Let’s build dinosaur homes!
We will make safe, fun places for your pretend dinosaurs. Ask an adult to help with cutting, tools, or water.
- Pick your dinosaur.
Is it big or small? Does it eat plants or meat? Examples: T. rex is big and eats meat. Triceratops is big and eats plants. Velociraptor is small and fast.
- Decide how big the enclosure should be.
Use things you know: small = your bedroom, medium = backyard, big = playground. Bigger dinos need more space.
- Make the fence or wall.
For pretend play, use cushions, cardboard, blocks, or toy fences. Make it taller for big dinos and lower for tiny ones. Always let an adult help if you use scissors, glue, or tools.
- Add a shelter.
Make a cave from a big cardboard box or a shaded spot from blankets over chairs. Dinosaurs like a cozy place to rest.
- Put food and water inside.
Use bowls or plates. Plant-eaters get leaves and toy veggies. Meat-eaters get toy meat. Don’t use real food that will spoil unless an adult helps and you clean up.
- Make it fun for dinosaurs.
Add rocks, sticks, tunnels, or toys for them to explore. Change things sometimes so they stay curious.
- Safety rules.
- Never climb the fence or jump on a real fence.
- Always play with a grown-up nearby.
- Keep water bowls shallow and only with adult help.
- Draw a plan and measure with blocks.
Draw your dino home on paper. Use blocks or toys to count how many steps long or wide it is.
- Clean up after playtime.
Put toys away and wash any bowls with an adult.
Extra fun ideas: Give your dinosaur a name, make a story about its day, and take pictures of your dino home. You can change the home every day to make new adventures!
Have fun building and playing—and remember to ask an adult for help when you need it.