Oakzanita, California
Oakzanita’s Dinosaur Digs and Remote Control (RC) Track
By Meredith Walker

It looks like a very big sand box, when you first see it.  But it’s no ordinary sand box, because when you start digging, you’ll find dinosaurs and dinosaur bones.  So put down those video games, turn off the TV, wear some old duds and head on over to Oakzanita’s Dino Digs.

Did you know that the word “dinosaur” comes from Greek words meaning “fearfully great lizard”? Did you know the largest dinosaurs were over 100 feet long and up to 50 feet tall, and the smallest dinosaurs were about the size of a chicken?

The dinosaurs buried at Oakzanita are not quite that big; but there are eight different kinds of dinosaurs in different sizes buried in the sand.   If you’re not sure which dinosaur you’ve discovered, (is it a Stegosaurus or a T. Rex?) use the casts of dinosaurs and do crayon rubbings to reveal the shapes and names of eight different dinosaurs.   Match the rubbings with the dinosaurs you found and you’ll know all their names.

To add more fun to the Dino Digs, the bones of a dinosaur skeleton have also been buried.  As you find each bone, place it in the wooden mold of the dinosaur.  It’s like putting a puzzle together. Once you’ve finished collecting all the bones and putting them in place, you will have completed a skeleton of a dinosaur.  You’ll have to go to Oakzanita to find out which dinosaur it is
The Dino Digs seem to appeal to children ages 3 to 8. However, anyone who is a kid at heart and enjoys digging in the sand is welcome.

For those of you who like remote control cars, Oakzanita has designated an area by the miniature golf course for use as a remote control (RC) track.  You’ll need to bring your own remote control cars but you’ll be able to catch a lot of air on the track.  Plan to meet with friends and family members for a friendly contest to see which car can catch the most air or which is the fastest in a race.

Oakzanita is open year round and the Dino Digs are open during regular Recreation Office Hours.  The RC track can be used anytime.

BACK TO FAMILY NEWS HOME