Are you planning a family holiday to Istria? The good news is that there are so many family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Dino Park Funtana is one of the most exciting attractions in the region. This dinosaur-themed adventure park combines education and entertainment in a natural forest setting.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting. We’ll answer what the Funtana Dino Park is, the best things to see and do inside, practical information about tickets and opening hours, and other nearby attractions in Funtana.
Get ready for a fun-filled day for the whole family!
What is Dino Park Funtana?
Located in the small coastal town of Funtana, just a few kilometres from Poreč, Dino Park Funtana is Croatia’s first dinosaur-themed park. It opened in 2009 and has continuously expanded. The park now stretches across 85,000 square meters of natural forest.
When you first arrive, you are greeted by life-sized dinosaurs along forest trails that wind through the park. This is an immersive setting designed to replicate prehistoric landscapes.
The park also includes live shows, carnival-style rides, playgrounds, animal exhibits, and multiple food and beverage options, making it an all-day destination for families.
What to see and do at Dino Park Funtana
There are multiple must-see and do attractions inside the park. Here are our top picks that you should not miss!
1. Dinosaur Trails
Follow themed walking routes like “Gondwana” and “Pangea,” where you’ll find over 80 life-sized dinosaurs. Some move, roar, and interact with you, creating great opportunities for pictures from Dinopark Funtana.
2. Dino Dome Arena
At the centre of the park is a massive arena that seats 1,000 guests. There are daily shows that take place here, featuring acrobats, magicians, dancers, and themed performances such as the Jurassic Show and Pirate Show. These shows are included in the ticket price and run several times a day during peak season.
Tip: We recommend arriving at least 30-45 minutes before showtime for a guaranteed seat. The arena fills up quickly, especially in the summer months.
3. Family Rides and Attractions
- Dragon Coaster: A roller coaster suitable for children and adults
- Safari Bus: A themed ride through dinosaur landscapes
- Tortuga Pirates: Swinging boat ride
- Twister Fly and Flintstone Ride: Fun for smaller kids
- Indoor playgrounds: Perfect for rainy days
4. Interactive and Educational Fun
We suggest starting your adventure in Skeleton Valley, where you get the chance to dig for dinosaur bones and feel like real palaeontologists. Moving along, the reptile exhibition invites families to come face to face with snakes, lizards, and other fascinating creatures. Afterwards, kids can enjoy dino riding, climbing onto moving dinosaur models for a unique experience. To finish, the park also offers a mini zoo and pony rides.
5. Dining Options
The park has several themed restaurants and bars: Jungle Bar, Jurassic BBQ, MC Dinos, Tutti Frutti, and Pizza Cut. Meals range from quick snacks to full lunches.
Check out the full list of dining options and menus here.
Must-do checklist at Dino Park Funtana
- Arrive early and walk the dinosaur trail before crowds arrive
- Catch at least one Dino Dome live show
- Let kids dig for bones in Skeleton Valley
- Ride the Dragon Coaster together as a family
- Take photos along the forest paths with the life-sized dinosaurs
- End the day with a treat at one of the themed cafés
What are Funtana Dino Park’s opening hours and ticket prices?
Tickets for Dino Park Funtana include access to all shows and attractions inside the park.
Standard admission costs €32 for adults (15–64), while children aged 4–14 and seniors pay €28.
Entry is free for toddlers up to 3 years old, as well as for children celebrating their birthday and for visitors with disabilities.
If you are arriving at the park later in the day, the park offers a Happy Hour ticket from 3:00 PM, priced at €27 for adults and €23 for children and seniors.
Families who plan to visit more than once can also purchase an annual pass, available for €149 for adults and €129 for children.
The park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with shows and rides running throughout the day. (Note that summer months have an extended schedule.)
During the summer season, you can enjoy the full schedule of entertainment and attractions, while in autumn the programme is slightly reduced.
The park also offers themed weekends, such as Halloween and Christmas specials.
Family-friendly tips and facilities
To make the most of your day, keep these tips in mind:
- Parking: Free on-site parking with space for over 400 cars.
- Accessibility: Some trails include suspension bridges and slopes; staff can recommend stroller-friendly paths.
- Baby/toddler needs: Kids under 4 enter free, shaded rest areas are available, and cafés offer family-friendly food options.
- What to pack: Water bottles, sunscreen, hats, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera for the best pictures from Dinopark Funtana.
- Timing: Arrive at opening time to enjoy quieter trails and cooler temperatures. Happy Hour (3 PM onward) is cheaper but shorter.
Nearby attractions in Funtana
Once you’ve finished exploring the dinosaurs, there’s more to see in the surrounding area.
Explore Funtana Town, a charming fishing village with a marina, seaside promenade, and plenty of seafood restaurants.
Only 6 km away is the city of Poreč, home to the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica as well as cafés and shops.
Families looking for more thrills can head to Aquacolors Poreč, one of Croatia’s largest water parks, or if you prefer a relaxed day by the sea, the Istrian beaches have family-friendly swimming spots minutes from the park.
Come and discover the Funtana Dino Park
Children love the realistic dinosaurs, thrilling rides, hands-on activities and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring the forest paths.
For families visiting Istria, this is truly a must-do experience. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay nearby, Solic Poreč offers comfortable, family-friendly accommodation in Funtana. With modern amenities and convenient locations, it’s the ideal base for exploring Dino Park Funtana.
