Review of Carnivore Carnival at George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
By Jarrod Hiatt
Who knew dinosaurs could be both scary and spooky?
Well, at least I never knew until I rounded up the family and went to the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden for the Carnivore Carnival.
I really didn’t know what to expect from the carnival. I’ve taken my kids to the park in the past and have enjoyed learning new things in the museum and walking the grounds checking out smaller scale versions of the massive beasts that once roamed the Earth. I had not, however, been after dark in the scariest time of year.
For me and my family, we enjoyed the new setting and the fun, games, and festivities at the carnival. When I asked my nine-year-old son what he thought, he said, “I pretty much liked everything about it.”
The crew at the park did exceptional work in preparing an atmosphere worthy of the occasion. There were strings of orange and purple lights strung around the park, giving the guests a Halloween feel. The dinosaurs on the grounds were lighted with colored lights and accompanied by Halloween-themed decorations. Even the park crew dressed in costumes adding to the already exciting atmosphere.
Many local businesses and organizations sponsored trick-or-treat, craft, or game stations along the pathways on the grounds allowing the children to participate in the fun at the feet of the dinosaurs. There was also a train on hand to take the kids on spooky train ride through part of the park for a small fee. Near the end of the carnival, the crew at the park hosted a costume parade for all to showcase all of the creative and unique costumes of those in attendance.
As a family, we participated in many of the games and had fun on the train. We also took a moment to enjoy some very reasonably priced French fries at the park’s Cretaceous Café.
In the end, everyone in the family had a positive and enjoyable experience. My wife was impressed with the decorations and the prices, I enjoyed the creative ways the dinosaurs were displayed and the festive family atmosphere, and my kids, well, they liked pretty much everything about it.
The Carnivore Carnival continues at the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park with future dates scheduled. The carnival runs again at 1544 Park Boulevard in Ogden from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Oct, 17-19, and 24-25. The cost is $5 for children 2-17, adults $3, with a 50 percent discount for members. This is an outdoor event, so remember to dress accordingly.
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Jarrod Hiatt is a freelance writer.