Take Your Kids On A Real Life Dinosaur Dig

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

From "Jurassic Park" to "Land of the Lost", and "Godzilla" for that matter, dinosaur movies have always played well on the big screen. Though they are steeped in science-fiction, the basic premise is not. Dinosaurs are real and once roamed the earth. We are extremely fortunate in Western Colorado to have the dinosaur museum in Fruita, and the opportunity to experience a real-life dinosaur dig.

What kid wouldn't love the chance to find a real dinosaur bone? Not only would it be a thrilling experience, but educational as well. And, who knows, it could lead to a lifelong career choice.

The Museum of Western Colorado offers dinosaur dig expeditions ranging from one day to five days.

The one-day dig is ideal for kids. Transportation is provided from Dinosaur Journey in Fruita out to the quarry, field instruction, lunch, water/gatorade,  and a tour of the Dinosaur Journey Paleo lab by a professional paleontologist. The cost is $125 per person.

The 5-day dig is an expedition to Moab. The trip includes digging, prospecting for new sites, and a raft trip.

There are some age restrictions on these expeditions, and kids 16 and under have to be accompanied by a paying, participating adult. You can get more information on the Museum of the West website.

I have always been fascinated by dinosaurs, and remember fondly those childhood visits to Denver's Museum of Natural History. Who knows. Had I experienced a dinosaur dig as a child I might not be in radio today, but rather  a Paleontologist out digging for bones.