The Hidden Haddon Fossil that Could Turn Around Your Afternoon

We had no plans today except to enjoy the sunshine. All was well until that last hour between snack time and lunchtime, when suddenly, every little thing escalated to borderline tantrum status. We needed to escape. And fast. Then I remembered Dinosaur Discovery Park. It’s the perfect place for the hour of your day with a toddler that seems never-ending.

Dinosaur “Park” is a lovely quiet space and the end of Maple Avenue. It consists of a picnic table, a trash can, and some classic Northeast forrest scenery. What sets this space apart and makes it a draw for youngins are the dinosaur toys who migrate here from homes across the Haddons.

Every time we go we find a few new toys, and a different formation of dinos!

The actual park marks the spot where the Hadrosaurus fossil was discovered; one of the most defining moments in Haddonfield history, memorialized by Haddy the statue in downtown Haddonfield!

When my husband first took us here after finding it on a quick google search (probably something along the lines of “what to do when your toddler is having a meltdown and the world is shut down due to pandemic”), I was a little bummed on first glance. What park? But it served as a reminder that, to a child, even the seemingly ordinary can be special and spark the imagination. Our daughter played for over an hour happily.

We’ve gone back several times, and it’s always good for a quick mood boost and a lot of RAWRS.

There’s only one rule: take a dino? Break a dino? Leave a dino!

HaddonMama Breakdown:
Supplies needed: Nothing!
Bathroom: No
Stroller friendly: Yes
Cost: Free
Ages: Toddler to Kindergarten