The Boneyard Fossil Fun Site Playground in DinoLand USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
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The Boneyard Opened On: April 22, 1998.
Location: The Boneyard is located just inside the main entrance into DinoLand from Discovery Island.
What to Expect:
Disney designed The Boneyard as a playground for the ten-and-under crowd to let off a little steam. Inside, you’ll find slides, swings, rope bridges, and more along two or three levels. Several attractions in the area, including Primeval Whirl, DINOSAUR, and Expedition Everest all carry height requirements. One person from the group may want to take the kids to The Boneyard while others enjoy those rides. There’s a shaded area inside the playground where parents can hang out. It’s also not uncommon to see adults playing alongside their kids.
Kids may enjoy the playground more than a lot of the other attractions at Animal Kingdom. Because of that, it may be best to save The Boneyard until later in the day, or it may be difficult to pry junior away. Because it’s largely in the sun, it does get hot. Soft sand comprises most of the ground. Consider removing kids’ socks before they dive in.
While most adults and those with older kids will pass right by The Boneyard, it’s worth keeping it in mind if you’re running low on things for the kids to do while waiting for a FastPass+ return time or dinner reservation.
While I hesitate to take a lot of pictures inside the playground, this video will give you a good idea about what to expect inside. Note how crowded it can become, particularly in the afternoon. The dig site area, where junior paleontologists have an opportunity to dig for “fossils,” is the most popular area. You never know what you’ll dig up.
During the holidays, look for fun Dinosaur decorations, particularly at night when they’re lit up to mark the entrance to the Land.
The Boneyard typically opens at 10am and closes before dusk. Double check the Times Guide if you’re planning on visiting early or late to make sure that it’s open.
Enjoy your write ups. Much of your touring suggestions I have done with success but it is good to see confirmation.
I also enjoy write ups like this. Many sites tend to just gear toward the Major Attractions and oft times overlook ones like the Boneyard. Whenever I have gone with family that had younger children the Boneyard was a nice stop. Having a write up for when to visit and what to expect for a Family with small children is important to a segment of visitors at Animal Kingdom.
I do agree that the Boneyard is not a place for an adult by themselves to go and start taking pictures. Good way to end up on a watch list.
“Because it’s largely in the sun, it does get hot. Soft sand comprises most of the ground. Consider removing kids’ socks before they dive in.”
Perhaps this was the case years ago, but the Boneyard play area is mostly a solid base with a spongey overlay. The sand (and I use that term loosely) is only found at the connecting Dig Site.
Most importantly, kids absolutely love it!
T-Rex Cafe in Disney Springs also has a dig site – and you don’t have to dine there to use. A great place to take the kids while mom shops!
Your advice about saving it for later in the day to avoid a struggle to get kids to leave is spot on – my boys love this play area and would spend hours here if we let them.