How to Take a Family Fossil-Digging Trip
Digging for dinosaurs isn't just a palaeontologist's job anymore. Many families are getting into the act with organized digs open to all ages. Families can dig for dinosaurs across the United States in many locations. Planning a family vacation that includes a dinosaur dig may be just the thing for any family with a dinosaur lover young or old.
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Instructions
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Find several fossil-digging expedition options in the U.S. There are planned digs in states across the country including Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Florida and even Connecticut. Look for a dig that caters to families.
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Visit the Museum of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. The Dinosaur Journey fossil-digging program is run by the museum with one- and five-day expeditions available for families.
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Decide on a dinosaur dig. Dig for dinosaurs, lizards, turtles and mammal bones near Grand Junction, or pick a five-day expedition that takes you to Wyoming.
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Check out TimeScale Adventures or the Paleo World Research Foundation in Montana for different education and digging programs for all ages. Travel to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis where they host family adventure dinosaur dig days in South Dakota.
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Give your self a day or two extra on your family vacation to enjoy other points of interest in the dig areas. There are several old dig areas that can be toured, many museums that boast great fossil displays and learning areas designed for kids.
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Pack clothing you can layer. Take big hats for each family member as protection against the sun, wear sunscreen and bug repellent. Make sure everyone has comfortable walking or hiking shoes for digs. Pack a special water bottle for each family member that can be refilled often to keep everyone hydrated.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact the companies that book digs early to find out the dates they will be digging. Digs are limited to a certain number of people.
Give your children some practice and fun before the trip. Get them a dinosaur digging kit that includes dig tools and interesting dinosaur facts. They're available at Discover This.
Digs are offered in summer months which average temperatures of 90 Degrees F during the day, but can cool off at night. Digs aren't recommended for children under five.
