Kids would rather time travel to dinosaur age than any other era

Dinosaurs are so popular with children that more than a third would choose to travel millions of years back in time to meet one, a new poll has revealed.

A survey of 1,000 parents with children aged three to 12 found 34 percent would pick the Mesozoic era as their ultimate time-travel destination.

The biggest attraction would be coming face-to-face with a real dinosaur, chosen by 43 percent of parents.

The future came second in the time travel poll, with 20 percent keen to look ahead, while seven per cent fancied travelling to ancient Egypt to explore the pyramids.

Overall, 78 percent of children were found to be interested in dinosaurs, with one in five parents saying the prehistoric beasts were their child's biggest fascination.

Gaming came second at 18 percent, followed by superheroes and arts and crafts, both on 14 percent.

The mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex was the creature children most wanted to see in real life, with 42 percent choosing the fearsome predator, followed by the Triceratops in second on 11 percent, and the Velociraptor on nine percent.

The T-Rex's enormous size was the biggest fascination, cited by half of parents, while 46 percent were captivated by the dinosaurs' appearance and 41 percent by how long ago they lived.

Only 22 percent of parents believed they knew more about dinosaurs than their children, while half said their youngsters had corrected them on a dinosaur fact.

The study, commissioned by Park Plaza London Riverbank, found 81 percent of parents believed learning about dinosaurs had sparked their children's interest in science and history.

Maxine Lister, of the Natural History Museum, said: “We are delighted to see dinosaurs continue to captivate children and spark their curiosity in the natural world.

“Together with Park Plaza London Riverbank, we have created a new way for families to immerse themselves in a wonderful prehistoric adventure together, from the comfort of their own hotel room.”

The hotel has launched a dinosaur-themed suite, featuring prehistoric murals, interactive games, a dinosaur-inspired bunk bed and a hidden bookcase leading into a prehistoric world.