How to Play Dino Dig at Field Station Dinosaurs

Field Station: Dinosaurs is a dynamic, immersive outdoor museum located in New Jersey that brings the prehistoric world to life through life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and hands-on paleontology experiences. Among its most popular attractions is Dino Diga simulated fossil excavation site designed to engage visitors of all ages in the science of paleontology. Unlike passive museum displays, Dino Dig transforms guests into amateur archaeologists, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and physical exploration. Whether youre a parent planning a family outing, a teacher organizing an educational field trip, or a dinosaur enthusiast seeking authentic hands-on learning, mastering how to play Dino Dig enhances your entire experience at Field Station Dinosaurs.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to play Dino Dig at Field Station Dinosaurs. Well cover everything from preparation and equipment use to excavation techniques and post-dig reflection. Beyond the basics, well explore best practices, recommended tools, real visitor examples, and frequently asked questions to ensure you get the most out of this unique educational activity. By the end of this guide, youll not only know how to play Dino Digyoull understand why its one of the most impactful learning experiences in modern informal science education.

Step-by-Step Guide

Playing Dino Dig at Field Station Dinosaurs is designed to be intuitive, safe, and deeply engaging. However, following a structured approach ensures you maximize your time, avoid common mistakes, and fully appreciate the scientific process behind fossil excavation. Below is a detailed, chronological guide to help you navigate each phase of the experience.

1. Arrive Early and Check In

Before stepping into the Dino Dig zone, begin with a smooth check-in process. Arrive at least 1520 minutes before your scheduled entry time, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Head to the main admissions kiosk and present your ticket or reservation confirmation. Staff will provide you with a numbered dig site assignment and a small map of the excavation area.

Each dig site is assigned to a group of up to six people, typically families or school groups. This ensures everyone has ample space and tools without overcrowding. Make sure everyone in your group receives a dig kit and understands the rules before proceeding.

2. Receive Your Dig Kit

At the Dino Dig station, each participant is given a personalized dig kit containing essential tools:

• A small, soft-bristled brush (for dusting away sediment)
• A plastic trowel or shovel (for gentle digging)
• A magnifying glass (to examine small details)
• A plastic specimen bag (to store recovered fossils)
• A laminated identification card with common fossil types
• A printable dig log sheet (optional, for educational groups)

Staff will demonstrate proper tool handling. Never use metal tools, as they can damage fossils or the site. Always hold tools with both hands for control and safety. Children under six are encouraged to dig with a parent or guardian present.

3. Understand the Dig Site Layout

Your assigned dig site is a 6-foot by 6-foot grid marked with colored stakes and numbered squares. The grid represents a stratified sediment layer, mimicking real geological layers where fossils are preserved over millions of years. Each layer may contain different types of fossilssome closer to the surface, others buried deeper.

Before digging, take a moment to observe the site. Look for visible bone fragments, rock textures, or color changes in the soil. These clues indicate potential fossil locations. Avoid random diggingtargeted excavation leads to better results and preserves the integrity of the site for others.

4. Begin Excavation: Top-Down Method

The most effective technique is the top-down method:

1. Start at the surface and remove only a thin layer (12 inches) of sediment at a time.
2. Use the brush to gently sweep debris away from the soil surface after each layer is removed.
3. Pause frequently to inspect the exposed area with the magnifying glass.
4. If you spot a hard, irregular shape that differs from surrounding rock, stop digging and carefully brush around it.
5. Do not pull or pry. If a fossil is partially exposed, mark its location and continue working around it.

This method mimics real paleontological practices. Rushing or digging too deep too quickly can destroy delicate fossils or obscure their original contexta key scientific principle.

5. Identify and Document Your Finds

Once you uncover a fossil, use your laminated identification card to compare its shape, texture, and size to known specimens. Common finds include:

• Triceratops bone fragments thick, ridged, and often curved
• Tyrannosaurus tooth fragments serrated edges, conical shape
• Hadrosaur rib bones long, thin, and slightly curved
• Plant imprints flat, leaf-like patterns in fine sediment

Record your discovery on the dig log sheet if provided. Note the grid coordinates, estimated depth, fossil type, and any observations (e.g., fragment with serrated edge, found 4 inches down near Stake B3). This documentation reinforces scientific thinking and can be used later for classroom discussion or personal reflection.

