Dinosaurs Facts for Kids

Dinosaurs ruled the Earth through three geological periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.

When Iguanodon was first discovered, scientists put its thumb spike on its nose like a horn by mistake.

Some sauropod footprints were so big they filled with water and created mini ponds that other animals used.

Scientists now believe T. rex could only walk at about 12 mph — fast enough to outrun most humans though.

Scientists have found fossilised dinosaur skin impressions, showing that some had bumpy, pebbly skin.

Diplodocus could swing its tail so fast it may have cracked like a whip, creating a sonic boom.

Oviraptor means 'egg thief,' but scientists later discovered it was actually sitting on its own eggs, not stealing them.

Quetzalcoatlus had a wingspan of up to 36 feet, making it the largest flying animal that ever lived.

Triceratops means 'three-horned face' — it had one horn on its nose and two above its eyes.

Scientists have figured out that some dinosaurs had colourful feathers — Sinosauropteryx had a reddish-brown striped tail.