I’m not going to be able to take my kids to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, this year (or the next) to see Phil the groundhog look for his shadow. Yet, that doesn’t mean my children can’t have fun on Groundhog Day. Along with seeing if Punxsutawney Phil catches a glimpse of his shadow, there are plenty of crafts, books, activities and treats to help your kids celebrate on February 2. Here are some fun Groundhog Day activities for kids.
Groundhog Day Books
Entertaining tales are great ways for kids to learn about Groundhog Day. Gregory’s Shadow by Don Freeman is a good one for toddlers and preschoolers. Ten Grouchy Groundhogs by Kathryn Heling is perfect for reading aloud. Finally, Groundhog Day by Gail Gibbons has plenty of fascinating information about this furry little creature.
Groundhog Day Pudding Cups
Parents.com has some adorable and yummy Groundhog Day pudding cups. I love this because all you need is a pudding cup, a light colored cookie (such as a Milano or Nilla wafer), sliced almonds, cookie crumbs and chocolate frosting. After decorating the cookie to look like a groundhog, you place the cookie upright in the pudding cup covered with chocolate cookie crumbs. It looks like a groundhog poking its head out of a burrow. This is a great dessert (especially for parents who don’t like to bake). These pudding cups won’t last long in my house.
Make a Groundhog Puppet
We must have half a dozen paper bag puppets. My daughter loves creating new animals. All you need to make a cute groundhog puppet is a paper bag, felt, scissors, glue and a black marker. First, you will need to cut a circle out of brown felt for the groundhog’s head. The circle should fit over the folded flap of the paper bag. Next, cut two one-inch semicircles for ears and two white one-inch rectangles for teeth. Glue the ears and eyes on the brown felt circle. Then have children draw eyes, a nose and a mouth with the black marker. After gluing the teeth onto the mouth, mount the head onto the folded flap of paper bag. Finally, cut a rectangle of brown felt with arms to glue onto the bag for the body.
“Guess where the groundhog is” is a simple game. Take 10 plastic cups and place a ball of tissue paper inside. In one or two of the cups place a small groundhog (plush, plastic or paper) inside. Have children guess which cup has a groundhog inside. You can play this game until everyone has a chance to make a guess. For fun outdoors, do some shadow tracing. Kids can lie down while another child traces their shadow.
Groundhog Day seems to reach its climax when Punxsutawney Phil peeks out to look for his shadow. Yet, Groundhog Day fun for kids doesn’t have to end there.
More from Melissa:
6 “Mom-Approved” Kid Activities for Valentine’s Day
Helping Your Child Pick Out the Perfect Valentine
Got Kids? 5 Ways to Appreciate Them
