Age group(s) for this birthday party activity:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School

Cost of birthday party activity:
Cost of dirt

Birthday party planning information:
Contact meat department of local grocer. Ask them to save the bones of larger cuts of meat. Boil the bones to clean. Have load of dirt delivered to your home that you intend to use in your yard or that you are willing to allow your children to keep as their "dirt pile". As dirt is being dumped, throw bones in. Allow children to go on a dinosaur dig.

Consider getting small dinosaurs of different breeds from dollar store to give as prizes (most bones found, largest bone, most unusual. Discuss with the children the names of the dinosaurs and characteristics of the dinosaur (herbivore, carnivore, etc.).

Other suggestions or comments:
Consider purchasing brown "safari style" hat (dollar stores/oriental trading, etc.) and small sand shovel as "party favors".