Dig into fun with this hands-on dinosaur excavation activity for kids! Perfect for preschool through early elementary, this DIY dino dig lets kids become paleontologists as they search for fossils using simple tools and materials. Whether planning a dinosaur theme week, a science center, or want a fun sensory activity, this dino dig is easy to set up and packed with learning opportunities.
Dino Dig Activity
This activity is also a fantastic way to engage kids in sensory play—digging through sand, dirt, or homemade fossil dough provides tactile input and fine motor skill practice. Pair it with books about dinosaurs, fossil facts, or a trip to the museum for a whole dino-themed learning experience!
🔎 Set up a dinosaur theme week here!
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Coffee Grounds (optional)
- Plastic dinosaurs
- Kids tools
- Oven-safe container
How to Set Up A Dino Dig
STEP 1. Mix 1 cup corn starch and ½ cup baking soda together. Optional – mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds for color.
STEP 2. Add enough water to make a thick sludge consistency. Similar to the consistency of our oobleck.
STEP 3. Now to make your dinosaur fossils. Submerge the dinosaurs in the mixture.
STEP 4. Cook in a low oven at 250F or 120C until the mixture hardens. Ours took about an hour.
STEP 5. Once it is cooled, invite your kiddos to go on a dinosaur dig!
Small spoons and forks, as well as paint brushes are great tools to use for excavating your fossils!
How Do Fossils Form?
Fossils usually form when a plant or animal dies in a watery environment and mud or silt quickly covers the remains. The soft parts break down over time, but the hard bones or shells stay behind.
🔎 Explore more: [What Are Fossils?]
As more sediment layers build up, they press down and harden into rock. These preserved remains become clues for scientists to study thousands of years later. We call these body fossils because they come from actual parts of the plant or animal.
Sometimes, fossils don’t include the body at all! Instead, they show signs of an animal’s activity, like footprints, burrows, trails, or even leftover food. These are called trace fossils.
💡 Want to explore fossils with kids? Try making Salt Dough Dinosaur Fossils for a fun hands-on activity!
Fossils can also form in other ways, such as rapid freezing, drying, preservation in tree resin (amber), or through casting, molding, and compacting.
More Fun Dinosaur Activities To Try
🔎 Set up a dinosaur theme week here!
Printable Dinosaur Activities Pack
Get all the instructions and activities in our Dinosaur Project Pack. Plus, find free early-learning dinosaur activities to keep the kiddos busy!
