Throw your little paleontologist the ultimate Dino Dig Birthday Party with DIY decorations and themed party favors that will leave your guests roaring with excitement! Whether you’re planning a backyard excavation or setting up a prehistoric wonderland indoors, this guide has everything you need to start planning your a Jurassic celebration. Plus, I’ve included links to budget-friendly supplies and adorable party favors to make planning a breeze. Let’s dig in!
Experienced party throwers have likely dealt with the last-minute theme change request of their child. Luckily, G has wanted a dinosaur party for several months without wavering. And that’s not a surprise! Dinosaur-themed parties are one of the top 5 most popular themes for kids’ birthdays,“ according to recent trends in party planning. While I didn’t do as much planning ahead as I did for our One the West cowboy first birthday party for my youngest this year, I had plenty of time to design and print our dino dig invitations, secure a pavilion at a neighborhood park, and order a few prehistoric paleontology party decorations from Oriental Trading.
This was also our first birthday party with school friends! Since G started going 3 short days a week to a neighborhood Montessori at the beginning of this year, we’ve all adjusted to a more consistent weekly routine and the rotation of kiddo birthday parties.
Dino Dig DIY
You know I’m a make it yourself mama, but turns out that gets harder to do when you’ve got more than one kiddo that wants to be with you 24/7 😅. My two favorite DIYs for this Prehistoric birthday party were the handdrawn fossils on the tablecloth and the brownies (instead of birthday cake) that the kiddos all got to excavate after singing Happy Birthday.
Fossil Tablecloth materials:
This particular DIY was more time-consuming than it was difficult. I drew from photos I found online, and didn’t worry too much about scale of the dino fossils. I also only drew my dino bones around the perimeter of the disposable tablecloth, leaving the center for placing the food and dishes at the party. Also, I only drew on the tablecloth that we’d be using at the serving table, not on the other plastic tablecloths I had just in case to use at the extra picnic tables or as a photo backdrop.
- Plain throwaway tablecloths in a color of your choice! The label on the pack I found at my local grocery story read “gold.” And they were the perfect sandy tan color. These plastic tablecloths on Amazon are similar.
- Thick marker. I used a Crayola washable brown marker and it did smudge some, but mostly on my hand. A sharpie would work just as well, but a fine tip could tear the tablecloth.
Dino Fossil Reveal “cake” materials:
We’re not big on cake in this family (unless my sister or mom is making it!). When I gave my four-year-old the choice between a chocolate cake or a chocolate brownie, I wasn’t surprised he opted for a Dino Dig Brownie Dessert.
- Box brownie mix of your choice is the fastest. My favorite homemade brownie recipe (that is also egg-free) can be found on The Newlywed Pantry.
- Crumble your favorite chocolate cookies to make the “dirt” for the top. Oreos or Graham Crackers would work. We did chocolate animal crackers. My boys liked getting to smash and roll the cookies until we had the right consistency.
- The dinosaur fossils I used are from this kit on Amazon, which was actually one of our gifts. You just press them into the brownies when they’re still warm and then cover them with the crumbs.
- I bought a pack of disposable makeup brushes for the kiddos to use to uncover the fossils.
Dino Dig Party Supplies & Favors
When it comes to throwing a Dino Dig Birthday Party for your little dinoFOUR, the right supplies and favors can take your celebration to the next level! From DIY dinosaur decorations like Jurassic-themed dig site streamers to unique party favors such as fossil excavation kits and miniature dinosaur figurines, the possibilities are endless. The key is to create a cohesive prehistoric vibe that excites little paleontologists while being not annoying for parents. Below you’ll find must-have dino-themed supplies, creative decor ideas, and fun, affordable party favors that will make your Dino Dig a roaring success!
Oriental Trading was almost a one-stop-shop planning for this paleontology birthday party. I picked up blank tan throwaway tablecloths from the grocery store that I drew fossils onto the night before the party, as well as the goodie bags and the large gold “4” balloon.
If you don’t want to piece together your dino dig dishes and decorations, Oriental Trading does have a done for you dino dig party kit that serves 24!
Dino Dig FAQs
What supplies do I need for a dino dig activity?
You’ll need a sandbox or digging area, toy dinosaur bones or fossils, excavation tools like small brushes and shovels, and containers or bags for kids to collect their “finds.” You can also include magnifying glasses for extra fun! Hands-on experiences can activate sensory and motor areas of the brain. This means kids who engage in tactile activities – like a dino dig! – at a birthday party are more likely to remember and enjoy the experience. zspace
How much space do I need for the digging activity?
A small backyard or patio space works perfectly. You can even set up a mini excavation area indoors using large storage bins filled with sand or kinetic sand. While we were lucky to have a park with a built-in dino dig site, you don’t need something that big! In fact, having the dig site, the playground, and the pavilion meant party guests were more spread out than I really wanted.
What age group is best for a Dino Dig Birthday Party?
It’s perfect for kids aged 3-7. Older kids can enjoy it too if you add more challenging elements, like identifying fossil types or solving excavation puzzles.
How can I make the party eco-friendly?
Use biodegradable materials for decorations, and swap plastic toys for wooden or silicone alternatives. Repurpose items like cardboard boxes to create dino footprints or dig site signs.
What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Move the dig indoors using sensory bins or a plastic kiddie pool filled with sand or soil substitutes. Add tarps or table covers to keep things tidy, and let kids dig for treasures while staying dry!
Planning a Dino Dig Birthday Party can feel a bit like setting up a mini Jurassic Park in your backyard—you’re on the hunt for the perfect dinosaur fossil food ideas and dino decor so your little explorers will feel like real-life paleontologists at the party. And don’t forget to shop with Rakuten for your cashback!
What Moms Can Wear to A Dino Dig Party
Draw inspiration from your favorite Jurassic Park or adventure movie! I love Evelyn’s (Evie) from The Mummy fashion throughout the film, and how it relaxes and boldens with her character. If you aren’t worried about being stylish and would rather go the fun route, we had a friend show up to G’s party in an inflatable dino suit; that’s sure to get laughs!
