Got Fossils?

We went to the Imaginology event at the Orange County Fairgrounds recently and we were lucky enough to stumble upon the booth for the Laguna Hills Community Center. They had a few staffers on site and a big box of fossils for kids to dig through.

I was excited to learn that the community center is situated right smack dab on top of one of the richest fossil sites in America. And rather than keeping all those bones to themselves, they've kindly put some on display for the public to explore.

My little ones love dinosaurs so we made the trip. It's a beautiful location with fountains and a mural of the prehistoric animals that once roamed the hills and swam the seas on that very site. Inside, they have several displays to view including the tusk of a Columbian Mammoth that was 15 feet tall. Quite impressive! They also had the fossil box out, so the kids got to do a little digging of their own. My favorite was the skull of the saber toothed cat nestled in the wall above the staircase landing.

When you arrive at the center stop at the front desk and ask for a Paleopack. They have a parent/chaperone guide with a map of the exhibits and fun facts to talk with your kids about while you view each display. They'll also give you a kids activity packet with coloring pages and dot-to-dots. Take crayons or pencils with you if you want to complete the activities there.

 

The community center also offers a Fossil Finders Fossil Fixers School Tour Program geared for grades 2 through 5. With this program, students will participate in a three day program that meets the California State Science content standards. They offer this same program in a condensed one day version for the general public. For information on when these classes will be offered or to make a reservation call 949-707-2680.

When you've finished exploring inside, head out to the Prehistoric Playground. Loved this spot! The boulders had fossils and imprints of scallops and other prehistoric sea life and the cave beneath the bridge showed off the dinosaur skeletons. There are two levels to play on with multiple structures and a super-cool whale skeleton to climb.

 

For a morning of play and learning, Laguna Hills Community Center is definitely a must-do!

For more information visit www.gotfossils.com. The website also features games, videos, animal facts, and much more to explore with the kids before or after your visit.

Laguna Hills Community Center is located at 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.