9+ Bug Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Crafts, Games & Printables (with Free Bingo Board!)
Bugs are always a hit with toddlers and preschoolers, whether it’s spotting a ladybug in the yard or pretending to be a wiggly caterpillar. If you’re planning a bug-themed week or just looking for a few new ideas, this roundup of bug activities for toddlers and preschoolers is packed with easy, low-prep activities perfect for 2–5 year olds.
These are real activities I’ve tested with my own group of mixed-age kiddos in childcare. You’ll find crafts, printable games, fine motor trays, and more, and many of them are connected by a free Bug Play & Create Bingo Board you can use to make your week even more fun.
Let’s jump in! There are butterflies to glue, ladybug rocks to paint, and creepy-crawlies to count!
BUG ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS (PRESCHOOLER APPROVED)
Ladybug Rock Painting
Simple and fun, paint smooth rocks into adorable ladybugs. Turn this into a counting game, sensory table accessories, or an search and find activity in your backyard!
Bee and Beehive Craft
Create busy bees and a hive to match! Includes printable templates and easy setup tips.
Butterfly Flower Matching Game
Color-matching fun for toddlers and preschoolers! Match the butterflies to their flower colors with this low-prep printable.
Egg Carton Ant Parade Craft
Upcycle egg cartons into marching ants! A toddler-friendly craft perfect for mess friendly art and bug themes.
Ladybug Circle Craft
This fun circle-based craft turns a simple shape into an adorable ladybug. Get out those googly eyes, paper punches, and the glue!
Beaded Caterpillar on a Leaf
A fine motor favorite! Bead your own caterpillar and rest it on a leaf. Simple supplies, adorable results. More googly eyes, we love them around here.
Bug Cutting Practice Printable
Cutting strips, bug scenes, and a cute craft at the end, all included in this free printable pack. Be sure to watch the video to see how we use it!
Butterfly Symmetry Art
Fold, press, and reveal a beautiful symmetrical butterfly! Mess-friendly paint project toddlers love to create!!
Spider Suncatcher Craft
Capture light and color with this sweet spider craft, great for windows or dramatic play corners. Swap our Halloween theme for something bright for summer!
Spiderweb Number Trace
This hands-on pre-writing activity teaches number recognition for your toddlers and preschoolers. Trace with a crayon, cotton swab, or even a paintbrush for a fine motor workout that feels like play. You can grab this whole printable activity in my shop!
Toilet Paper Roll Caterpillar
This impromptu craft turned into one of our favorites!! Grab your recycling bin, tissue paper, and googly eyes for this fun and adorable craft! My kiddos favorite part…allll the glue. (It’s not as scary as it sounds).
FREE BUG PLAY & CREATE BINGO BOARD
Want to try them all? Grab your free Bug Play & Create Bingo Board and turn this week into a game! Choose a square, click the link, and try something new. Aim for 3 in a row or go for a blackout!
This clickable bingo board links to 9 hands-on crafts and activities for toddlers & preschoolers—plus a bonus page to draw your favorite creepy crawly! Perfect for bug week, rainy days, or anytime you need easy learning fun.
Need Ideas for Using the Bingo Board?
Here are a few fun ways I’ve used this with my group:
🐞Keep it chill: Tape the Bingo Board to your wall and see what gets done as the week goes on!
🐞Pick one bug each day and read a story, do a craft, and have a themed snack.
🐞Set up a “bug lab” in dramatic play, use the crafts to decorate it!
🐞Use the cutting practice pages in your fine motor trays for the week.
🐞Let each child draw a card to choose the group activity.
Thoughts from the Bug House
Bug activities are always a hit around here, especially when they include paint, glue, and googly eyes. Kids love all things creepy crawly, these ideas make learning about bugs fun and hands-on.
I hope you give one or more of these a try!