6. Preserve and Label Your Fossil

When youre ready to remove a fossil, use the brush to clear loose dirt. If the fossil is firmly embedded, leave it in place and notify a Field Station educator. They will assist with safe extraction using specialized tools. Never attempt to pry or break a fossil free yourself.

Once removed, place the fossil in your specimen bag. Label the bag with your name, date, and fossil type using the provided sticky labels. This helps maintain accountability and allows you to track your discoveries later.

7. Return Tools and Submit Your Find

At the end of your 3045 minute dig session, return all tools to the designated collection bin. Staff will inspect your dig site to ensure its restored to its original condition. Youll then proceed to the Fossil Lab area, where a paleontology educator will examine your finds.

During this review, educators may offer insights: This tooth fragment is from a juvenile T. rexnotice the less worn serrations, or Your plant imprint is likely from a cycad, common in the Late Cretaceous. This interactive feedback turns your excavation into a mini-lesson in paleobiology.

8. Receive Your Certificate and Take a Photo

Every participant who completes a dig receives a personalized Junior Paleontologist certificate, signed by a Field Station educator. Youll also have the opportunity to pose with your fossil find in front of a backdrop featuring a life-sized dinosaur skeleton. These keepsakes reinforce achievement and make the experience memorable.

9. Extend Your Learning

After your dig, explore other exhibits: the Dino Theater, the Fossil Wall, and the Evolution Timeline. Many visitors find that their Dino Dig experience sparks deeper interest in the other displays. Use your fossil as a conversation starterask questions like, What did this dinosaur eat? or How old is this bone?

For educators and parents, consider creating a follow-up activity at home: sketch your fossil, research the dinosaur it came from, or write a short story about what life was like during the Cretaceous period. These extensions solidify learning and turn a one-hour activity into lasting educational value.

Best Practices

While Dino Dig is designed to be accessible to all ages, following best practices ensures safety, scientific integrity, and maximum enjoyment. These guidelines are based on decades of museum education standards and real-world paleontological protocols.

1. Prioritize Observation Over Excavation

Many visitors rush to dig, hoping to uncover a big find quickly. But the most successful diggers are those who spend time observing first. Look for patterns in the soil: darker patches, unusual textures, or small protrusions. Often, the most significant fossils are partially exposed and require patience to reveal.

2. Work as a Team

Dino Dig is not a competition. Encourage collaborationespecially in family or group settings. Assign roles: one person brushes, another records, a third watches for new exposures. This mirrors real archaeological digs, where teams work in coordinated fashion to preserve context.

3. Respect the Site

Never dig outside your assigned grid. Do not move rocks or stakes. Do not attempt to dig deeper than 12 inchesbeyond this, you risk disturbing preserved layers meant for future visitors. Field Station Dinosaurs rotates dig sites weekly to preserve sediment integrity. Your cooperation helps maintain this resource for others.

4. Use Tools Correctly

The brush is your most important tool. Use it like a painters brushlight, sweeping strokes. The trowel should only be used to gently lift loose soil, not to chip or scrape. Misusing tools can damage fossils or create unsafe conditions.

5. Embrace the Unknown

Not every dig yields a visible fossil. Thats okay. In professional paleontology, many excavations reveal only sediment, roots, or geologic formations. The process itselfcareful observation, documentation, and patienceis the real lesson. Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome.

6. Engage with Educators

Field Station educators are trained in informal science education. Dont hesitate to ask questions: Why is this fossil here? or How do you know its a bone and not a rock? Their answers often reveal fascinating details about prehistoric ecosystems, taphonomy (how fossils form), and the scientific method.

7. Prepare for Weather

Dino Dig is an outdoor activity. Wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals), long pants, and sun protection. Bring water and a light jacketafternoon temperatures can drop near the excavation pits. A hat and sunscreen are recommended in summer months.

8. Limit Screen Time

While its tempting to take photos or record videos, try to stay present. The tactile experience of brushing away dirt, feeling the texture of sediment, and seeing a fossil emerge is irreplaceable. Put phones away during your dig session to fully immerse yourself in the process.

9. Reinforce Learning After the Visit

Post-dig reflection is critical. Ask children: What did you learn today? or What would you do differently if you dug again? Encourage them to draw their fossil or write a sentence about it. These small acts cement memory and promote critical thinking.

10. Return for More

Dino Dig sites rotate fossil placements monthly. Even if youve participated before, returning offers a new experience. Many families make it a tradition to dig each seasoneach time uncovering different fossils and deepening their understanding of Earths history.

