🦴 Best Dinosaur Fossil Parks You Can Actually Dig At (Yes, Really!)

Estimated Reading Time: 4–5 minutes

🪨 Dig, Discover, and Explore the Prehistoric Past

What kid (or adult!) wouldn’t love to dig up real fossils? Across the U.S., there are hands-on dinosaur dig sites where families can experience what it’s like to be a paleontologist for the day. From brushing off bones to seeing real fossil beds, these parks offer unforgettable science adventures.

Here are the best dinosaur parks and museums where families can actually dig for fossils!

📍 1. Wyoming Dinosaur Center – Thermopolis, WY

🦖 Why It’s Awesome

Real fossil dig programs for all ages

Multiple active dig sites

Family digs include transportation, tools, and training

See “Jimbo,” the Supersaurus (100+ ft long!)

📅 Open Season: May–September👧 Ages: 5+

📍 2. The Big Horn Basin Paleontological Institute – Montana

🦕 Why It’s Awesome

Multi-day dig experiences in real Montana badlands

Run by scientists, designed for families

Discover real fossils, from dinosaurs to turtles

📅 Family Dig Weeks every summer🧢 Tip: Great for older kids who love STEM!

📍 3. Dinosaur Ridge – Morrison, CO

🦴 Why It’s Awesome

Self-guided fossil dig site (no permit needed)

See REAL dinosaur tracks in stone

Nearby “Triceratops Trail” with footprints

👟 Easy hikes + educational signs = perfect outdoor dino day!🚗 Just 20 mins from Denver

📍 4. The Mammoth Site – Hot Springs, SD

🐘 Why It’s Awesome

Dig for Ice Age fossils, not just dinos!

See mammoth bones still embedded in earth

Family Dig Pit: Kids get their own area to explore

📅 Open year-round🎒 Tip: Pair this with a visit to Badlands National Park

📍 5. Fossil Park – Sylvania, OH

🦕 Why It’s Awesome

FREE public fossil dig pit

Families can take home what they find (within reason)

Mostly trilobites, shells, and ancient ocean life

🧼 Wear old clothes—it’s hands-on and dusty fun!

🧭 Bonus Sites for Little Paleontologists:

• 📍 Museum of the Rockies (Bozeman, MT) – massive fossil halls + dino digs nearby

  
  

• 📍 Petrified Forest National Park (AZ) – hike past ancient logs and exposed fossils

  
  

• 📍 Ashfall Fossil Beds (Nebraska) – unique Ice Age fossil field

  
  

Best Dinosaur Fossil Parks You Can Actually Dig At (Yes, Really!).docx

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🖨️ Printable: My Fossil Dig Adventure Log

📍 Location Visited	🦖 What I Found	🧢 How Dirty I Got (1–5)	📝 Coolest Fact I Learned
________________________	__________________________	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐	_____________________________________
________________________	__________________________	⭐ ⭐ ⭐	_____________________________________
________________________	__________________________	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐	_____________________________________

📸 Tip: Bring a polaroid or phone to snap pics of their finds—instant scrapbook page!