When families plan a road trip through eastern Utah—whether they are driving down from Salt Lake City or heading toward the national parks in Moab—they often look for the perfect place to stop, stretch their legs, and break up the drive. Right here in Carbon and Emery counties, you are standing in the heart of “Dinosaur Country,” home to some of the most significant prehistoric discoveries on earth.

If you are staying in Price, you are perfectly positioned for a thrilling, family-friendly weekend of paleontology. Here is your ultimate local guide to exploring Utah’s ancient past with the kids.

🦖 Stop 1: The USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum (Downtown Price)

You don’t have to drive far to see world-class fossils. Located right in downtown Price, the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum is a premier stop for families. Unlike massive, overwhelming city museums, this local gem is highly accessible, educational, and completely packed with authentic regional history.

• What You’ll See: The museum houses full-scale dinosaur skeletons, ancient mammoth bones, and incredible tracking footprints discovered in local coal mines right here in Carbon County.
• The Highlight: Don’t miss the famous Utahraptor display—the terrifying, real-life predator that inspired the raptors in Hollywood movies—which was originally discovered right here in our region.
• Family Tip: It is an ideal indoor, air-conditioned activity to keep the kids entertained for a few hours before or after lunch.

🦴 Stop 2: Jurassic National Monument (Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry)

For a true adventure, take a short day trip just south of Price to the Jurassic National Monument (historically known as the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry). This active research site contains the densest concentration of Jurassic-period dinosaur bones ever found.

• The Prehistoric Mystery: Paleontologists have uncovered over 12,000 individual bones here. Strangely, more than 70% of the bones belong to the Allosaurus (a massive carnivore), creating a prehistoric mystery that scientists are still debating today.
• What to Do: The site features a fantastic visitor center with hands-on exhibits, a climate-controlled building built directly over the open bone quarry so kids can look down at real fossils in the rock, and short hiking trails showcasing the rugged desert landscape.
• Local Travel Note: The final stretch of road leading to the monument is graded dirt. While standard cars can easily make the trip in dry weather, check the local forecast before heading out, as desert roads can become slick when wet.

🎒 Quick Tips for a Hassle-Free Prehistoric Trip

• Check Seasonal Hours: The Prehistoric Museum in Price is open year-round, but Jurassic National Monument operates on seasonal schedules (often closing or reducing hours during late autumn and winter). Always check their active hours online before driving out.
• Pack Smart: If you venture out to the quarry monument, treat it like a desert hike. Bring plenty of drinking water, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes for the kids.

🏨 Your Basecamp for Family Adventure

Exploring the ancient world takes a lot of energy. After a fun day of tracking raptors and looking at massive fossil quarries, your family will need a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to relax.

Bypass the expensive lodging down in Moab. By staying centrally located in Price, your family gets direct access to world-class museums, local diners, and comfortable rooms at an unbeatable value.

👉 Planning a family pitstop or weekend getaway? Skip the third-party booking site commissions and secure our absolute lowest guaranteed rates, flexible cancellation options, and direct front desk support by booking your stay directly at Greenwell Inn & Convention Center today!