Discovery toys are designed to not just to educate, but to entertain. Toys like archaeology kits encourage children to engage their minds and their hands as they play. They give children a fun opportunity to dig and discover artifacts, fossils, and gemstones. Keep in mind that some of the kits can get a little messy, so you may want to set it up outside or on an old sheet or papered table.
A good archaeology kit should be challenging but not impossible. As they are generally for one time use, you’ll want your young scientist to get a few hours of digging time. Many kits include unique ways to display the artifacts, extending the enjoyment beyond just digging. Some kits allow children to dig up pieces of a skeleton and then put together a model, encouraging both discovery and maker skills. Archaeology kids are an excellent way to combine science education and fun!
Discovery Toys: Top 10 Archaeology Kits
![]() | Dig a Dino Excavation Kit 3 Pack | Check price at |
![]() | Thames and Kosmos Classic Science Archaeology: Pyramid | Check price at |
![]() | 4M Crystal Mining Kit | Check price at |
![]() | GeoCentral Excavation Dig Kit: Dino Skull | Check price at |
![]() | 4M Mammoth Excavation Kit | Check price at |
![]() | Smithsonian Diggin’ Up Dinosaurs T-Rex Lowest Price | Check price at |
1. Dig a Dino Excavation Kit 3 Pack
2. Discover with Dr. Cool Gemstone Dig Science Kit
Good discovery toys should be both fun and educational, and the Discover with Dr. Cool Gemstone Dig Science Kit is a very well appointed kit. Kids have the opportunity to dig for real gemstones including quartz, tiger’s eye, and amethyst. In addition to the digging tools and actual dig, this kit includes an activity guide and a pamphlet with cool science facts. A great way to learn about geology. It lets you learn about the stones and feel like a real treasure hunter…. The rocks contained in the kit are big and clean up beautifully. It’s a fun afternoon project will get your kids asking more questions about gemstones.
3. Discover with Dr. Cool Ocean Fossil Digging Science Kit
4. Thames and Kosmos Classic Science Archaeology: Pyramid
5. 4M Crystal Mining Kit
6. GeoCentral Excavation Dig Kit: Dino Skull
The GeoCentral Excavation Dig Kit: Dino Skull includes a tool and brush for this archaeological dig. Kids can dig and then display their skull on the neat display stand. The only drawback to this kit is that you don’t choose the type of dinosaur. The company chooses either Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Pachycephalosaurus, or Tyrannosaurus when you order. You just start to dig and anticipate the first sight of the bone or fossil. It’s a great kit to enjoy together with your child!
7. 4M Mammoth Excavation Kit
The 4M Mammoth Excavation Kit has everything young scientists need to dig and display a cool mammoth skeleton. Follow the instruction and use the digging tool and brush to excavate the mammoth skeleton from a mound of clay. Children can the build, keep, and display the mammoth model. Kids will love the adventure of excavating the bones out of the rock with the provided tools. Imagine the excitement every time a piece is broken free! Putting all the pieces together to create the Mammoth is just another stimulating part of the activity. It would make a great presentation piece for his school project in the end. I would highly recommend this kit for excellent quality and as a great introduction to archaeology/fossils.
8. Egypt Mummy Excavation Kit
9. Smithsonian Diggin’ Up Dinosaurs T-Rex
Kids can put on their safety goggles and dig into the Smithsonian Diggin’ Up Dinosaurs T-Rex. After unearthing the plastic dinosaur bones, they can assemble the T-Rex skeleton and show it off to their friends. This is another amazing product and should keep your little one busy for days. Putting together and taking apart the skeleton is fun on its own too.
10. Dig Your Own Gem Mine!
The Dig Your Own Gem Mine! kit offers the opportunity to dig 12 naturally occurring gemstones. It’s somewhat easier to dig than some of the other kits and kids will enjoy keeping and collecting the stones. Includes an Ancient Treasures comic for extra fun. It’s easy for kids to dig themselves and find the sparkly gems. The guide was very informative and they’ll enjoy identifying the rocks after digging them out. Afterward they’ll have their own rock collection which they can keep and play with. Overall, a great product!
Looking For The Best Dinosaur Toys For Kids?
If you are looking for straight-up dinosaur toy fun, we’ve got you covered with our toy recommendation guide. We’ve also looked at the best dinosaur robots and top dinosaur games as well.
Discovery toys like archeology dig kits are both fun and educational. Do you and your child have a favorite discovery toy or kit? Share it in the comments below!
Feature image courtesy of Flickr, chase_elliott.
Only two of these have anything to do with archaeology at all. And those two are both Egyptology focused. This is a terrible list.
Thanks for the comment Isaac. Do you have any recommendations or specific toys you think we could add to improve the list?