Let’s go and find some creepy crawlies in the great outdoors,
We’ve pulled together this handy guide to help you explore!
Whether they’re hiding under rocks, shrubs or even up a tree,
You’re sure to be surprised… who knows what you will see!
Print out this ultimate guide for bug hunting here!
What You’ll Need:
Viewing pot with a lid and air holes
Tweezers
Camera or Sketchbook
Hand wash
Magnifying Glass
Choose Your Location
The first step of making a fun filled and non disruptive bug hunt is deciding where you’re going to hunt for little critters! There’s plenty to be found in your very own back garden, but there’s no harm in making a day of it at your local park, garden or even forest. You could even bring along a picnic too!
Be Considerate
Before you start your hunt, be sure to remind your little explorers about how to handle and approach wildlife to make sure you avoid any nasty stings and bites, and how to disturb your surroundings as little as possible! This includes only handling a few of each species and replacing any of the wildlife’s environment (e.g. overturned logs and stones) as you leave.
Get Hunting!
Now that you’ve chosen your location, it’s time to make a start! The best places to find some beautiful bugs are usually shrubs, trees, rotting logs, large and small stones, flower heads and grasses… but the list is endless!
What Bugs Can You Hunt?
Here are some ideas of different type of bug that your little ones can look for.
Woodlice
Stag Beetle
Ladybird
Cabbage Butterfly
Ant
Shield Bug
Centipede
Worm
What Can You See?
Once they’ve found their bugs and have carefully placed them into their viewing pots, be sure to get them making note of what they’ve discovered! Get them either taking or drawing a picture and noting down any features that really stand out. For example, what colour is it? How many legs does it have? Where did you find it? How big is it? And so on!
Let it Go!
Now that they’ve made a note of everything they can, get them returning their new friend to its home and, as mentioned earlier, be sure to replace anything they might have moved to find their critter!
Make some Memories!
Once they’ve completed their bug hunt, it’s up to them how to combine their findings! If they took or drew lots of lovely pictures, why not get your little ones making a mini booklet to remember their hunt by and impress their teachers? This is a great rainy day crafting activity for those showery summer days!
❤️Don’t forget to download/print our ultimate guide for bug hunting before you go! ❤️
print version here | save image for mobile phone here
What have you been up to? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!
Lets go on a Picniq! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or tag us on Instagram using #PicniqUK! ❤️
