Learn how to make a DIY Dinosaur Dig sensory bin for your pint-sized paleontologist! It’s an easy and fun way for kids to learn about dinosaurs through play.
How Do You Make a Dinosaur Dig?
This sensory activity is so simple to set up! All you need is kinetic sand and plastic dinosaur skeletons. Bury the dinosaur bones, then invite your preschooler to uncover them using only the bristles and handle of a paintbrush or toothbrush.
After the bones have been excavated, invite your young scientist to identify the dinosaur. We like to use these kids science books:
- National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia by Don Lessum
- Dinosaur A–Z by Roger Priddy
- National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine Hughes
Kids can also experiment with creating impression fossils with the toy dinosaur bones. For a more advanced fine motor workout, give your child a pair of tongs for removing the dinosaur bones from the sand.
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Supplies Needed for Dinosaur Dig
- Kinetic Beach Sand or Kinetic Sand
- Plastic bin
- Dinosaur fossil skeleton toys
- Dinosaur skull toys
- Toothbrush or paintbrush
- Magnifying glass (optional)
Directions for Dinosaur Excavation Activity
1. Fill up a small plastic bin with Kinetic Beach Sand or regular Kinetic Sand. Both are excellent materials to use, though we prefer the beach sand because it’s more coarse and easier to clean off toys.
We used 3 bags of Kinetic Beach Sand in our sensory bin.
2. Next, bury dinosaur fossil skeletons and skulls in the sand. If desired, pack the sand tightly around the toys.
3. Invite your child to carefully excavate the fossils with a toothbrush or paintbrush.
4. When all the fossils are removed and identified, rebury them and dig again! Here are some other ideas for play:
- Count the dinosaur bones.
- Sort the bones by size, shape, or color.
- Read a story about dinosaurs.
- Watch a movie about dinosaurs.
- Draw or write about the dinosaur bones.
- Wash the dinosaur bones with soap, water, and a sponge.
- Set up a Dinosaur Sensory Bin!
More Sensory Bins for Kids
- Bird Sensory Bin
- Harvest Sensory Bin
- Halloween Sensory Bin
- Epsom Salt Sensory Bin
- DIY Sticky Sand Sensory Bin
- Gingerbread House Sensory Bin
Dinosaur Dig Activity for Kids
Learn how to make a DIY Dinosaur Dig sensory bin for your pint-sized paleontologist! It’s an easy and fun way for kids to learn about dinosaurs.
Materials
- Kinetic Beach Sand or Kinetic Sand
- Plastic bin
- Dinosaur fossil skeleton toys
- Dinosaur skull toys
- Toothbrush or paintbrush
Tools
- Magnifying glass (optional)
Instructions
- Fill up a small plastic bin with Kinetic Beach Sand or regular Kinetic Sand.
- Next, bury dinosaur fossil skeletons and skulls in the sand. If desired, pack the sand tightly around the toys.
- Invite your child to carefully excavate the fossils with a toothbrush.
- When all the fossils are removed and identified, rebury them and dig again!
Notes
Kinetic Beach Sand is darker, more course, and easier to clean than standard Kinetic Sand.
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Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest says
Looks like great fun! Thanks for linking to our snow volcano. 🙂
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
No problem! Our little boys would be 2 peas in a pod if we lived in the same country! 😉
Shelah says
It looks like a lot of fun. With dinosaurs and kinetic sand you can’t really go wrong.