall. Discovery is educational and entertaining at Dinosaur State Park!

Orlando

“Jurassic Park VelociCoaster” by Joe Shlabotnik is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Walk through the iconic gates of Jurassic Park when you visit the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando! Filled with death-defying adventure, you’ll feel just like Dr. Alan Grant — or Dr. Ellie Statler –as you take in wild rides, games, and interactive experiences all themed around the iconic Hollywood film series.

The VelociCoaster, for example, is called the “apex predator of roller coasters.” And for good reason: It’ll launch you 155 feet into the air at 70 miles per hour! The Jurassic Park River Adventure will splash you silly after an 85-foot drop. Traveling with your little ones? No problem. The Pteranodon Flyers are great for kids, as well as Camp Jurassic, a prehistoric playground where they can climb nets, explore caves and bridges, and squirt dino-head water guns.

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New York City

American Museum of Natural History by Tomás Fano is licensed through Wikimedia Commons

Located in the heart of NYC, the American Museum of Natural History hosts the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils. It’s also home to the largest specimens anywhere. The museum’s Barosaurus is the tallest freestanding dinosaur mount ever recorded, and the Titanosaur is so big that its skull extends outside of the gallery and right into the hallway.

Other cool things to see at the museum include skulls, bone fragments, and fossilized dinosaur poop (which is called coprolite, if you really need to know). There’s even a “mummy dinosaur” made from the fossilized imprint of a million-year-old carcass. Whether you’re a serious paleontologist or an adventurous traveler eager to spend a few days in the Big Apple with your kids, you’ll sure find plenty of opportunities to be dino-struck here!

Washington, D.C.

“Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA” by Domenico Convertini is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Washington D.C. is home to many dinosaur-themed attractions, A good example is Dinos Alive, a children’s museum that offers everything from costume booths to life-sized replicas of velociraptors. However, the crown jewel of your visit to the city should be the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Its world-famous Hall of Fossils covers literally billions of years of history, and walking through its corridors is like walking through time itself.

See the staggeringly large skeletons of T-Rexes and Triceratops. Marvel at the wall-sized murals depicting the everyday lives of these ancient animals. Learn more about the asteroid that ended it all. If you time your visit just right, you can even observe through the window of its “FossiLab” as staffers examine, clean, and photograph fossil samples from the field.

Know of any other great place to admire dinosaur fossils or join some fun with your kiddos? Let us know in our comments section below!