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

Cost of birthday party activity:
Usual cost of food, cake and streamers.
Cost of pails and shovels.

Birthday party planning information:
Young fans of T-rex are sure to get a roar out of this theme.
Decorations: Turn the party into a swampland by placing ferms or other plants around the room. Drape various shades of green streamers around. Paint each child's name on top of a small rock, and use for place settings.
Food: Jurassic Jigglers. Set plastic egg halves in an egg carton and spray the inside of each half with vegetable spray. Follow package directions for "Jell-O Jigglers" and carefully pour the mixture into each egg half. Once Jell-O has begun to set, place a gummy dinosaur partially into each Jell-O egg. Allow to fully set. Remove the Jell-O eggs from the plastic casing by dipping the plastic container in hot water for a second or two for easy unmolding.
Cake: Decorate a round cake with green frosting "mountains." Add a few plastic trees and some candy rocks, then nestle candles in the forest. (Careful lighting this thing!)

Other suggestions or comments:
Party Favors: Instead of a "goody bag," send home favors in a small pail, along with a small shovel. These are usually available in the lawn and garden department of most large stores.