DIY Rock & Gem Mining Activity

I was inspired to do this DIY Rock & Gem Mining Activity by a recent mini-golf outing with my family. It’s a fun activity that can be put together fairly cheap and done over and over again. The hands-on experience of discovering buried treasures like gemstones, rocks, shells, fossils, and shark teeth is a great beginner science activity for preschoolers and Kindergarteners to learn about

where such stones form. It helps little ones explore and develop their senses in a simple and creative way.

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This DIY Rock & Gem Mining Activity is the perfect springtime activity to do when you’re teaching your preschooler the letters R, G, or even M. It’s also just plain fun for kids to use their hands, get a little dirty, and learn something at the same time!

Since the warm spring weather starts a bit earlier in Florida than it does in most of the country, outdoor activities have become a main staple in our weekends. One of our 3-year old’s favorites is mini golf and during our last visit, my son discovered the gem mining adventure. This is an extra experience that is separate from the mini golf ticket and kids usually take part in it after 18 holes of golf. Our place charges anywhere from $7 to $22 for each gem mining package!

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Now my son can do the Rock & Gem Mining Activity at home anytime he wants and we don’t have to empty our wallet every time we go mini golfing!

What you will need for this DIY Rock & Gem Mining Activity is pictured below.

Materials Needed:

• Sifter (you can use a beach toy sifter)
• Play Sand (Walmart, Home Depot, or Lowes)
• Plastic Container -about 8” X 12” (Dollar Tree)
• Gem & Rock Kit (Amazon or Hobby Lobby)
• Gallon Size Plastic Bag
• Shark Teeth (optional)
• Shells (optional)

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DIY Rock & Gem Mining Activity Directions:

1. Fill a gallon size bag with sand, gems, rocks, shells, shark teeth, etc.
2. Next, fill a plastic container with water.
3. If you’re doing this activity with a small child, allow them to hold the sifter above the water while you pour the sand and rock mixture into the sifter. Pour in small amounts—about a cup at a time.
4. Dip the sifter up, down, and wiggle it around, in and out of the water, until the sand disappears and your gems and findings appear.

Have fun and happy mining!

What are some of your little one’s favorite outdoor springtime activities? Have you tried this DIY Rock & Gem Mining Activity? Share in the comments below.

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