Grandparents and Grandchildren work side by side on this weeklong Exca-Vacation to explore, discover, and excavate 150-million-year-old dinosaur bones at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Every year we have an impressive number of dig sites open to the public with more than 200 bones found in four months of digging. If you or your grandchild find a new bone, it will remain at the museum to be fully documented with their name on it as a brand-new contribution to the science of Paleontology.

At our dig sites you have the chance of finding bones from various long-necked sauropods like Camarasaurus or Diplodocus as well as a chance for finding Allosaurus teeth which have been identified at all of our dig sites. We cannot guarantee that everyone will find a bone during their time in this program, but the more time you spend digging the better your chances are.

When you sign up for this program, you will experience 5 days working side by side with staff and interns in one of our fossil quarries each morning, before moving into the lab to practice various methods for cleaning and preserving bones in the afternoon. At the same time, you will spend the week learning about the geology, natural history, and develop unforgettable memories spanning generations. This program is designed with kids 13-years-old and younger, and their grandparents in mind. There is a maximum of 13 participants per program and every group must consist of at least one adult and one child. Advanced registration is required and must be completed at least 5 days in advance of the program.

You should be in good physical health as activities on the Hill can be strenuous. We have a very dry climate in central Wyoming and our dig sites are roughly 4,500 feet above sea level. It is easy to feel the effects of the sun and elevation if you are not used to it. Not to worry though—our staff and interns will be on hand at all times to help and answer any questions that you or your grandchild may have. We do provide all necessary tools and a 5-gallon watercooler for use by all participants. Everyone is encouraged to dress for the weather and bring such necessities as sunscreen, hats, etc. Everyone is required to provide their own refillable water bottles and closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes or hiking boots) are mandatory. You will not be allowed to participate without the appropriate footwear.

So, if you don’t mind getting down and dirty, spending quality time with your grandchildren, trying something new by looking for something old, and making great new friends along the way, then this is the perfect program for you.

There will be four programs this summer (weather permitting), one in June, one in July, and two in August, (see registration below). Our climate averages about 321 clear days a year. When we do not feel conditions on the Hill are safe, we will spend more time in the lab, with hopes of spending more time in the field on other days. If the program is canceled by us for whatever reason, your registration fees will be refunded in full, or we will work with you to reschedule if possible.

No lodging is provided with this program. And while lunches consisting of a deli sandwich, chips, fruit, and water are provided, breakfast and dinners are not. If you or your grandchild have any specific dietary restrictions, please give us a call to inform us at the time of registration so that we can have appropriate substitutes available.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center Cancellation Policy

If your plans change and you cannot participate, we will refund your registration fees less a $25 cancellation fee provided you cancel 30 days or more prior to your reserved date. No refund will be given for cancellations less than 30 days prior to your reserved date. If you simply need to change the date of your reservation, we will be happy to reschedule you with no penalty, dependent upon availability.