Dinosaurs are kid magnets. You can find the ancient creatures on pillowcases, lamps, and even squished into edible gummy shapes.

Why are children of all ages so enthralled? Because dinosaurs are first and foremost a mystery. We have no photos or videos of these enormous beasts, just digitalized montages. And despite the movie myths projected as facts, no one knows exactly what they looked like, sounded like, or acted like. Paleontologists are more than happy to make guesses, but no one can be positive. If your child draws a picture of a purple polka-dotted monster breathing fire, encourage that creativity. Who knows? Maybe he’s right.

There are come-one, come-all dinosaur digs and exhibitions going on throughout America and the world—Dinosaur, Colorado, for one. Montana is another hot spot for old bones. If you live close enough, you can make a day of actually digging for the real thing. Denver’s Dinosaur Ridge—an outdoor museum—is also a great option. Or you can visit the Dinosaur Museum in Blanding, Utah, where you and your kids will have an opportunity to see dinosaur skeletons, fossilized skin, eggs, even footprints.

Search online for details of various archaeological adventures you and your family could consider. Though costly, these once-in-a-lifetime events are ones your kids will never forget.

Finding dinosaur bones is like finding buried treasure. To many scientists, it’s better. Learning about things that happened once-upon-a-time-ago provides answers to questions we have today. Talk to your children about how the Bible tells the story of the earth’s creation. As you look at experts digging up bones either on site or online, read Genesis 1:1. God created everything—even the amazing thunder lizards from the past.