Woodland Treasure Hunters Blog

We’ve been using our treasure hunting escapades as a way to spark excitement about hiking and the great outdoors for our kids, so this trip wasn’t about gold doubloons or secret treasures. Instead, we uncovered something just as thrilling for budding adventurers: fossils embedded in sandstone.

Discovering the Joy of Fossil Hunting

We knew Kannapolis Park, part of the beautiful Smoky Hills region, would be a great place to explore its winding trails, dramatic rock formations, and prairie views. The hike started with the boys running to compete for who got to be the “line-leader” (Thank-you, preschool!). Fortunately, they ran out of steam before we got to any precarious ledges.

Near the end of the hike, we found impressions of ancient sea creatures, shells, and plant life in the soft sandstone—remnants of a time when Kansas was covered by an inland sea. These fossil discoveries were an incredible way to connect history with nature, and our kids were hooked. They ran from rock to rock, searching for the next imprint like miniature paleontologists.

The “Treasure” Is the Adventure

We’re convinced none of the actual treasures we’re chasing are hidden in Kansas (though wouldn’t that be a twist?). For us, treasure hunting is less about the possibility of striking it rich and more about creating a sense of curiosity and adventure for our kids. The hike at Kannapolis Park turned into a perfect opportunity to show them that treasure can take many forms—a piece of history frozen in stone, a breathtaking view from a rocky outcrop, or the feeling of discovering something new.

Making Treasure Hunting Family-Friendly

If you’re thinking about introducing your kids to treasure hunting or hiking, finding small wins like fossils, interesting rocks, or unique plants can go a long way toward keeping them engaged. Kannapolis Park turned out to be a great beginner-friendly destination, with trails that were manageable for little legs and plenty of natural wonders to keep them excited.

If you’ve got favorite hiking spots or treasure-hunting tips, we’d love to hear them. Let’s keep inspiring each other to find joy in the journey!