Be Nice to Bugs Day, observed on July 14, is one of the newest holidays around!
Kiana Monson created this holiday just two years ago to remind people to give a second thought to killing bugs and insects. Instead, Kiana encourages everyone to learn more about bugs and their importance in every ecosystem.
Many people get excited when they see a dragonfly or ladybug and value pollinators like bees and butterflies. Spiders, flies, and certain other creepy-crawlies don't usually win hearts so easily.
We have five fun ideas to help you and your children be nice to bugs on July 14 — or anytime you need a reminder to just let bugs be!
1. Start with a giggle.
Q. What do bugs learn at school?
A. Moth-matics!
2. Learn a few fun facts.
Bugs are fascinating creatures! The National Geographic Kids website is full of fun facts about ants, ladybugs, beetles, and other insects, such as:
- Grasshoppers existed before dinosaurs.
- A bee's wings beat 11,400 times per minute.
- Most caterpillars have 12 eyes.
- One honeybee colony can produce 220 jars of honey each year.
- Mosquitos are attracted to smelly feet.
3. Have a snacktivity.
There are lots of ways to make a bug-themed snack. Ants on a Log (celery stick filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins or Craisins) is a classic, but don't stop there!
Use pretzels to make butterfly wings. Create a ladybug from Mini Babybel Semisoft Cheese by pulling the strip off and then using a reusable plastic straw to poke holes in the wax. Slice a variety of fruits and vegetables into different shapes and use your imagination to create a whole garden scene.
For a main course, try Spider Pizza! Start with a regular pepperoni or cheese pizza, add strips of cheese to design a web, and then top with black olives cut to look like spiders.
4. Plan an adventure.
Learn more about insects, spiders, and other amazing invertebrates at the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Known as the “Bug Museum” to many families, the May Natural History Museum in Colorado Springs showcases more than 7,000 species of butterflies, moths, beetles, spiders, scorpions, and more.
Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens or a nearby nature center and keep a watchful eye for signs of insect life.
Through August 27, you can enter the world of bugs in the special Bugs exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
5. Enjoy a family movie night.
There are so many bug-themed family-friendly movies with entertaining stories, memorable characters, and valuable lessons. Below are some of our favorites; click the link to borrow directly from Englewood Library.
- The Ant Bully (PG)
- Antz (PG)
- Bee Movie (PG)
- A Bug's Life (G)
- Charlotte's Web (G)
- Epic (PG)
- James and the Giant Peach (PG)
- Maya the Bee Movie (G)
