This year, I wanted to be sure to do something – anything – for Groundhog’s Day, so I put together these Printable Groundhog’s Day Activity Pages for the kiddos.
We don’t typically do much for Groundhog Day. Not for any particular reason except that it sneaks up on me year after year and I’m never really prepared. We do enjoy seeing Punxsatawney Phil though – watching to see if he’ll see his shadow or not.
Do you have any Groundhog Day traditions? If so, I’d love to hear all about them! In the meantime, grab these free printable activity pages for your kiddos.
Printable Groundhog’s Day Activity Pages
Can you believe Groundhog Day is almost here? In case you’re wondering (and often forget, as I do), Groundhog day is on February 2nd. So soon!
It’s crazy cold here and the local weathermen have been talking about an incoming snow storm for days now, but we haven’t gotten too much snow yet. As much as we need the moisture, I hate the snow and I’m not looking forward to getting any here.
Hopefully wherever you are you are able to stay warm. Or maybe you’re one of those weird people who love the snow. In that case, you can have it! Kidding. Sort of.
But back to Groundhog’s Day.
Groundhog Day, also known as Candlemas Day, is a holiday that takes place on February 2nd each year. The tradition of Groundhog Day can be traced back to ancient Europe, where it was believed that the hibernating groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, would emerge from its burrow on this day to predict the arrival of spring.
The roots of this holiday can be traced back to ancient European cultures, such as the Celts and the Germans. The Celts celebrated the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, a time known as Imbolc, which falls on February 1st or 2nd. The Germans also celebrated a similar holiday, known as Candlemas, which was a time to celebrate the return of light after the long, dark days of winter.
During these ancient celebrations, it was believed that the weather on Candlemas Day would be an indication of the weather for the rest of the winter. If the day was sunny and bright, it was believed that there would be six more weeks of winter, but if the day was cloudy and gloomy, it was believed that spring would arrive early.
In 1887, a group of Pennsylvania German settlers brought the tradition of Groundhog Day to the United States, where it became a popular holiday in the state of Pennsylvania. The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil was declared the official weather-predicting groundhog.
The celebration of Groundhog Day has evolved over the years, and now it’s not just celebrated in Punxsutawney, but also in other parts of the United States and Canada. Today, Groundhog Day is a popular holiday that is celebrated with parades, festivals, and other events.
Groundhog Day has also become a popular holiday in pop culture, with the release of the famous movie “Groundhog Day” in 1993, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. The movie tells the story of a weatherman who is stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again until he learns the true meaning of love and redemption.
The movie has brought a lot of attention to the holiday, and has even led to the creation of a “Groundhog Day” holiday in the town of Woodstock, Illinois, where the movie was set.
Overall, Groundhog Day is a holiday that has a rich history and cultural significance. It’s a day that celebrates the return of light and the arrival of spring, and it’s a day that has become an important part of American culture.
Even though it is not a official holiday, it is a fun and lighthearted way to break up the winter and look forward to the upcoming spring season.
Get Your Free Printable Groundhog’s Day Activity Pages
We’ve put together a fun three page printable pack that comes with a maze, word search, and coloring page for your kiddos to complete while you discuss the history behind Groundhog Day.
These are great activities to entertain the kids while you wait for Punxsatawney Phil to show this Groundhog Day!
The word search comes with 12 Groundhog Day themed words to find and circle (or cross out). And the maze asks you to help the cute groundhog character find his way up the surface.
Grab these free Groundhogs Day printables by clicking the button below:
