Looking for a hands-on way to bring a prehistoric dinosaur theme to life? Our T-Rex Dino Dig Site is a sensory-rich experience that invites children to explore, excavate, and imagine—all while building essential early learning skills. This Dinosaur Printable was designed by Kamilla from Learning Through PLAYtrays® Download it instantly.

This setup transforms any sand table, sensory bin,  PLAYtray or Tuff Tray into a full-blown extra large dinosaur fossil dig site!

Beneath the surface of this dinosaur Tuff Tray Idea is a whole world of skill-building and sensory learning . Here's what kids are really doing while they dig:

✋ Fine Motor Development

Using brushes, tongs, or small tools helps strengthen hand muscles and coordination—skills essential for writing and self-care tasks.

🧩 Spatial Thinking + Problem Solving

As children piece together bones and arrange their finds, they’re using visual thinking and logical reasoning.

🗣️ Language + Communication

This setup naturally encourages new vocabulary: “prehistoric,” “fossil,” “excavation,” “clues,” and “paleontologist.” Children explain their discoveries, ask questions, and role play conversations.

💭 Imaginative Play

From uncovering bones to “studying” fossils in a lab, this activity fuels rich pretend play. It invites storytelling and creativity in every layer.

🌈 Sensory Regulation

Sand play is calming. The texture of the sand, the slow pace of brushing and digging—it all supports focus, relaxation, and emotional regulation.

We LOVE seeing all the creative ways parents and early years educators are bringing dinosaur play to life—especially the handmade salt-dough dinosaur fossils !

Making your own fossils is a fantastic process-based activity:

• Mix salt, flour, and water

• Shape into “bones” or press toy dinos into dough

• Bake or air dry

• Add to your Dinosaur Tuff Tray for a realistic excavation experience!

This DIY method builds fine motor skills, patience, and sensory input while letting kids participate in creating their own dig site materials.

⏱️ Short on Time?

If you’re planning a dinosaur sensory bin and want to skip the recipe , we’ve got you covered.

Just download, print, and laminate our extra-large dinosaur bones printable . It’s ready in minutes—and big enough to make a BIG impression in your tray!

• No baking.

• No mess.

• Just PLAY.

Pair it with sand, brushes, and your favorite dino toys to instantly transform your setup into a dino dig site your kids/students will never forget .

1. Print and cut the T-Rex bones.

2. Hide them in a sensory base like sand, kinetic sand, dirt, or dried beans to mimic a real fossil dig.

3. Add brushes, scoops, tweezers , and magnifying glasses to encourage fine motor work.

4. Set out the printable Dino Dig Site poster to inspire the activity. 

5. Let the kids dig, discover, and piece together the fossil puzzle!

Pair your Dinosaur Tuff Tray setup with visual aids like dinosaur flashcards to introduce new vocabulary, dinosaur names, and facts. This simple addition supports early literacy and encourages curiosity during play. Many educators following Reggio Emilia or Montessori-inspired approaches know that real, hands-on materials paired with provocations like photo flashcards help deepen learning. Use the flashcards to spark questions like “What did this dinosaur eat?” or “How big was this one?” while children are brushing sand off their fossils. It’s a beautiful blend of sensory exploration, critical thinking , and child-led discovery.

There’s something magical about dinosaurs that captures children’s imaginations— especially toddlers . These giant, mysterious creatures spark endless curiosity. For toddlers, dinosaurs are exciting, a little wild, and totally different from anything in their everyday world. From roaring sounds to stomping feet, dinosaur play taps into big emotions and movement , which is exactly what young children love. But the fascination doesn’t stop at age 3. Dinosaurs are a timeless theme because they blend science, mystery, and storytelling —making them ideal for preschoolers, big kids, and even adults . That’s why dinosaur setups, like a Dinosaur Tuff Tray fossil dig , work across all early years age groups: there’s always more to explore, ask, and imagine.