Dinosaur Digs for Kids

OK, so everyone knows that most kids love dinosaurs, but there’s only so much time they can spend in a museum. Now imagine their enthusiasm if you could tap into their inner paleontologist and get them out on an actual dino dig!

While excavating fossils is usually a job better left to professionals, several museums around the country offer hands-on experiences for families.

Check out the Museum of Western Colorado, which has several dig experiences.

For about $65, participants can head out to a quarry to assist paleontologists and learn excavating techniques.

Serious enthusiasts can join a five-day dig in Moab National Park—not only can you dig for bones, but you also help prospect for new sites and help track and log data.

The cool thing about the Wyoming Dino Center is that it’s not just a museum.

Visitors can see what happens behind the scenes in the lab and research facilities.

Nearby is the 500-acre dig site, where families can take part in a day-long dig.

And if you prefer to keep your hands out of the dirt, just follow the dinosaur trail in Montana.

The trail links 15 paleontology displays, museums and field digs across the state.

For more, don’t miss our complete Family Travel section.

Looking for more advice? Click here for more Daily Travel Tips.