Celebrate National Fossil Day - National Park Trust

National Fossil Day is an annual celebration that highlights the scientific and educational value of paleontology. Many, many years ago, giant creatures lived on the land we now call home. Their preserved remains have been found in many national parks across the country, some of which can still be seen embedded in rocks. These are called fossils.

Paleontologists are scientists who study the history of life through fossil records. They find new fossils and discover ancient creatures every day. Want to dig deeper into the world of paleontology? Join Buddy Bison with the activities below and become a scientist for the day!

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Buddy Bison’s Frozen Fossil Dig

Join Buddy Bison and become a scientist for a day! Recreate a frozen fossil dig and make your own discoveries from home! Download the instructions.

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Think Like a Paleontologist

Looking only at fossils found in the earth, paleontologists have used science and their imaginations to figure out what dinosaurs might have looked like. In this activity, examine the fossils on the worksheet and then “think like a paleontologist”. Use your imagination to draw your own scientific illustrations.

National Fossil Day is held annually on the Wednesday of the second week in October. Next year’s celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022.