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With Groundhog Day just around the corner (February 2nd), planning some fun Groundhog Day activities for kids is a great way to get them into the spirit of the holiday.
These activities for Groundhog Day will even be a great addition to teaching kids more about actual groundhogs and what they do. It seems that we don’t really find ourselves learning about actual groundhogs, but participating in a fun Groundhog Day activity and some crafts makes it the perfect opportunity to do so.
Plus, I’ve got FREE Groundhog Day Activities Printables at the end of this post to add to your early February festivities.
From cute little groundhog puppets and crafts to Groundhog Day activities and educational worksheets that can be completed, these fun Groundhog Day themed activities are perfect for kids.
History of Groundhog Day
Your kids may know what Groundhog Day is, but if not – here’s some background information to help you teach them about the holiday!
Each year on February 2nd (it’s the same day every year), people watch expectantly for groundhog Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction as he comes out of his burrow. If he sees his shadow (because it’s a sunny day), he will crawl back into his home and we will have six more weeks of winter weather. If it’s a cloudy day and he doesn’t see his shadow, it will be an early spring.
This is not a federal holiday, but celebrated just for fun in the United States. There’s actually a city, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the tradition began with Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers in the 1800s. Now it’s turned into a pretty large celebration each year, and over 10,000 people go to see Phil’s appearance and prediction.
Groundhog Day Activities for Kids
Pop Up Groundhog Puppet
This is a fun groundhog craft my kids made a few years ago and really loved. I couldn’t find the exact link, but this one from Mrs. Ricca’s Kindergarten is pretty close!
A free template is included with this fun Groundhog’s Day activity. You’ll need a craft stick, a paper or Styrofoam cup and some construction paper to put it together. After completing the craft, the kids will have fun playing with their Groundhog Day finger puppet!
Groundhog Fact Worksheet
Help children learn more about groundhogs and add this activity worksheet to your lesson plans. It’s a great activity they can do as they learn more about Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day Dot to Dot
Add a little bit of extra fun to Groundhog Day with this fun and free printable dot to dot activity for kids. Young children will love drawing the groundhogs and then coloring them.
Groundhog Day Cup Craft
The kids will have so much fun creating this Groundhog Day craft! Mr. Phil, the most famous groundhog, is popping out of the cup once finished!
Groundhog Mask
Educational and a fun project, kids can create these fun groundhog masks as they learn more about the animals and Groundhog Day.
LEGO Shadow Experiment
Let the kids create their own LEGO groundhog and explore the various ways to create a groundhog shadow for Groundhog Day.
Life Cycle of a Groundhog Activity
Need lesson plan ideas for this holiday? Teach your kids about the groundhog life cycle with this activity printable from Homeschool of 1. The interesting lesson will have kids learning everything about them.
You can even print out some great Groundhog Day coloring pages on this site.
Groundhog Day Finger Puppet
These fun finger puppets make adorable crafts for kids to create as they learn more about Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Headband Craft
Complete with a free printable template, this groundhog theme craft will have them create their own cute groundhog headband they can wear.
Cupcake Liner Groundhog Craft
Using a cupcake liner and a few other craft supplies you have around the house, this craft is a fun way to get into the Groundhog Day spirit.
Shadow Matching Activity
Since Groundhog Day is focused on the famous groundhog predictions, this matching shadow activity goes right along with the celebration.
Groundhog Day History Printable
Learn more about the history behind Groundhog Day and why we celebrate the tradition of Punxsutawney Phil with this Groundhog Day history printable.
Groundhog Day Paper Bag Puppet
Another fun puppet craft for Groundhog Day, these groundhogs are made from a brown paper bag and construction paper.
Groundhog Day Snack Ideas
Groundhog Day Pudding Cups
This is a fun snack idea that my kids really loved! Not only will your kids enjoy putting together these cute pudding cups and groundhogs, but afterwards they can enjoy the treat!
Groundhog Rice Cake Treat
How cute is this little guy? Round up these easy snacks and help your kids build their own groundhog treat!
