Children and Teens
Young Archaeologists’ Club
The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) branches are a network of local groups where 8-16-year-olds can take part in hands-on activities and discover why archaeology matters. There are over 70 Young Archaeologists' Club branches all over the UK. They mostly meet once a month, usually on a Saturday, and are a great way for young people to learn more about archaeology in their area and make new friends.
YAC branches explore all eras of human history, such as the Romans, Vikings, Ancient Egyptians, and Victorians. They each organise an action-packed programme of activities, field trips, and events. This includes visiting archaeological sites, trying historic crafts, learning about how archaeologists work, and much more! For further information, visit our YAC page.
Things to do
Over on the YAC website, there are step-by-step instructions for a whole range of activities you can do at home. For example, baking a medieval cake, growing your own cropmark, and making a Roman shield. We also have a number of activities that help develop your archaeological skill set, such as how to do photogrammetry at home or package an archaeological artefact once excavated.
Dig School
Dig School is an exciting, engaging way of getting involved with archaeology from your classroom or bedroom! Founded during the pandemic, Dig School is made up of a series of 21 completely free, enquiry-based learning-enrichment workshops themed around different aspects of archaeology, created by ourselves and Professor Carenza Lewis, of the University of Lincoln and TV's Time Team.
Each workshop comes with teacher guidance documents, a workbook, and an introductory video from Professor Carenza Lewis, as well as additional support material and activities where appropriate.
Dig School covers topics such as excavating your own test-pit, osteoarchaeology (exploring human remains) and burial archaeology, aerial photogrpahy, LiDAR, animal bones and so much more!
Festival of Archaeology
Every summer the CBA also coordinates the Festival of Archaeology, a two-week programme of archaeology events across the UK. Lots of these events are suitable for children and teens, such as tours, hands-on activities, workshops, and exhibitions. The Festival of Archaeology website also has an online resources area, that can be accessed at any time and includes a variety of do-it-yourself activities, from guided walks and crafting ideas to virtual tours and recorded talks.
CBA YouTube Channel
The CBA YouTube Channel has lots of videos about different archaeological topics, including careers, discoveries, research and activity guides. If you enjoy watching videos about archaeology online there is also a whole host of TV series available. We have listed some of our favourites below.
There are lots of television shows you can watch to gain an insight into the archaeological process and what archaeologists do. Some of these are available on-demand, including Time Team on All 4, which follows a team of experts as they travel the country and investigate different archaeological sites. In The Great British Dig: History in Your Garden, also on All 4, archaeologists excavate back gardens around Britain in an attempt to uncover lost history. Programmes available elsewhere include Buried Treasures, Digging Up Britain's Past, Britain's Biggest Dig, and Archaeology: A Secret History.
Click here for a list of some further online resources and activities, that have been produced by a range of museums and organisations.
- Archaeology Colouring Book: A free downloadable archaeology colouring book, which explores how archaeologists work.
- Surrey County Council: Several fun archaeology activities for children aged 6-11 to do at home.
- BBC History for Kids: Learn more about a wide range of historical topics with videos, games, and quizzes.
- JORVIK Viking Centre: Digital resources for stay-at-home discovery of Viking life and culture, including colouring sheets, puzzles, and videos.
- Creswell Crags Museum: Creative things to do at home, inspired by the prehistoric gorge of Creswell Crags.
- West Berkshire Heritage: Activity sheets to be downloaded and completed at home, including around identifying artefacts.
- The Mary Rose: Lots of Tudor themed activities, such as crafting a warship and making a Lego Henry VIII.
- The Roman Baths: Fun-for-all-the-family activities and games to explore the world of the Romans.
- Egypt Exploration Society: Digital resources to help you discover more about the history of Egypt and Sudan, including 3D virtual tours and printable board games.
Places to go
One of the great things about archaeology is the fact that it is everywhere!
Why not visit your local library, which will likely have a selection of books on archaeology and history? You can also visit museums and archaeological sites in your area, which will have archaeological displays and introductory information on the subject.
Want to discover archaeological and heritage sites near you? The YAC website has an interactive map to help you easily find nearby places to visit. YAC members get special offers or discounts on the places shown – yet another reason to join a club!
You can also use the Historic England Map Search for you to locate listed places in your area, or A History of English Places, a smartphone app to help you explore historic places near you.
Each year as part of the Festival of Archaeology, we invite you to get out and search your local area with our Explorers Challenge. Although the competition is now closed, you can still attempt to complete the bingo card and find lots of interesting sites in your neighbourhood.
If you want to explore somewhere further away, you can now take virtual tours of some of the greatest museums and heritage sites around the world with Google Arts and Culture.
What’s Next?
If you have enjoyed some of the different activities on this page and want to take your interest in archaeology even further, check out our page for young adults.