Are you ready to go on an excavation? This activity is simple to put together and will be a hit for any dinosaur or pirate themed parties.

Supplies you’ll need:

• Large bucket
• Containers for molding
• Toys, little ones
• Shovel
• Sand
• Dirt
• Cornstarch
• Water spray bottle
• Excavation tools

Steps:

1. Use your containers as measuring tools.  Pack sand in the molding containers then dump it into a large bucket.  Add about a half container of dirt. Then add about 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of sand/dirt mixture.  You don’t have to be exact, go ahead and eyeball it.  Mix well and spray with water every once in a while to moisten.
2. Fill your molding containers halfway with sand mixture.  Place little dinosaurs, jewels, and any other treasures you don’t mind getting grungy into the mix.  Spritz on a bit more water then pack on more sand mix.  Level off, spray with water, and allow to dry overnight.
3. Use whatever you have around the house for excavation tools. 

Cover a table with thick paper (this makes clean up much easier) and unmold your sand “cake”.  Let your kids loose.  They’ll know exactly what to do.

You can reuse the sand to make more molds or put it back into your sandbox.

Have fun!