The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and its beloved Hall of Fossils may be temporarily closed as a result of the ongoing pandemic, but, even without the obligatory summer family field trip to the museum, there are still plenty of ways to encourage your kids’ love of dinosaurs. Check out these dino-themed toys below, many available at Northern Virginia toy stores.
The Smithsonian’s online store offers a treasure trove of dino-themed educational options, like this Dino Tablet, with an array of interactive features that teach little learners all about big dinosaurs. Recommended for ages 4 and up. // Smithsonian Kids Dino Tablet; $34.99; Smithsonian
Start your little ones learning about dinosaurs early with this sweet stegosaurus stuffed animal and an accompanying book, Dinosaurs Are Cool, that rhymes its ways through the history of dinosaurs. // Bashful Stegosaurus Plush And Dinosaurs Are Cool, $45, Smithsonian
Child’s Play, with locations in Arlington and McLean, offers a wealth of educational yet fun toys, like this poseable dinosaur. Made to be flexible and look like a real reptile, this authentic-looking dino will offer hours of roaring fun. // Giant Poseable Dinosaur, $29.99, Child’s Play
Who doesn’t love LEGOS? This intricate set (910 pieces!) offers fans, ages 16 and up, an opportunity to dive deep into the history of dinosaurs with a fossil kit, featuring “bones” of a tyrannosaurus rex, triceratops and pteranodon skeletons, a sapiens skeleton figure and a paleontologist minifigure. // LEGO Ideas Dinosaur Fossils, $59.99; Child’s Play
Popular toy brand Melissa & Doug of course offers some great dinosaur-themed options. Combine arts and crafts time with the extinct animals with this dino stamp pad. A two-color ink pad and eight stamps lets your crafty kids create all sorts of pictures, cards and other dinosaur-filled worlds. // Wooden Stamp Set – Dinosaurs, $11.99, Melissa & Doug
This detailed dinosaur habitat, available at Go Bananas in Ashburn, offers a science project and dino time all in one. Just add water, seeds and potting mix to see what vegetation grows. Then paint the volcano and watch the lava flow. // Grow ’N Glow Dinosaur Habitat, $25.99, Go Bananas
The classic book Danny and the Dinosaur tells the story of a boy and his best friend, who just happens to be a dinosaur. Share this fun read, which you likely remember from your own childhood, with your little one for some dino-themed—but quiet!—time. // Danny and the Dinosaur (I Can Read! Level 1 Series), $4.99, Barnes & Noble
Make your own dinosaurs with this clay set featuring 18 cans of colorful clay. An accompany app will walk your little artist through shaping one of six dinosaurs, like a stegosaurus or tyrannosaurus rex. They’ll learn about dinosaurs and art techniques. Double dino win! // Hey Clay – Dinos, $16.95, Fat Brain Toys
For more family finds, subscribe to our weekly Family newsletter.
