Glen Rose, TX is an adorable little town about an hour southwest of Dallas. With a population of just 2,000, this town is small but still packs in the fun. There are an incredible number of fun things to do in Glen Rose Texas.
As the dinosaur capital of Texas, be prepared for lots of dinosaur-themed attractions. And since the town is located on the Paluxy River, there’s some great opportunities for water fun, as well.
Whether you enjoy beautiful nature, shopping, or history, you’ll find something in this town to entertain you. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Glen Rose Texas.
Fun Things to Do in Glen Rose Texas
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Just fifteen minutes from the Glen Rose town square, you’ll find this beautiful park, situated on the banks of the Paluxy River. Dinosaur Valley State Park is best known for the dinosaur tracks you can view in the water when the water is clear.
You can check online or when you enter the park to see if the dinosaur tracks are visible that day. After a heavy rain, the water can get a little muddy, which interferes with the visibility.
Even if the tracks aren’t visible, the Paluxy River is a great spot to cool off on a hot summer day. A dam separates the water into deeper and shallower sections, though it’s important to note that the water can be rushing in some of the shallow sections, so always keep a close eye on children. You’ll definitely want to wear water shoes as the bottom of the river is very rocky.
Like many state parks, Dinosaur Valley State Park has equestrian trails, but unlike many others, you don’t need to bring your own horse. You can book a trail ride with Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company for just $30 for a 30-minute ride or $60 for a 60-minute ride.
Admission to the park is $8 for ages 13+ and free for 12 and under.
Dinosaur World
Right next door to Dinosaur Valley State Park is Dinosaur World, where you can wander among 150+ life-size dinosaur models nestled among the trees and around a lake. You can also try your luck at gem mining, dig for fossils, feed the fish, and play a dinosaur-themed mini golf course.
Little kids will love the adorable dinosaur fossil-themed playground, and their parents will appreciate the shaded picnic tables complete with misters in the summer. You’re welcome to bring coolers and enjoy a picnic.
You can also head indoors to learn more about dinosaurs and view the animatronic dinosaur displays, which move and roar realistically!
Tickets start at $13.95 for kids 3-12 and $17.95 for adults 13 and up.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Glen Rose Texas, you can’t miss Fossil Rim, where you can experience an exotic wildlife safari right here in Texas. Choose from a guided tour in a facility vehicle or a self-guided tour in your own vehicle and explore the park, feeding gazelles, emu, wildebeest, zebras, and even giraffes!
Tickets start at $29.95 per person for ages 12+, $24.95 for guests 3-11, for the self guided tour, or $44.95 for ages 3+ for the guided tour.
Big Rocks Park
Big Rocks Park is a beautiful city park that’s free to visit. Located on the Paluxy River, this park is full of giant rocks for kids to climb and explore. The water here is mostly shallow, with an area of rapids that makes for a great natural water slide.
There are parts that are deeper for those who prefer to swim rather than wade – just head up closer to the dam.
The sun sets right over the river here, so it’s a great spot to catch the sunset.
Shopping on the Town Square
The Glen Rose town square is packed with great shopping. From clothing boutiques to antiques to new and used bookstores, there’s plenty of shopping to occupy a full day. There’s even an adorable old fashioned soda shop selling fountain sodas and ice cream sodas.
Somervell County Museum
You’ll definitely want to stop off at the Somervell County Museum to learn all about the history of Somervell County and Glen Rose. The museum docent is a fountain of information about the area and provides a highly entertaining and informative museum tour. Plus, outside, you’ll get to see some additional dinosaur tracks that were cut out of the river and transported to the museum.
Other Fun Things to Do in Glen Rose Texas
Check out more fun things to do in the Texas Prairies and Lakes region.