bug hunt

We are always looking for fun and inexpensive activities around here. Toddler aged children love repetition and this is a game inspired by Charlotte's love for the easter egg hunt. We purchased a bug catching kit from the Dollar Store, but I'm positive I've seen other variations at the Dollar Tree or the Target Dollar Spot. I was just going to get the kit alone, but then I worried that Charlotte would either: (a) not find any bugs to catch and be miserably disappointed (b) find bugs and accidentally squeeze them to death with her bug catching tweezers, thus scarring her tender bug-loving-heart OR (c) capture lots of bugs and then try to take them inside and make them a home and invite them to sleep on her pillow with her.

So, I purchased a package of ladybug erasers (also for a dollar at the Dollar Store) that were the perfect size for her bug catching net and would not result in any bug guts or home invasions.

I hid the bugs all over the yard while she was sleeping and gave her the kit when she woke. We spent the rest of the afternoon hunting for bugs and have repeated this game several afternoons since - sometimes outside if the weather's nice and our nextdoor neighbor's viscous attack dog isn't out or inside if it's rainy or too chilly.