Planning the perfect family vacation involves finding a destination that captivates children’s imagination while offering comfortable accommodations and activities that parents can enjoy too. If your family has even a passing interest in prehistoric creatures, Vernal, Utah—affectionately known as “Dinosaurland”—should be at the top of your travel bucket list. At the heart of this unique destination stands Executive Inn and Suites, the ideal base for families looking to embark on an unforgettable dinosaur adventure.
Why Vernal is “Dinosaurland”: A Brief History
Vernal’s association with dinosaurs isn’t just clever marketing—it’s rooted in the region’s remarkable paleontological significance. Millions of years ago, this area was a lush, tropical environment where dinosaurs thrived. The conditions were perfect for preserving their remains, creating one of the world’s richest fossil beds right here in northeastern Utah.
The area’s dinosaur legacy began gaining widespread recognition in the early 20th century when paleontologist Earl Douglass discovered an extraordinary bone bed while working for the Carnegie Museum. This discovery would eventually become the famous Dinosaur National Monument, the crown jewel of Vernal’s prehistoric attractions. The monument preserves thousands of fossils from the Jurassic period, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see actual dinosaur remains still embedded in rock.
Over the decades, Vernal has embraced its prehistoric heritage, developing museums, educational programs, and even street art celebrating the mighty creatures that once roamed this land. The city has transformed itself into “Dinosaurland,” a destination where families can experience the wonder of these ancient beasts in engaging, educational ways.
For children, Vernal offers something magical—a chance to connect with creatures that otherwise exist only in books, movies, and imagination. For parents, the area provides an opportunity to combine education with entertainment, creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. And at the center of it all, dinosaur inn vernal utah—Executive Inn and Suites—provides the perfect home base for your family’s prehistoric adventure.
Must-Visit Dinosaur Attractions Near Executive Inn and Suites
The crown jewel of any family visit to Vernal is undoubtedly Dinosaur National Monument. Located just 20 miles east of Executive Inn and Suites, this 210,000-acre park spans the Utah-Colorado border and offers an unparalleled glimpse into the prehistoric world. The monument’s Quarry Exhibit Hall is built around a cliff face containing approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones still embedded in the rock—a sight that never fails to awe visitors of all ages.
Children can marvel at the massive remains of Allosaurus, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, and other Jurassic giants, all visible exactly where they were discovered. The monument’s Junior Ranger program offers kids a chance to earn a badge while learning about paleontology, geology, and conservation. Beyond the quarry, families can explore hiking trails that showcase not only dinosaur fossils but also ancient petroglyphs created by the area’s indigenous peoples thousands of years ago.
For a more comprehensive educational experience, the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in downtown Vernal is a must-visit attraction just a short drive from dinosaur inn vernal ut. This modern museum takes visitors on a journey through time, from the formation of the earth to the present day, with special emphasis on the dinosaur era. Life-sized dinosaur replicas, interactive exhibits, and a working paleontology lab keep children engaged while providing substantial educational content.
The museum’s outdoor Dinosaur Garden features full-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures set among plants similar to those that existed during their time. It’s a perfect spot for family photos and for children to get a sense of the massive scale of these ancient animals. The gift shop offers quality educational toys, books, and souvenirs that extend the learning experience beyond your visit.
Downtown Vernal itself becomes part of the dinosaur experience with its collection of painted dinosaur sculptures scattered throughout the city. The “Dinosaurland Dino Hunt” encourages families to locate all these colorful creatures, turning a simple walk through town into an engaging scavenger hunt. Many of the sculptures are seasonally decorated, adding a charming touch to these prehistoric ambassadors.
For families visiting during summer months, the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo combines western heritage with dinosaur themes for a uniquely Vernal experience. This annual event features traditional rodeo competitions alongside dinosaur-themed activities for children, creating a blend of western and prehistoric entertainment that can only be found in Dinosaurland.
Family-Friendly Accommodations at Executive Inn and Suites
After a day of dinosaur discoveries, families need a comfortable place to rest and recharge. Executive Inn and Suites stands out among the best places to stay in vernal utah for families, offering accommodations specifically designed to meet the needs of travelers with children.
The hotel’s Double Queen rooms provide ample space for families, with two comfortable queen beds that can accommodate parents and children. For families needing more separation, connecting rooms are available upon request, giving parents and children their own spaces while maintaining easy access between rooms.
What truly sets Executive Inn and Suites apart from other vernal utah accommodations is the inclusion of fully-equipped kitchenettes in all rooms. These kitchenettes prove invaluable for families, allowing parents to prepare simple meals and snacks for hungry children without the need to dine out for every meal. The ability to store milk, juice, and snacks in the refrigerator, heat up meals in the microwave, and even cook simple dishes on the stovetop provides both convenience and cost savings for family travelers.
The hotel’s pool is perhaps the most popular amenity among younger guests. After a day of educational exploration, children can burn off remaining energy with a refreshing swim while parents relax poolside. The pool area is well-maintained and supervised, ensuring a safe environment for family enjoyment.
