Looking for a family-friendly adventure that’s both educational and thrilling? Across America, travelers can embark on unique excursions to uncover fossils, gems, and even shark teeth, turning vacations into treasure hunts.

Mantua, New Jersey: History buffs and dinosaur enthusiasts alike can explore the Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University. Opening to the public on March 29, this immersive museum offers visitors a chance to dig for 66-million-year-old fossils. Admission is $29 for adults, $24 for kids aged 3-12, and free for toddlers under 2. Executive director Kenneth Lacovara highlights the “thrill of discovery” as visitors dig for prehistoric marine and land animal fossils, with every participant guaranteed to find their own fossil treasure.

Arkansas: If diamonds are more your style, head to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. This 37-acre field has yielded over 35,000 diamonds, including a stunning 2-carat find by a father-son duo last July. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children. Nearby, Jessieville’s Role Coleman Mining offers crystal mining and even zipline adventures for a bird’s-eye view of the formations. Prices start at $25 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children.

East Coast Beaches: For those hunting “toothy treasures,” fossilized shark teeth await on beaches along Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Venice, Florida, known as the “shark tooth capital of the world,” is a prime spot. National Geographic recommends early morning searches during low tide or after storms. Pro tip: bring a small shovel and lots of patience—especially if you’ve got kids in tow.

Other Adventures: From Nevada to New York, mining experiences abound, offering opportunities to uncover gems and fossils. Whether it’s digging in a quarry or scouring the coastline for shark teeth, these hands-on adventures promise memories for a lifetime.

So, pack your gear and your sense of wonder—America’s natural treasures are waiting to be discovered!

Family Activities News

Uncover Million-Year-Old Fossils and Treasures Across America