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En route to our dino expedition, I peeped the ferocious T. Rex's head slowly bobbing up and down behind a building at the outlet center and told the four kids—ages 8-12—in our car to close their eyes. We'd eventually drive past the entire course, which is visible to passersby, and I wanted them to enjoy the element of surprise. For this reason, if you're visiting Dino Safari, enter The Arches Circle from Grand Avenue.

Safari guides greet each child with a paper passport to check off dinosaurs seen, as well as a crayon set and baby dino egg. During the journey, you're transported a million years back in time and globetrot around the world—all from your roving vehicle. Use the provided QR code (or download the app on iTunes or Google Play ahead of time) to play a self-guided, narrated tour chock full of prehistoric history and dino facts from a world-renowned paleontologist. The course winds mere inches from each gargantuan display, including the moving jaws of the Herrerasaurus and a sideswiping Triceratops tail.

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Master the art of a T. Rex selfie at Dino Safari.

Our open sunroof provided the perfect vantage point for little eyeballs and led to ideal selfie angles. Take note, too: The passenger side is prime seating for dino viewing. While the cloudy skies allowed for pristine pictures, we noted how awesome—or should I say jaw-some—the attraction would look after dark.

Once you've gawked at the dinos, you'll pass through a merchandise station before heading home. It's stocked with cute stuffed animals, T-shirts, water bottles, and mystery bags full of fun takeaways. These are available for pre-order when you purchase your tickets, too.

Dino Safari's displays are life-like and situated close to passing cars.

Know Before You Go to Dino Safari

• The exhibit runs Wednesdays-Sundays through Sunday, July 11. Daily hours are 9am-9m; it's also open on Monday, July 5.
• The last ticket is sold 30 minutes before closing time.
• It takes about 45 fun-filled minutes to navigate the course.
• Tickets can be purchased online in advance or upon arrival for $50/car for up to seven guests.
• Each child receives a dino passport book and crayons
• Oversized vehicles cannot be accommodated.

Photos by the author