Executive Inn and Suites further caters to families with its complimentary hot breakfast served daily. This convenient morning meal saves families both time and money, offering a variety of options to satisfy picky eaters and hearty appetites alike. Parents appreciate starting the day with a nutritious meal before heading out to explore Dinosaurland’s attractions.
The hotel’s layout and security features provide peace of mind for parents. Well-lit common areas, secure entry systems, and attentive staff create a safe environment for families. Additionally, the property is designed with convenience in mind, featuring easy access from parking areas to rooms—a detail particularly appreciated by parents managing children and luggage simultaneously.
Beyond Dinosaurs: Other Family Activities in Vernal
While dinosaurs may be the main attraction, Vernal offers families a wealth of additional activities to create a well-rounded vacation experience. Executive Inn and Suites serves as an ideal base for exploring these diverse attractions, all within easy reach of your comfortable accommodations.
Red Fleet State Park, often called “Little Jurassic Park,” combines dinosaur history with outdoor recreation. Located just 15 miles north of vernal utah hotels, this scenic park features a reservoir perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating during summer months. The park’s most unique feature is its dinosaur trackway, where families can hike to see actual dinosaur footprints preserved in stone. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail to the trackway is manageable for most children and offers spectacular views of the reservoir and surrounding red rock formations.
For families seeking water recreation, Steinaker State Park provides another excellent option just 7 miles from Executive Inn and Suites. This reservoir offers swimming beaches, boat rentals, and good fishing opportunities for trout and bass. The park’s developed beaches include picnic areas and shade structures, making it ideal for a family day by the water when temperatures rise during summer months.
The Uinta Mountains, visible from Vernal, offer numerous family-friendly hiking trails suitable for various ages and ability levels. The Dry Fork Canyon area features short hikes to view fascinating rock formations and petroglyphs, connecting natural history with human history. During spring and early summer, wildflower displays add vibrant color to mountain meadows, creating perfect backdrops for family photos.
Downtown Vernal itself offers charming shops, ice cream parlors, and family-friendly restaurants. The Vernal Walking Tour provides an engaging way to explore the city’s historic buildings while searching for those colorful dinosaur sculptures mentioned earlier. Many local businesses embrace the dinosaur theme, offering unique souvenirs and experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.
For families visiting during winter months, nearby Ashley National Forest provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. The diversity of seasonal activities makes Vernal a year-round destination for family adventures, with Executive Inn and Suites providing comfortable vernal utah lodging regardless of when you visit.
Planning Your Family’s Dinosaur Adventure
Creating a memorable family vacation to Dinosaurland requires some planning, and Executive Inn and Suites serves as the perfect home base for itineraries of various lengths. Here are some suggested plans to make the most of your family’s prehistoric adventure:
For a two-day weekend getaway, focus on the essential dinosaur experiences. Spend your first day exploring Dinosaur National Monument, allowing at least 3-4 hours to fully appreciate the Quarry Exhibit Hall and complete the Junior Ranger program. Return to Executive Inn and Suites for some pool time before dinner. On day two, visit the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum in the morning, followed by the downtown dinosaur sculpture hunt in the afternoon before heading home.
A three-day visit allows for a more relaxed pace and the addition of outdoor activities. Follow the two-day itinerary for the first two days, then add a third day at Red Fleet State Park to see the dinosaur trackway and enjoy some water recreation. This balanced approach combines educational experiences with active outdoor fun.
For families fortunate enough to plan a week-long stay at Executive Inn and Suites, Vernal offers enough activities to fill every day with new adventures. Beyond the core dinosaur attractions, add day trips to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area for spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing, explore multiple trails in Dinosaur National Monument, spend a day in the Uinta Mountains, and allow time for relaxation at the hotel’s pool and spa facilities.
The best seasons to visit depend on your family’s preferences and tolerance for weather conditions. Summer (June through August) offers warm temperatures perfect for water activities, though it’s also the busiest season. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) provide milder temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration. Winter visits focus more on indoor attractions like the museums, with the possibility of adding winter sports if your family enjoys snow activities.
When packing for your Dinosaurland adventure, remember that Vernal’s high desert climate means significant temperature variations between day and night, even in summer. Layered clothing is essential, as are sun protection items including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for museum visits and hiking trails. If you plan to visit the dinosaur trackway or other natural attractions, bring water bottles, snacks, and a small daypack for each family member.
Dining Options for Families
While the kitchenettes at Executive Inn and Suites provide convenient meal preparation options, exploring local dining is part of the vacation experience. Vernal offers numerous family-friendly restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets.
For breakfast beyond the hotel’s complimentary offering, Betty’s Café serves generous portions of classic American breakfast fare in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Their dinosaur-shaped pancakes are particularly popular with younger guests. Antica Forma offers wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes that appeal to both children and adults, with a relaxed atmosphere welcoming to families after a day of exploration.
