I am forever finding pebbles stashed in my kids' pockets, and being a rock hound myself, I completely understand their acquisitive urges.

So when I heard about a site not far from our Massachusetts home where visitors can mine their own quartz crystals, I knew it was something that my girls — Abby, age 14, and Katie and Megan, both 10 — and I had to try. We packed up a few basic supplies and headed to New York State to become prospectors for a day.

Where we went: Herkimer Diamond Mines and KOA, Herkimer, New York; 315-891-7355; herkimerdiamond.com (open April 15 to October 31). To find a mine near you, visit lapidaryjournal.com/feemining.

What we paid: $9 per adult, $8 for kids ages 5 to 12, for museum admission and a full day of mining privileges.

What we used: The mine operators provided 3-pound hammers and plastic bags for holding finds (and they sell safety goggles); we brought hand rakes and a bucket to carry larger chunks of rock. Also recommended: sunscreen, sturdy closed-toe footwear, lunch, and water.