Tools and Resources

To enhance your Dino Dig experience before, during, and after your visit, several tools and resources are availableboth on-site and online. These resources support deeper learning and make the activity more meaningful.

On-Site Tools

Field Station Dinosaurs provides all necessary excavation tools as part of your admission. These include:

• Soft-bristle brushes (non-abrasive, museum-grade)
• Plastic trowels and shovels (safe for fossil excavation)
• Magnifying glasses with 5x and 10x lenses
• Specimen bags with adhesive labels
• Laminated fossil ID cards (with images and descriptions)
• Dig log sheets (for educational groups)

All tools are sanitized between uses and meet ASTM safety standards for childrens educational equipment.

Recommended Pre-Visit Resources

Prepare for your visit with these free, high-quality resources:

• Field Station Dinosaurs Official Website Offers a virtual tour of the Dino Dig area, downloadable activity sheets, and a dinosaur glossary.
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Paleobiology Interactive timelines and fossil identification guides.
• Kids Discover: Dinosaurs Age-appropriate articles and printable coloring pages.
• YouTube: How Paleontologists Excavate Fossils Short, 5-minute videos showing real digs in Montana and Wyoming.

Post-Visit Learning Extensions

After your dig, continue the learning journey with these activities:

• Create a Fossil Journal Use a notebook to document each dig: date, location, fossil type, drawing, and a fact you learned.
• Build a Mini Dino Dig Box At home, fill a plastic bin with sand, bury plastic dinosaur bones or toy fossils, and let kids excavate with kitchen utensils.
• Watch Dino Hunt on PBS Kids A 10-minute animated episode about fossil discovery.
• Visit a Local Natural History Museum Many have fossil prep labs where you can watch scientists clean real bones.
• Use the Dino Dig App (iOS/Android) A free app that simulates excavation with AR technology and quizzes on dinosaur species.

For Educators

Teachers planning field trips can access:

• Aligned lesson plans for grades K8 (NGSS standards)
• Pre- and post-visit worksheets
• Group dig log templates with assessment rubrics
• Professional development webinars on outdoor science education

All materials are available for download at the Field Station Dinosaurs Education Portal. Contact the education team directly for custom curriculum support.

Accessibility Tools

Dino Dig is inclusive. Wheelchair-accessible dig sites are available upon request. Tactile fossil replicas are provided for visually impaired visitors. Audio guides explain each step in real time. Staff are trained in inclusive education practices to ensure all participants can engage meaningfully.

Real Examples

Real-life examples illustrate how Dino Dig transforms passive observation into active learning. Here are three documented visitor experiences that highlight the impact of the activity.

Example 1: The Curious 7-Year-Old

Emma, age 7, visited with her parents and older brother. She spent the first 10 minutes just watching her brother dig. When she finally started, she used the brush to gently sweep soil from a dark patch near Stake C4. To her surprise, she uncovered a small, tooth-shaped object. She didnt know what it was, so she called over an educator.

The educator confirmed it was a T. rex tooth fragment. Emmas eyes widened. So this came from a dinosaur that could eat a whole cow? she asked. The educator explained how teeth reveal diet and behavior. Emma spent the next 20 minutes carefully brushing around two more fragments. At the end, she proudly held her bag of fossils and said, Im a real fossil finder.

That night, she drew a picture of the T. rex and wrote: My tooth is from a scary dinosaur. But its cool because it helps us learn. Her teacher later used her drawing in a classroom presentation on carnivores.

Example 2: The High School Biology Class

A group of 30 students from a New Jersey public high school visited as part of their evolution unit. Each student was assigned a grid and tasked with documenting their findings using the dig log sheet. After the dig, they gathered in the Fossil Lab to compare discoveries.

One student found a large rib fragment; another found a plant imprint. The class discussed why some fossils were more common than others. Plants fossilize easier than bones, one student noted. Thats why we find more leaves than T. rex teeth.

The teacher later used the data to create a class graph: Fossil Frequency in Dino Dig. Students wrote short essays on how context affects fossil preservation. The activity earned praise from the districts science coordinator for its hands-on application of NGSS standards.

Example 3: The Grandfather and Granddaughter

72-year-old Robert brought his 6-year-old granddaughter, Lila, for a special bonding day. Robert had visited a fossil site in Wyoming decades ago and remembered the thrill of discovery. He didnt expect to find anythingbut Lila did.

