Parents with young children are likely very familiar with dinosaurs, as these ancient creatures seem to captivate the imaginations of children from the very moment they learn about them. If your kids are obsessed with the science of paleontology, why not take them to a place where they can walk where the dinosaurs once did: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is located in northeastern Oregon, in the heart of the high desert. You’ll be treated to stunning views of colorful layered hills, deep ravines, and eroded rock formations laden with fossils of a time long since past. To make the trek ecologically sound in the Painted Hills region, a boardwalk has been built above the substrate to prevent any disturbance of the ancient landscape, making for a very easy stroll for adults and kids alike.
Outside of the Painted Hills, there are 15 other hiking trails within the 3 areas that comprise John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to listen to guides tell them the history of the landscape, as well as see technicians in the process of protracting fossils from seemingly ordinary pieces of rock. The monument is open year-round during daylight hours, with the exception of federal holidays, and admission to any attraction or event here is always free.
Unfortunately, John Day Fossil Beds camping is unavailable, but there are a number of free and pay camping sites within short distances of the monument. Picnic tables at all 3 areas of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument make a perfect place to have lunch (provide your own) and discuss all the thrills and sights of this wonderful historical outdoor destination.
And to put a cherry on the sundae, you can even drive into the neighboring town of Fossil and dig for your own keepsakes! This is surely a vacation the kids will remember for a lifetime. Check out this cool video on just a few of the highlights of a visit to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
Image via tsaiproject, penjelly
