Gem Mining Places for Kids

Ages

• When you hear the word "mining," you may think of an activity that only older kids and teens can try, but the simulated or pared-down version in many gem places is acceptable for even younger ages of kids. For example, the Door County Gem and Mineral Mining place at Gravity Trails in Wisconsin features sift and sort activities for children of all ages. Although places such as this one may allow kids of any age to participate in the mining, keep your child's developmental and ability levels in mind. A tot who has difficulty picking up small objects may get easily frustrated while sifting through mud and muck for mock gems.

Basics

• Before you go out looking for the ideal gem mining experience for your young scientist, understanding what types of activities are out there is key. Although you may think of mining as a pick and ax activity, most kids' gem places use a sift and sort method. This lets your child sift through a pail or bucket of dirt and faux gems or rocks with a mining screen. Your child will scoop the dirt and gem mix into the screen over a water tub to rinse of his fresh finds.

Options

• There are a variety of places you can find gem mining for your child. Some outdoor establishments, nature centers and campgrounds offer this hands-on activity. For example, Yogi-Bear's Jellystone Park Camps and Resorts provide this activity to young campers at many of its sites across the United States. You can also have a gem mining place brought to your own home. The Maryland-based Tim's Gems Mobile Gold and Gem Mine is portable mining space that pulls up at your home or outdoor event in an RV. If you are looking for a different take on gem mining for kids, try taking your little ones to a show that features minerals a pro has already mined. For example, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show has a Junior Education area that features a treasure hunt for minerals and kid-friendly information on gems. Gem and mineral shows are held in various cities and towns across the United States.

Results

• What happens at the end of your child's gem mining experience? Will she walk out with mounds of gold or armfuls of emeralds? Most likely not, but she will leave the place with a baggie of goodies. Your child may screen out painted rocks that look like gold or pull out commonly found mineral rocks. After the rocks and gems are completely clean, your child can bag up her finds and take them home to identify or display.