Dinostar – Hull

If you have a dinosaur-obsessed youngster in the family, Dinostar is a fantastic little hidden gem to add to your list. Located in Hull (East Yorkshire) with the postcode HU1 1UU, it’s right in the heart of the Fruit Market area.

What’s the Vibe?

This isn’t a massive, sprawling theme park; it’s an interactive, independent museum that packs a lot of prehistoric punch into a smaller space. It’s perfect for kids who love to get hands-on. Expect to see impressive fossil replicas, including a T-Rex skull and Triceratops bones. The “fun” factor really kicks in with the interactive displays—think sandboxes where you can build landscapes, various buttons to press, and even a “smell” test where you can sniff what a dinosaur’s breath might have been like (fair warning: it’s not exactly roses!).

Tips for Your Visit

• Time Spent: Most families find that an hour or two is plenty of time to see everything and play with the exhibits. It’s a great “add-on” attraction rather than a full-day destination.
• Target Audience: It is primarily aimed at primary school-aged children. Older teens might find it a bit small, but for the little ones, it’s pure magic.
• Budgeting & Food: Keep an eye out for local discount vouchers or family tickets which can help shave off some costs. Since it’s a shorter visit, many people find it’s not worth looking for annual memberships unless you live right around the corner. While there isn’t a massive café inside, you are in a prime spot—the surrounding area is full of trendy eateries. However, if you want to save your pennies, there are plenty of benches nearby near the marina for a packed lunch.
• Parking: Street parking right outside can be tricky and expensive. It is usually much better to park at one of the larger nearby multi-storey car parks or at the shopping centres just a short walk away.

Making a Day of It

Since you’re already in the area, you can easily combine this with a trip to The Deep, Hull’s massive aquarium, which is just a short stroll across the footbridge. The Hull Marina is also right there, which is lovely for a walk to look at the boats after you’ve finished being amateur palaeontologists.