Every February 2nd, groundhogs far and wide emerge from their burrows to predict the coming of Spring. Or, so the tale goes. But, even if you don’t believe in shadows predicting 6 more weeks of winter, you can still enjoy a mid-winter break at your local state park to learn about groundhogs and some of the more scientifically proven signs of Spring. Check out our highlighted events and other suggested educational activity ideas below.
Don’t see a park near you listed? Search state parks on ReserveAmerica for other event information or to find a great state park to host your own Groundhog Day celebration.
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Groundhog Day Events to Keep an Eye Out For This Year
Below is a list of Groundhog Day events from recent years to give an idea of what events may be available at your local state parks in 2020. Check back at these and other state park websites for updated information on Groundhog Day 2020 events, or continue reading for some Groundhog Day activity ideas for the kids.
Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
2020 Date: Thursday, February 6 at 10:30 AM
Event: Guppy Club: Springtime for Groundhogs
What is it? Kids aged 3-5 will learn about how to look for the signs of spring and whether or not groundhogs know when spring has sprung. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 645-6852. This program costs $3 per child.
Bellevue State Park, Delaware
2020 Date: Wednesday, February 5 at 10:00 AM
Event: Wee Have Fun Club-Shadows. . . Groundhog Day!
What is it? Children aged 3-5 years old will be exploring shadows in nature. There will be nature discoveries, stories, and art projects. The group will be venturing outdoors as weather permits. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the Arts Center. This program is $4 per child.
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Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania
2020 Date: Sunday, February 2 at 1:00 PM
Event: Groundhog Stomp
What is it? An educational talk and hike along the scenic section of the Hilltop Trail.
Springbrook State Park, Iowa
2020 Date: Sunday, February 2 at 1:00 PM
Event: Six More Weeks of Winter Hike
What is it? An educational talk about how nature survives winter, followed by an exploration of the park for signs of spring.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, NorthCarolina
2020 Date: Sunday, February 2 at 3:00 PM
Event: Groundhog Day Crafts and Trivia
What is it? Do you know groundhogs? Come out to the visitor’s center for fun crafts and some groundhog trivia.
Tuttle Creek State Park, Kansas
2020 Date: Saturday, February 1 at 4:30 PM
Event: Groundhog Day Hike
What is it? Come out for a chance to see groundhogs on a family friendly fun hike of approximately 1.5 miles with a Tuttle Creek version of Punxsutawney Phil!
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DIY Groundhog Day Activities for Kids
You can create your own Groundhog Day fun with the kids. Here are some ideas for fun, educational activities to try:
1. First and Foremost – Teach Them About the Tradition!
The superstition is that if a groundhog emerges from its underground tunnel after hibernation and sees his or her shadow, they’ll run back into their tunnel, indicating there is more winter weather to come. Or, if they do not see their shadow and come out, then Spring weather is predicted.
2. Fun Groundhog Facts
Share these fun facts about groundhogs! Groundhogs…
- Are the size of small dogs, about 12-14 pounds
- Are part of the marmot family (which is a type of rodent)
- Are sometimes called a woodchuck
- Have short ears, short tails and short legs
- Make a whistling sound when alarmed
- Are called cubs or kits when babies
- Are one of only a handful of animals that hibernate
- Spend most of their life on or under ground, but do climb trees
- Greet each other with a kiss on the nose
3. Teach Them About Shadows
You can talk with your child about how the sun’s position and the size of an object determines the length of outside shadows. Go outside with your child and encourage them to find shadows. Try comparing the shapes and sizes of shadows throughout the day.
You can also play with groundhog shadow puppets. Make cutouts of a sun and groundhog faces. (You can find some examples online). Then have your child decorate the cut outs by coloring or drawing on them, or pasting objects like googly eyes. When they are done, paste the cut out onto the top of a small paper bag, tongue depressor or straw. Go into a dark room and then shine a flashlight onto a portion of the wall. Your child can play with the shadow puppets, creating different sized shadows against the wall.
4. Teach Them About Hibernation
Since Groundhogs are one of the few animals that truly hibernate, this is a great opportunity to talk about what hibernation is, why some animals do it, and what they do to prepare for hibernation. Add a play element by having them list or gather some things they would need if they were going to hibernate for the winter.
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