After spending last week at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Junior Dinosaur Institute day camp, what do you think The Big Explorer has on his mind? Why digging for dinosaurs, of course!
During camp, The Big Explorer learned all about fossils – where they’re found, what tools are used to dig them up, even how they’re transported from one place to another.
This dinosaur skeleton excavation kit seemed a perfect parting reminder of his camp experience. (Note: We bought ours at the Museum gift shop for less than $10; looks like Amazon sells them for just slightly more.)
Not only are you given a plaster block to excavate – and the tools you’ll need to do so – but uncovering the bones is only half the fun. Once you’re done, you get to put them all together.
When we got home, The Big Explorer was out the back door and starting his excavation before I even realized what he was up to.
I was amazed at the care and patience he took with this project. It seems he could have hammered the pieces out lickety-split, but instead he put his newly acquired excavating skills to use.
Insider tip: This is one messy project. Be prepared for tons of plaster dust to cover hands, face, clothes and more. Oh yeah, and there’s the mound of plaster shavings left behind, too.
He worked so calmly, delicately and slowly that the fun didn’t end that first day.
After a second round of scraping, digging and brushing, The Big Explorer was rewarded with an entire Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.
Insider tip: This product is intended for kids 8 and older – mainly because it requires patience. Putting together the pieces to the fossil puzzle may also involve some parental help.
The big guy earned an honored spot with two more of The Big Explorer’s favorite dinos. After many, many minutes of serious, ferocious dinosaur playing.
Insider tip: Younger kids love digging for dinosaurs just as much as older ones. Keep it simple by “burying” plastic dinosaurs in dirt or sand. Add a plastic shovel and go.
Note: I purchased our Dinosaur Skeleton Excavation Kit at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. What I’ve shared here is my honest opinion based on our experience. You can read my full disclosure policy for more information.
