National Penguin Day (January 20) is the perfect opportunity to learn about these adorable and fascinating birds while having fun as a family. Whether you have toddlers, school-aged kids, or teens, there are plenty of ways to celebrate! Here are five fun and engaging ideas to make your Penguin Day celebration special:
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1. Penguin-Themed STEAM Activities for Little Ones
Toddlers and preschoolers will love hands-on activities that combine play with learning. Here are three simple penguin-themed ideas we've tried:
- Penguin Craft: Paint or decorate a penguin using paper plates, construction paper, or other craft supplies. Let kids get creative!
- Fine Motor Fun: Turn an oatmeal can into a penguin and let kids "feed" it with fish (cut out of paper or use small items like pompoms).
- Color Matching Game: Cut out penguins in various colors and have kids match colored pompoms to the corresponding penguin.
Not only do these activities entertain, but they also help develop fine motor skills and encourage problem-solving.
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2. Read Penguin Books Together
Curl up with your kids and dive into the world of penguins through books. Some popular options (all available at our local libraries) include:
- Penguin Problems by Jory John
- Penguin Cha-Cha by Kristi Valiant
- If You Were a Penguin by Wendell and Florence Minor
- Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
Older kids might enjoy nonfiction books that dive deeper into penguin species, habitats, and behavior. Bonus: pair storytime with a cozy blanket and a mug of hot chocolate for a perfect winter vibe.
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3. Make Penguin-Themed Snacks
Get creative in the kitchen with penguin-inspired treats! Here are some ideas for all ages:
- Penguin Rice Krispies: Shape Rice Krispies treats into ovals and decorate them with chocolate and candy to resemble penguins.
- Penguin Snack Plate: Use sliced olives, carrots, and cream cheese to transform boiled eggs into adorable penguins. OR
Turn a rice cake into a penguin using blueberries and mandarin orange slices. - Penguin Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a hot chocolate station with "penguin marshmallows" (draw penguin faces on marshmallows with food-safe markers).
Kids of all ages will love helping prepare (and devour) these themed snacks!
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4. Go on a "Penguin Exploration Adventure"
Turn your home or yard into a mini Antarctica! Hide penguin toys or paper cutouts around the house and give your kids "binoculars" (made from toilet paper rolls) to search for them. Along the way, teach them fun facts about penguins:
- Penguins can’t fly, but they’re amazing swimmers!
- Some penguins live in warm climates, like the Galápagos penguin.
- Emperor penguins are the largest penguin species, and they can grow up to four feet tall!
Older kids can research more penguin facts to share with the family.
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5. Watch a Penguin Movie or Documentary
Relax at the end of the day with a penguin-themed movie or documentary. Here are a few family-friendly options:
- Happy Feet (2006)
- Penguins of Madagascar (2014)
- March of the Penguins (2005)
Grab some popcorn and let the whole family enjoy a cozy movie night!