Families seeking quick, budget-friendly options will find familiar national chains alongside local establishments like Dinosaur Brew Haus, which offers a children’s menu alongside adult options. For a special family dinner, Café Rio provides a festive atmosphere and Mexican cuisine with options mild enough for sensitive palates.
The kitchenettes at Executive Inn and Suites prove particularly valuable for families with dietary restrictions or picky eaters. Parents can prepare familiar foods for children while still enjoying local dining options themselves. Additionally, the ability to store and reheat leftovers from restaurant meals adds both convenience and value.
For picnic supplies and kitchenette groceries, Smith’s Food and Drug and Davis Food & Drug provide comprehensive shopping options within easy driving distance of the hotel. Many families adopt a hybrid approach to dining, enjoying breakfasts at the hotel, packing picnic lunches for days at attractions, and either preparing simple dinners in their kitchenette or exploring local restaurants in the evening.
Making Memories: Photo Opportunities and Souvenirs
A family vacation to Dinosaurland offers countless opportunities for photographs that will be treasured for years to come. The most iconic photo spot is undoubtedly the “Wall of Bones” at Dinosaur National Monument’s Quarry Exhibit Hall, where children can pose next to actual dinosaur remains for a truly unique vacation image.
The life-sized dinosaur replicas at the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum provide another perfect photo backdrop, with the outdoor Dinosaur Garden offering particularly good lighting for family pictures. Downtown Vernal’s colorful dinosaur sculptures create whimsical photo opportunities throughout the city, with “Dinah” the pink Brontosaurus (located at the eastern entrance to town) being the most famous.
For natural beauty as your backdrop, the viewpoints at Red Fleet State Park offer stunning vistas of red rock formations reflected in blue water. Families hiking to the dinosaur trackway often capture photos of children’s hands next to the prehistoric footprints, creating a powerful visual connection between past and present.
Vernal offers numerous options for meaningful souvenirs that extend the educational value of your trip. The gift shops at Dinosaur National Monument and the Utah Field House Museum feature high-quality books, toys, and replicas that combine educational value with keepsake appeal. Many items are produced by museum foundations, meaning your purchases support ongoing educational and conservation efforts.
Downtown Vernal’s shops offer locally-made crafts and unique dinosaur-themed items you won’t find elsewhere. Dinosaur Expressions specializes in custom t-shirts and memorabilia, while Gadget’s Rock Shop features fossils and minerals that budding geologists will treasure. For an educational souvenir with lasting value, consider purchasing a basic fossil identification guide and collecting bag, then visiting one of the public fossil collection areas outside of protected lands (hotel staff can provide information on permitted collecting locations).
Family Travel Tips for Vernal
Weather considerations are important when planning your family’s visit to Vernal. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 90°F during the day, making early morning starts advisable for outdoor activities. Spring and fall offer milder daytime temperatures (60-75°F) but can be quite cool in mornings and evenings. Winter visitors should be prepared for cold conditions, with temperatures often below freezing and occasional snow, particularly in December and January.
Most of Vernal’s major attractions are accessible to families with diverse needs. Dinosaur National Monument’s Quarry Exhibit Hall is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators providing access to the fossil wall. The Utah Field House Museum is fully accessible, with wide pathways and interactive exhibits at various heights. Families with members who have mobility challenges should contact attractions in advance for specific accessibility information and recommendations.
Budget-conscious families will appreciate the value offered by Executive Inn and Suites’ reasonable rates and amenities like complimentary breakfast and kitchenettes for meal preparation. Additionally, several attractions offer money-saving options: Dinosaur National Monument’s entrance fee covers seven consecutive days of visits; the Utah Field House Museum offers family rates; and outdoor activities like the downtown dinosaur sculpture hunt and many hiking trails are completely free.
To maximize educational value, consider downloading the Junior Paleontologist activity booklets available on the Dinosaur National Monument website before your trip. These materials help children engage more deeply with the exhibits and natural features they’ll encounter. Similarly, the Utah Field House Museum offers educational scavenger hunts that transform a museum visit into an engaging game for children.
Conclusion
A family vacation to Vernal’s Dinosaurland offers that rare combination of education and entertainment that creates lasting memories while sparking children’s imagination and curiosity. From standing beside actual dinosaur bones to hiking where these magnificent creatures once walked, the experiences available in this unique destination cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Executive Inn and Suites enhances these experiences by providing comfortable, family-friendly vernal utah accommodations with amenities specifically valuable to traveling families. The hotel’s convenient location, spacious rooms with kitchenettes, refreshing pool, and complimentary breakfast create a perfect home base for your dinosaur adventures.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended exploration of all that Dinosaurland has to offer, Executive Inn and Suites welcomes your family with comfortable accommodations and thoughtful service. Their staff understands the unique needs of family travelers and stands ready to help you create a prehistoric adventure that your children will remember for years to come.
Book your family’s stay at Executive Inn and Suites today and prepare to step back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the earth—while enjoying all the modern comforts that make family travel enjoyable. Your Dinosaurland adventure awaits in Vernal, Utah, where prehistoric wonders and contemporary comforts come together for the ultimate family vacation experience.
