How to Turn Your Backyard into a Real Archaeological Dig This Weekend

Ever notice how kids are naturally drawn to digging in the dirt? There is a moment in every childhood where the backyard becomes a treasure hunt. Instead of fighting the mud, what if we leaned into it?

Linda Soules’s book, Treasure Hunter, takes that exact childhood impulse and turns it into a masterclass in patience, wonder, and real science for kids ages 10 to 12.

Instead of just chasing gold coins, Soules teaches kids why a broken pot with leftover lentils can actually tell a more exciting story about the past. It’s a beautiful lesson in finding value in the ordinary. The best part? The book is packed with easy, hands-on projects you can do as a family, like creating a "stratigraphy jar" on a rainy afternoon or mapping out a neighborhood survey.

If you're looking for a way to spark deep family conversations about history and what we leave behind, this book earns a permanent spot on your shelf.

Read our full breakdown here: So You Want to Be a Treasure Hunter