Dinosaur Mystery Dig

Today your little one becomes a paleontologist, a scientist who digs up fossils. We bury five toy dinosaurs in a bin of sand or rice, and they dig, dust and count until every one is found.

What you need

• A plastic bin, baking dish or cardboard box

• Play sand, kinetic sand or dry rice

• 5 toy dinosaurs (big enough not to be a choking hazard)

• Digging tools: spoons, small scoops and clean paintbrushes

• A towel or old sheet underneath for easy cleanup

How to do it

1. Bury the dinosaurs. While your child isn't looking, hide the five dinosaurs in the sand. Leave a tail or a head poking out of one or two.

2. Set the scene. "Scientists dig carefully so they don't break the fossils. Can you dig gently?"

3. Dig and brush. Scoop with spoons, then use paintbrushes to dust the sand off each dinosaur.

4. Count them out. Line up each dinosaur as it's found: "One, two, three, four, five! We found them all!"

5. Talk about it. "Which one was the biggest? Which one has spikes? Which one has a long neck?"

Why we love it

Digging is pure fun, but it also builds patience, careful hand control and counting. And it gives kids a real picture of how scientists find dinosaurs: slowly, gently and one bone at a time.

Tips from our table

• Rice is easier to sweep up than sand. Kinetic sand stays together best.

• Freeze small dinosaurs in an ice block for a second dig day. Warm water and a spoon "excavate" them.

• Stay close. Sand and rice shouldn't go in mouths, noses or ears.

Shop these items

Everything mentioned in this post, in one place. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Jumbo toy dinosaurs

• Clear storage bins

• Kinetic sand

• Play sand

• Kids paint brushes

• Kids excavation tool set

• Shop everything for Week 5: Dinosaurs

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our Dinosaur activities, Letter E activities and Number 5 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.