In a whimsical display that has captured the attention of the North Dallas community, a family has created their own Jurassic Park in their backyard, complete with life-size dinosaurs.
Located along Hillcrest Road, between McCallum Boulevard and Frankford Road, the dinosaur exhibit sits snugly behind the North Central Dallas Police Department.
The initiative began with Sam Zhang and Cynthia Xi, who sought to bring joy to their 6-year-old son, Eric, and his younger sister, Chloe.
Their journey started in 2022 when they took their children to Jurassic World: The Exhibition in Dallas.
Zhang recalled, “Eric took a long time to talk, but when we went to Jurassic Park, he pointed and was really excited. He kept wanting to touch them, so I thought why not bring dinosaurs home?”
The couple decided to commission eight custom-made dinosaurs from China, selecting a variety that would spark their children’s imagination.
This entertaining menagerie includes three raptors, two parasaurolophuses, a triceratops, and a mighty T. rex.
Interestingly, a massive brachiosaurus had to remain in their previous home in Nevada due to the city of Dallas’s restrictions on its height, which exceeded 48 feet.
Zhang expressed his disappointment, wishing to showcase it under a tree that would give the impression the dinosaur was munching on leaves.
Each dinosaur is built with a strong metal frame, foam stuffing, and a rubbery plastic exterior, making them not only visually striking but also soft to the touch.
Despite exposure to the elements that has dulled their vibrant colors and changed the appearance of their eyes, these dinosaurs remain formidable figures in the backyard landscape.
The smallest raptor tips the scales at around 80 pounds, offering sturdy climbing challenges for children who dare to scramble up their sides.
Two of the raptors and two parasaurolophuses are playful figures near a treehouse where children engage in thrilling imaginings of dinosaur encounters.
The triceratops, adding a splash of fun, overlooks the family pool, providing an ideal platform for children to launch into cannonballs.
The Zhang family intentionally chose their Dallas home for its ample yard space, envisioning it as the perfect playground for their children and their newfound dinosaur companions.
Initially, both kids were apprehensive about their enormous new friends.
Eric, at three years old, took about a week to acclimate, while Chloe, at just a year, was hesitant for over a month.
Now, Chloe actively participates in the upkeep of the triceratops, cheekily spraying it with pool water as part of her playtime routine.
Zhang humorously noted that his wife has a particular vision for the yard, stating, “She doesn’t even let me move the couch.”
The family’s Halloween tradition included displaying one raptor at the front of the house, which became a permanent feature as moving it back and forth was just too burdensome.
However, not all stories are without their challenges.
The T. rex, a family favorite, suffered a broken leg during a move, now relying on a supportive tree and heavy-duty straps.
Zhang admitted that he hesitated to repair it, fearing that welding would damage the surrounding materials.
Despite its current state, the T. rex manages to bring joy as it peeks out from behind a tree.
Community interaction with the dinosaurs has been overwhelmingly positive, with local residents often stopping by to engage with the impressive display.
Zhang and Xi welcome guests during daylight hours, inviting them to touch, play, and take photographs with the dinosaurs, provided an adult supervises the children.
Zhang shared, “Having these dinosaurs has brought so much joy not only to our kids, but also to children in the neighborhood. We love sharing that happiness.”
He hopes the dinosaurs serve as a safe haven for kids, especially those like his son Eric, who may struggle with communication and expressing emotions.
Interestingly, Zhang doesn’t consider himself a major dinosaur enthusiast, stating, “It’s just for the kids; they love it.”
As the dinosaur exhibit continues to create smiles in their community, the Zhang family remains focused on the happiness it brings to children, all while providing a unique space for imaginative play.
image source from：dallasnews
