The Dinosaur Footprints Right Here In Massachusetts To Take Your Dino-Obsessed Kid To
Do you have a kid who is obsessed with dinosaurs? I have a little nephew who is and it never ceases to amaze me how he can dump out a box of them and tell me exactly which species of dinosaur each one is. And pronounces them correctly! It’s pretty impressive. There have been a lot of dino exhibits that have come to Massachusetts. But did you know that there’s a place right here in Massachusetts where you can find dinosaur footprints? I had no idea, but here’s everything you need to know.
Why dinosaur infatuation is a good thing
Anyone who has been around a kid who loves dinosaurs knows that there comes a time where you may get really sick of hearing about them. Not so fast. The University of Indiana and the University of Wisconsin looked into the obsession and found some fascinating results. Kids who had an “intense interest” in prehistoric animals may have a higher intelligence. Researchers in the project found that these kids have improved attention, and a more complex way of thinking, as well as processing information. So before you sigh heavily hearing about dinosaurs for the 5,386th time, know that you play a role in whether these benefits stick. Reports say that nurturing their interest and enthusiasm is extremely important. The research shows that most of the obsessions pass. Only about 20% of kids will still be interested at about 5 or 6 years old. Here’s one way to nurture it.
Dinosaur footprints here in Massachusetts
Can you believe that there is a place right here in Massachusetts where you can see dinosaur footprints? Fun fact: dinosaur tracks are Massachusetts’ state fossil. To see some, all you have to do is head to Holyoke, MA. The earliest known dino footprints in North America come from the Connecticut River valley, and thousands can be found in the area that runs through Connecticut and western Massachusetts. One of the best places to see them is at Dinosaur Footprints Reservation in Holyoke. You can check them out just off Route 5 (Northampton St.) in Holyoke. There are dozens of tracks that are preserved in sandstone from different types of dinosaurs that came through the area millions of years ago. Here’s an account and review from someone who’s been there.
So if you’re looking for something to do with the kids during school vacation week, this could be a fun excursion for your little paleontologist.
