Giant Dinosaurs in a Tent: Family Exhibition in Nou Llevant

Giant dinos in the middle of Palma: A different kind of Sunday outing

When you drive along the MA-20 and see the large event tent just before the city entrance, you immediately notice: something is happening here. From next Saturday, Lifelike Dinosaurs in Palma: Family Exhibition in a Tent at Nou Llevant will stand in the Nou Llevant industrial area with more than 30 life-sized, motorized dinosaur models. Not a quiet museum, but rather a mix of fairground, natural history station and children's birthday party — ideal if the little ones are looking for some excitement.

What there is to see

The range stretches from the hefty Tyrannosaurus to the long, curious Diplodocus. The figures are made of latex, move and make sounds: a wing flap here, a low growl there. That is not for everyone — very sensitive toddlers may be frightened. But for the researchers of tomorrow there is a dig zone where you can search for “fossils” with shovel and brush. In my street I already heard children’s plans: “Mom, we have to go!” — and that says enough about the attraction.

Practical information (short and sweet)

Location: Large tent in the Nou Llevant industrial area, right at the entrance to Palma, next to a large printing house — hardly to miss from the MA-20. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 17:00–21:00; Saturday and Sunday 10:00–14:00 and 16:00–21:00. Short breaks are possible, best to check online in advance. Tickets: Around €12 per person, online booking possible. There may be queues on site — allow time for waiting.

Weather, tent and walkways

Because everything takes place in a tent, clouds and rain showers hardly throw plans off course. The only downside when it's wet: the parking lot can get muddy, and you can clearly hear the models' motors inside the tent — it is lively, colorful and sometimes loud. The paths are laid out so that families can comfortably walk past the figures. Expect about 60–90 minutes for a relaxed visit including digging and a break.

Why this is good for Palma

Such temporary attractions, like Three Kings' Tent City in Consell Invites Families, bring life to parts of the city that are otherwise rather quiet. Families head to Nou Llevant, the children romp about, and afterwards people might stop for a coffee in town. Small bakeries and cafés along the way can benefit — I particularly like the bakery on C/ Manuel Azaña, which often stays open and offers fresh ensaimadas. The show also gives visitors an unusual perspective on Palma: not just the old town and the beach, but also industrial areas as places for leisure fun.

A practical tip: bring ear protection for very sensitive children, consider wellies if it rains and allow a little patience for the ticket desk. For grandparents the exhibition is a pleasant diversion, for locals an opportunity to break the Sunday routine, and for tourists a child-friendly activity off the usual beaches.

My quick look behind the barriers revealed: it's exactly the right kind of chaos for a Sunday afternoon with kids — loud, bright and full of small discoveries. A bit of noise, a bit of dust from the dig zone and many excited voices. If you still have energy afterwards: a coffee on the way back into town rounds the day off nicely.