Groundhog Pancakes
To celebrate and get Groundhog Day off to a good start, have the kids help you make these cute Groundhog Day pancakes!
Groundhog Day Books
In addition to these groundhog crafts and activities, grab a Groundhog Day story to round out your holiday. Here are some great options:
- Groundhog Day!
- The Night Before Groundhog Day
- Groundhog Secrets
- Grumpy Groundhog
- Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow
- Groundhug Day
- Facts About the Groundhog (A Picture Book For Kids)
- Celebrating Groundhog Day
- Substitute Groundhog
- Groundhog’s Dilemma
- Groundhog Gets It Wrong
- Gregory’s Shadow
Free Printable Groundhog Day Activity Pack
Finally, make sure you grab this perfect resource for your Groundhog Day learning activities. It’s free in my shop!
I don’t know about you, but I’m always hoping for an early spring – fingers crossed! Happy Groundhog Day!
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or affiliations. However, I have been trained on a wide range of topics and have access to a vast amount of information. I can provide you with detailed information and insights on various concepts used in this article. Let's dive into it!
Groundhog Day Activities for Kids
The article discusses various Groundhog Day activities for kids, providing a fun and educational way to celebrate the holiday. Let's explore the concepts related to these activities:
Groundhog Day: Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2nd each year. It originated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and revolves around the behavior of a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. According to tradition, if Phil sees his shadow when he emerges from his burrow, it is believed that there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, it indicates an early spring.
Crafts and Puppets: The article suggests making various crafts and puppets related to groundhogs to engage children in Groundhog Day celebrations. These crafts can be made using simple materials like paper cups, construction paper, craft sticks, and cupcake liners. Crafting is a great way to encourage creativity and develop fine motor skills in children.
Educational Worksheets: The article mentions the availability of educational worksheets related to groundhogs and Groundhog Day. These worksheets can help children learn more about groundhogs, their behavior, and their significance in the context of the holiday.
Dot to Dot Activities: The article suggests using dot-to-dot activities to make learning about groundhogs more interactive and fun for young children. These activities involve connecting dots in numerical order to reveal a picture, in this case, a groundhog.
LEGO Shadow Experiment: This activity involves using LEGO blocks to create a groundhog and experimenting with different ways to create a groundhog shadow. This hands-on experiment helps children understand the concept of shadows and their relation to the prediction of an early spring or extended winter.
Life Cycle of a Groundhog Activity: The article suggests teaching children about the life cycle of groundhogs. This activity can involve discussing the different stages of a groundhog's life, such as birth, growth, reproduction, and death. Exploring the life cycle of animals can foster an understanding of nature and biodiversity.
Groundhog Day Snack Ideas: The article provides snack ideas related to Groundhog Day, such as groundhog-themed pudding cups, rice cake treats, and pancakes. These snacks can be a fun way to incorporate the holiday theme into food preparation and encourage children to participate in cooking or baking activities.
Groundhog Day Books: The article suggests reading books related to Groundhog Day as a way to enrich the learning experience. Some book recommendations include "Groundhog Day!" by Gail Gibbons, "The Night Before Groundhog Day" by Natasha Wing, and "Grumpy Groundhog" by Maureen Wright. Reading books about the holiday can enhance children's understanding of its history and significance.
Groundhog Day History: The article briefly explains the history of Groundhog Day, mentioning its origins in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and the annual tradition of observing Punxsutawney Phil's appearance and prediction. This historical context can help children understand the cultural significance of the holiday.
Free Printable Groundhog Day Activity Pack: The article provides a link to a free printable Groundhog Day activity pack, which can be a valuable resource for educators and parents. This activity pack may include coloring pages, puzzles, word searches, and other engaging activities related to Groundhog Day.
These concepts discussed in the article aim to make learning about Groundhog Day enjoyable and educational for children. By engaging in these activities, children can develop their creativity, motor skills, and knowledge about groundhogs and the holiday itself.
