Junior Geologist Expedition with Hamburg Natural History Society

Buffalo, New York

Junior Geologist Expedition

Designed for explorers ages 5 - 12 years old

Select participants and date

Date

Fri, Oct 24

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Embark on a thrilling Junior Geologist Expedition, designed for young explorers aged 5 to 12! In a private group, discover 380 million-year-old fossils in a 54-acre park, guided by an expert. Enjoy hands-on fossil collecting, receive a special patch, and create unforgettable memories in the world of geology!

Modeled after our popular Private Expeditions, Junior Geologist Expeditions are geared specifically for young rockhounds and paleontologists!

Your small group (2 – 10 people) can book a private, 2 hour long expedition in the style of field geology. Your guide — a knowledgeable and experienced member of our staff — will take you on a journey through our 54-acre park to explore Penn Dixie’s unique geology and collect 380 million year old fossils. After your tour, you can remain on site to continue collecting on days that we are open to the public.

Junior Geologist Expeditions are recommended for explorers ages 5 through 12 years old. Please note that children over age 12 may enjoy the style and content of Private Expeditions more. It’s up to you and your explorer to pick the expedition that’s right for your group – but we are happy to discuss your options and the differences between the tours! Contact our Director of Education Sydney (sydney@penndixie.org) with questions.

Included:

Two-hour professionally guided tour
Use of our fossil collecting tools (trowel, bucket, small cloth collecting bag)
One iron on patch for each member of your expedition
All of the fossils and geological specimens that you can collect!

Each tour can accommodate up to 10 participants. 1 adult is required to remain with the child(ren) throughout the duration of the tour. We require at least 1 adult present for every 4 children.

Child tickets are $69, adult tickets are $79. Members receive a 10% discount, please contact the office prior to booking to receive your discount code.

Please note that Junior Geologist Expeditions are geared towards children and your group must have at least 1 child participant.

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes

Uneven ground and fossil hunting require good foot protection to avoid slips and minor scrapes.

Bring sun protection

The park offers limited shaded areas, so hats and sunscreen are recommended for daytime trips.

Stay hydrated

Carry water, especially in warmer months, as the expedition lasts about two hours outdoors.

Follow guide instructions carefully

Preserving fossil beds requires mindful collecting; guides ensure a safe, respectful experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Eastern chipmunk scurrying through forest floor leaf litter.
Red-tailed hawk soaring overhead, frequently spotted above the park.

History

The fossil park exposes Devonian sedimentary sequences formed roughly 380 million years ago when the area was covered by a shallow sea.

Conservation

The Hamburg Natural History Society promotes responsible collecting to protect fossil beds and sustain this geological resource for future education.

Junior Geologist Expedition with Hamburg Natural History Society

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview