Backyard Bug Safari

About 30 minutes, outside, for ages 5 to 7.

Where it works

Works in any outdoor space

Who it's for

ages 5 to 7

Try this adventure now:

  • ant
  • butterfly
  • beetle
  • spider
  • worm
  • ladybug

Today's Challenge

  1. 1.What color is the bug?
  2. 2.How many legs does it have?
  3. 3.Where is it hiding?

Quick Start: What you need

  • 1magnifying glass
  • 2paper
  • 3pencil

The Goal

Discover the hidden world of insects living right in your backyard or local park with this hands-on nature guide.

How to start

  1. 1

    Gather what you need: magnifying glass, paper and pencil. Nothing else required.

  2. 2

    Head outside and see how many you can find: ant, butterfly, beetle, spider.

  3. 3

    Talk about what you are seeing. Start with "What color is the bug?"

  4. 4

    Print the worksheet to check things off as you find them, and keep it afterwards.

Draw What You Found

Look closely at a bug through the magnifying glass, then draw exactly what you see below, legs and all.

Insects have six legs. Eight legs means it is a spider, not a bug.

If you want to push it further

  • Find a bug carrying something
  • Build a tiny leaf-tent
  • Mimic a bug’s movement

Print it and go

The worksheet has the checklist, the prompts, and a space to draw in. One page, ready for a bag or a glovebox.

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