To help you celebrate International Geodiversity Day we’ve put together some fun activities for all young rock detectives to enjoy!
Every year on 6th October, people all over the world celebrate the incredible geodiversity that shapes our planet — the rocks, fossils, minerals, soils, and landscapes that tell the story of Earth’s past and present. This is important because these stories help us to understand Earth’s processes and how we can take better care of it for future generations.
It’s the perfect day to head outdoors, get your hands a bit muddy, and explore the stories written in stone! Whether you’re just starting your rock adventures or already a fossil expert in the making, we want you to mark this occasion by doing something that connects you with our Earth.
Either download this free activity sheet or pick from the activities featured below!
📄Download our Activity Sheet with fun activity ideas for you to enjoy →
Activities for Younger Rockwatchers (ages 5–10)
- Rock Detectives
Head out into your garden, park, or local green space and become a rock detective!
👀 Look for different shapes, colours, and textures.
🔍 Can you find a rock that sparkles? One that feels rough or smooth?
💬 Try describing your rocks — pretend each one has a story to tell about where it came from.
📧 Send it to us and we’ll tell you what you’ve found!
📝 Rockwatch Tip: Bring a small notebook and sketch or write about each rock you find — it’s how real geologists record their discoveries!
- Make a Mini Rock Museum
Once you’ve found a few special rocks, create your very own rock museum at home.
🎟️ Label each rock with a name and display them in an egg box or small tray.
📷 Take photos and share your collection with friends, family, or Rockwatch!
- Create Rock Art
Use paints, markers, or chalks to decorate stones with faces, fossils, or patterns inspired by nature.
🎨 Try painting a trilobite, ammonite, or volcano!
🌈 Or make your rocks look like planets, animals, or your favourite fossils.
- Soil Safari
Dig a little patch of earth and take a good look.
🪱 What can you see? Sand, pebbles, bits of leaf or shell?
💧 Add a few drops of water and notice how the soil changes colour and smell — that’s the geodiversity in action!
Activities for Older Rockwatchers (ages 11–18)
1. Map Your Local Geodiversity
Grab a notebook and explore your local area.
🌳 Note down rock types, soil colours, and landscape features — hills, valleys, streams, or quarries.
🗺️ Sketch a simple map or take photos showing how the land changes.
You’ll start to see how geology shapes everything around us — from the buildings in your town to the paths you walk on!
- Be a Rock Whisperer
Inspired by Dr Anjana Khatwa’s Rockwatch interview?
Try “listening” to your rocks!
🔎 Choose a rock or fossil and research its type and history.
💬 Imagine what it would say if it could tell its story — where it formed, how old it is, and what changes it’s seen.
Then write a short “Tale from a Rock” or record a mini video story to share with Rockwatch
- Fossil Foray
If you live near the coast, a quarry, or a local geological trail, grab an adult and head out fossil hunting!
⛏️ Check local guidelines and bring a small hammer, safety glasses or magnifying glass if allowed.
📸 Don’t forget to photograph your finds with a scale and record where you found them.
Remember — collecting responsibly is key! Always follow safety rules and local site advice.
- Make a Mini Eruption
Create your own volcanic experiment!
You’ll need:
- A small cup or bottle
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- A few drops of red food colouring
Put the baking soda inside the bottle, add the vinegar and colouring — and stand back! 🌋
Your mini volcano will fizz and bubble, just like the real thing.
Share Your Celebrations!
We’d love to see how you’re celebrating International Geodiversity Day.
📸 Send us your photos, stories, or videos — or tag @RockwatchClub on social media using #InternationalGeodiversityDay and #Rockwatch.
Don’t forget to check out our exclusive interview with Dr Anjana Khatwa on YouTube and read her article about being a rock whisperer and why geodiversity matters.
👉 Watch Anjana’s interview →
👉 Read her article →
👉 Learn more about International Geodiversity Day →
