City Dinosaur Park, Ochtirka

In the middle of an ordinary city park in Sumy region, a Tyrannosaurus suddenly towers above you, a Triceratops grazes nearby, and a long-necked figure the size of a bus peers out from behind the trees. For children, it’s a genuine time machine — one step, and you’re in the Mesozoic.

The Okhtyrka City Dinosaur Park is an open-air family attraction with life-size prehistoric reptile figures. A place to bring children for smiles, photos and a small adventure that requires no plane ticket.

Location at a Glance

What It Is — and Why Go

Dinosaur Park is an urban leisure area where dinosaur figures of various species and sizes are dotted among the trees and paths. Children love the format: they can study «real» dinosaurs up close, pose next to them, appreciate the scale and enjoy a satisfying little fright.

For a small city, a spot like this is a genuine gem. Families come here on weekends to walk, entertain the little ones and take memorable photos. This isn’t a big commercial dinopark with moving robots — it’s a relaxed community attraction that is free to walk through.

These community-built «dino parks» in Ukrainian cities are a lovely example of how an ordinary square can be turned into a small adventure for children through local initiative.

About the Park and the City

This park is one of those newer urban additions that have little «history» in guidebooks: it was created recently as a leisure space for local residents. The dinosaur figures gave it an identity of its own and turned it into a favourite haunt for children.

Okhtyrka itself is a distinctive Sumy region city: often called Ukraine’s «oil capital» (the area produces oil and gas), it also boasts the handsome Pokrovskyi Cathedral and other points of interest. The Dinosaur Park slots neatly into a wider town walk — especially if you’re travelling with children.

Local Fun and Traditions

The park may be young, but it has already developed its own small rituals.

1. The «Inside the Jaws» Photo

A classic at any dino park — the shot where a predator looks like it’s about to swallow a brave volunteer. Almost every young visitor recreates this one.

2. A Mini Palaeontology Lesson

For many children, a park like this is their first real-life introduction to dinosaurs — a perfect excuse to explain what a Triceratops and a T-Rex were and what they ate.

What to See and Do

Dinosaur figures. The main draw: open-air prehistoric creatures in all shapes and sizes.

Photo session with kids. Dinosaur shots are always a winner.

Park stroll. Tree-lined paths, benches and greenery — classic urban leisure.

Explore Okhtyrka. Combine with a walk around town and its landmarks.

Getting There

By car or public transport. The park is within Okhtyrka city limits. Buses run to Okhtyrka from Sumy and other towns in the region; from there, use local transport or walk.

Critically important. Sumy region is a border area, and Okhtyrka suffered heavy shelling in 2022. Before travelling, check the security situation carefully and pay attention to air-raid alerts.

Traveller’s Checklist

• Camera: dinosaur photos are the main souvenir.
• Snacks for the kids: for a longer outing.
• Comfortable shoes: for walking the park and the town.

What NOT to do: climb on the dinosaur figures (you could damage them and hurt yourself), litter in the park, or ignore air-raid alerts in a border region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee?

This is a city park and the walk is usually free. Check on arrival if there are separate paid attractions.

Is it enjoyable for adults too?

The park is primarily aimed at children, but adults enjoy the stroll and the photo opportunities too. It’s best visited as a family trip.

What else is there to see in Okhtyrka?

The Pokrovskyi Cathedral and other city landmarks. Okhtyrka is known as Ukraine’s «oil capital» — the city has an interesting industrial history of its own.

Is it safe to visit during the war?

Sumy region is a border area and Okhtyrka has come under fire. Any trip is only possible with careful assessment of the security situation and attention to air-raid alerts.

Okhtyrka’s Dinosaur Park is a little time machine in the middle of the city: one step and your child is surrounded by giant prehistoric creatures. A simple, warm and genuine spot that brings smiles.

When the region is safe again, bring the kids, snap the «inside the T-Rex jaws» photo and give them a taste of prehistoric adventure. Sometimes a park and a few dinosaurs are all you need.