Smithsonian Mars Dig

Launch a child’s imagination into outer space with the Smithsonian Mars Dig Kit, a hands-on science adventure perfect for aspiring explorers ages 8 and up. Using excavation tools, kids chip away at a sand block to uncover six pieces of basalt—the same type of rock found on Mars. They’ll also build a scale model of NASA’s Perseverance rover, learning how real spacecraft explore the Martian surface. With engaging STEM content and a connection to real-world space missions, this kit brings planetary science to life. It’s more than a toy—it’s a gift of discovery, inspiration, and a chance for children in need to dream beyond the stars.