Dino Kid Trinket Locations in Nights in the Forest
All four Dino Kid trinkets in Nights in the Forest are found in the northern half of the map: one in the Buried Ruins, one beside the Old Mill, one on a cliff near the Abandoned Camp, and one inside a hollow log by the Crystal Lake shore. This guide gives the exact coordinates, a step-by-step route, and tips for grabbing them early.
What Are the Dino Kid Trinkets?
Dino Kid trinkets are collectible items that unlock a special backpack charm and a hidden dialogue with the NPC Dino Kid. They are small, glowing dinosaur-shaped pins that appear only after you complete the “Lost Toys” side quest. Each trinket is tied to a specific map location, and collecting all four triggers a bonus scene at the campsite.
Trinket #1: Buried Ruins (Northwest)
Head to the Buried Ruins, the overgrown stone circle northwest of the ranger station. Stand at the broken pillar on the eastern edge of the ruins. Look for a small mound of dirt with a faint green glow. Interact with it to dig up the first trinket (a green T-Rex pin). The mound is easy to miss because it blends with the grass; use your map marker to get within 10 meters, then look for the glow.
Trinket #2: Old Mill (Northeast)
Travel to the Old Mill, northeast of the lake. The mill is partially collapsed, but the waterwheel still turns. Climb the wooden ladder on the south side of the mill to reach the upper platform. On a shelf behind a broken crate, you’ll find the second trinket (a blue Pterodactyl pin). If you haven’t unlocked the ladder, complete the “Mill Repair” quest first—it requires 3 wooden planks and 2 iron nails.
Trinket #3: Abandoned Camp Cliff (East)
From the Old Mill, follow the trail east until you see the Abandoned Camp (tents and a cold fire pit). Instead of entering the camp, turn south and walk to the cliff edge. The third trinket (a yellow Stegosaurus pin) is tucked under a bush on a small ledge about 5 meters below the cliff top. Drop down carefully—you can climb back up using the vines on the cliff face. Do not jump from the top; you’ll take fall damage.
Trinket #4: Crystal Lake Hollow Log (South)
Go to Crystal Lake on the southern side of the map. Walk along the eastern shore until you see a large fallen log half-submerged in the water. The fourth trinket (a red Triceratops pin) is inside the hollow end of the log. You’ll need to crouch to enter. If you don’t see it, check the water level—it’s only visible during the day. At night, the log is blocked by a ghostly barrier that disappears after you finish the “Spirit of the Lake” quest.
How to Collect Them Efficiently
To grab all four in one trip, start at the Buried Ruins, then head northeast to the Old Mill, then east to the Abandoned Camp cliff, and finally south to Crystal Lake. This route avoids backtracking and takes about 15 minutes on foot. Bring a stamina potion and a torch for the cliff descent. Use your map to set waypoints—the trinkets do not appear on the minimap, but they do make a soft chime when you’re within 5 meters.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Players often miss the Buried Ruins trinket because they search the center of the ruins instead of the eastern edge. The Old Mill trinket is hidden behind a crate that looks like part of the scenery—interact with the crate to move it. If a trinket doesn’t appear, double-check that you’ve completed the “Lost Toys” quest and that you’re in the correct time of day (all four are daytime spawns). If you still can’t find one, reload the area by fast-traveling to the ranger station and walking back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need all four trinkets to finish the game? No, they are optional collectibles. They unlock a bonus scene and a cosmetic charm, but the main story can be completed without them.
Can I get the trinkets before completing the “Lost Toys” quest? No, the trinkets only spawn after you finish that quest. The quest is given by Dino Kid near the campsite and requires you to find his missing toy dinosaur.
What do the trinkets do? Collecting all four gives you the “Dino Fan” achievement and a backpack charm that makes your character leave small dino footprints when walking. You also get a unique dialogue option with Dino Kid.
Do the trinkets respawn if I miss one? No, they are one-time pickups. If you miss one, you can go back later—they remain in the world until collected.
Are there more than four trinkets? No, only four exist in the base game. The DLC adds two more, but they are not required for the achievement.
Why This Matters for Completionists
For players aiming for 100% completion, these trinkets are one of the few missable collectibles. Since they only appear after a specific quest, it’s easy to clear the area and never return. Using the route above ensures you get them all in one pass. The trinkets also tie into the game’s lore—Dino Kid is a recurring character who hints at a lost dinosaur civilization, and the trinkets are said to be relics of that culture.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.