Photo: Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
Photo: Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
Photo: Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
★4.9(207 reviews)$Nature
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 5-14. Kids who can handle simple digging tools and have the patience to search through shale will thrive here. Younger children (3-4) can participate with close parental help, while tweens and teens love the scientific detective work and the thrill of discovering their own authentic fossils.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve offers an extraordinary hands-on paleontology experience where kids become real fossil hunters, digging through ancient Devonian shale to uncover 380-million-year-old treasures they can actually take home. This working fossil site transforms learning into adventure, making it one of Western New York's most unique and educational outdoor attractions for families.
Highlights
- ✓Digging for and keeping authentic 380-million-year-old fossils including trilobites, brachiopods, and coral
- ✓Educational nature trails through the 54-acre nature reserve with diverse habitats to explore
- ✓Hands-on learning stations where experts help identify fossil discoveries
- ✓Special fossil preparation area with tools and guidance for cleaning finds
- ✓Seasonal educational programs and guided paleontology tours led by passionate volunteers
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring sturdy buckets or containers with padding (newspaper or bubble wrap) to safely transport your fossil finds home
- 2.Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get dirty, fossil hunting is messy work and the shale dust stains
- 3.Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and more personalized attention from the knowledgeable volunteer guides
- 4.Pack sunscreen and hats as there's limited shade in the dig areas, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated
- 5.Take advantage of the free educational programs and guided tours to help kids identify their discoveries and understand what they're finding
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings during late spring or early fall for the most comfortable weather and smallest crowds. Summer weekends can get busy, though the excitement is contagious. Cooler days in May, September, and October offer ideal digging conditions without the summer heat.
What to Know
Admission is very affordable (typically under $10 per person), and the park operates seasonally from April through October. The site is mostly accessible, though the digging areas involve uneven terrain, and there are no food concessions on-site, so pack snacks and drinks.
Seasonal Notes
Open seasonally from April through October, typically Wednesday through Sunday (check schedule as hours vary by season). The park hosts special events throughout the summer including Fossil Day celebrations and educational workshops. Heavy rain may close the dig sites temporarily, so check weather and call ahead on questionable days.
Nearby Eats
Ted's Hot Dogs (a Buffalo institution) is just 5 minutes away on Camp Road for classic kids' favorites. For sit-down dining, Grapevine Family Restaurant in nearby Hamburg offers casual American fare with a welcoming kids' menu in a relaxed atmosphere.
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