Kids Dig Into Archaeology at Tulum’s Museum Sandbox

Tulum, Mexico — The Regional Museum of the Eastern Coast (Mureco) in Tulum has introduced an innovative educational tool: an archaeology-themed sandbox where children can play at being archaeologists. Located in the courtyard adjacent to the museum’s Temporary Exhibition Hall, this interactive space was designed by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) to actively engage families from Quintana Roo, as well as domestic and international tourists, in learning about, respecting, and preserving cultural heritage.

A Hands-On Archaeological Experience

The sandbox spans four square meters and accommodates up to 10 children at a time. Using 15 replicas of pre-Hispanic vessels and skeletal remains, participants simulate an archaeological excavation. The installation was made possible through a coordinated effort led by Mureco Director Carmen Gaitán Rojo, with support from the Tulum Business Alliance—an organization dedicated to children’s holistic development—and the INAH Quintana Roo Center, headed by Margarito Molina Rendón.

“More than just a playful attraction, the sandbox aims to plant a seed of curiosity, identity, and historical awareness in its participants,” explained Gaitán Rojo. The initiative responds to museums’ ongoing need to make knowledge immersive, accessible, and experiential. “Archaeology is particularly appealing to children because it combines adventure, mystery, and discovery,” she added.

Learning Through Play

Inside the sandbox, each child assumes the role of a young archaeologist, using toy tools to excavate, document, and reflect on their findings. Guided by Mureco specialists, participants fill out simplified material registry forms and learn in detail about the objects they uncover—their contexts, characteristics, and functions.

“Activities like this foster cognitive skills such as observation, classification, and analysis, as well as fundamental values like respect for history, patience, teamwork, and the importance of heritage conservation,” Gaitán Rojo concluded.

The sandbox will operate on a biweekly basis with free admission, though a schedule of sessions will be announced in advance via the museum’s Facebook and other social media platforms.

A Cultural Hub for Tulum

Since its inauguration eight months ago, Mureco has established itself as a key cultural venue in Tulum and the surrounding region, averaging 8,000 monthly visitors. The museum has also strengthened ties with neighboring communities, further solidifying its role in regional cultural outreach, Gaitán noted.