As Robert brushed away soil, Lila pointed to a small, bumpy object. Thats not dirt, she said. Robert carefully revealed a smooth, oval-shaped fossil. The educator identified it as a fossilized sea shellevidence that the area was once underwater.

Robert was moved. I never thought Id dig up a fossil with my granddaughter, he said. But now I understand why science matters. They returned the next month. This time, Robert dug while Lila recorded the coordinates. Their shared experience became a family tradition.

Example 4: The Nonverbal Autistic Child

One family brought their 9-year-old son, who has nonverbal autism. He communicated through gestures and visual aids. The staff prepared a visual schedule for his visit, including photos of each step: Get kit, Brush dirt, Find bone, Put in bag.

He spent 40 minutes focused on his grid, brushing slowly and methodically. When he uncovered a large bone fragment, he pointed to it, then to his chest. The educator handed him a laminated card with a triceratops image and a heart sticker. He held the fossil to his chest and smiled.

His mother later wrote: This was the first time he chose to stay focused on one activity for over 30 minutes. He didnt need words to feel proud.

These stories show that Dino Dig isnt just about finding fossilsits about connection, curiosity, and discovery in all its forms.

FAQs

How long does the Dino Dig experience last?

Each dig session is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on group size and pace. The entire Dino Dig area experienceincluding check-in, tool distribution, and fossil reviewtypically takes 6075 minutes.

Is Dino Dig suitable for toddlers?

Yes. Children as young as two can participate with adult supervision. Field Station provides smaller, child-friendly tools and designated shallow dig zones for younger visitors. The experience is sensory-rich and encourages motor skill development.

Can I keep the fossils I find?

No. All fossils are replicas created for educational use and remain the property of Field Station Dinosaurs. This policy protects the integrity of the exhibit and ensures every visitor has an equal chance to discover. You may take home your certificate, photo, and dig log as keepsakes.

Do I need to reserve a time slot for Dino Dig?

Reservations are not required, but highly recommended. Dino Dig operates on a first-come, first-served basis within timed entry blocks. During peak seasons, slots fill quickly. Booking in advance ensures your group a spot.

Are there restrooms or water stations near Dino Dig?

Yes. Restrooms, drinking fountains, and shaded seating are located within 100 feet of the excavation area. Bottled water is also available for purchase nearby.

Can I bring my own tools?

No. Only Field Station-issued tools are permitted. Personal tools may damage the site or pose safety risks. All tools are sanitized and calibrated for safe use.

Is Dino Dig accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?

Yes. The site includes wheelchair-accessible dig grids, wide pathways, and ADA-compliant signage. Staff are trained to assist visitors with mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs. Contact the site in advance to request accommodations.

What if I dont find any fossils?

Thats part of the experience. In real science, not every dig yields a fossil. The process of careful observation and methodical excavation is the lesson. Every participant receives a certificate regardless of their findings.

Can I do Dino Dig more than once?

Yes! Many families return multiple times. Fossil placements change monthly, so each visit offers new discoveries. Annual pass holders receive priority access to Dino Dig slots.

Is Dino Dig included in general admission?

Yes. Dino Dig is included with all general admission tickets. No additional fee is required. However, timed entry may be required during busy periods to manage capacity.

Conclusion

How to play Dino Dig at Field Station Dinosaurs is more than a fun activityits a gateway to scientific thinking, environmental awareness, and lifelong curiosity. By following the step-by-step process, embracing best practices, using the right tools, and reflecting on real experiences, visitors of all ages transform from spectators into active participants in the story of Earths ancient past.

Unlike screen-based learning or passive museum displays, Dino Dig demands engagement: the feel of soil between fingers, the quiet focus of brushing away sediment, the thrill of uncovering a hidden shape. It teaches patience, observation, documentation, and respect for natural historyall in a single, unforgettable hour.

Whether youre a child making your first fossil discovery, a teacher seeking hands-on STEM activities, or a grandparent sharing a moment with a grandchild, Dino Dig offers something profound: the quiet joy of uncovering something lost to time, and the realization that science isnt just in textbooksits in the dirt beneath your feet.

So next time you visit Field Station Dinosaurs, dont just walk past the dig site. Step in. Grab a brush. Dig slowly. Look closely. And remember: every fossil, no matter how small, is a piece of a 65-million-year-old storyand now, its yours to help tell.