Teach Your Kids About World Turtle Day

Updated: 12.05.25

Let’s celebrate World Turtle Day on May 23rd with your kids! It’s a fun way to learn about wildlife conservation through exciting activities, crafts, and more, all while helping our shelled friends.

1. What Is World Turtle Day All About?

World Turtle Day is a global event to protect turtles and their habitats. Turtles help keep our environment healthy, but they face challenges like pollution and habitat loss. This day teaches kids how they can be turtle superheroes by taking small actions to save them.

2. Turtle Trivia Time: Fun Facts for Kids

Kids love cool facts! Share these turtle tidbits to spark their curiosity:

• Some turtles can breathe through their butts—how funny is that?
• Turtles have been around for over 200 million years, even longer than dinosaurs!
• Sea turtles can swim across entire oceans—talk about a long journey!

3. Become Turtle Protectors

Talk about the dangers turtles face, like plastic pollution and disappearing homes, in a simple way. For example, explain how using reusable straws instead of plastic ones helps keep turtle habitats clean. Make kids feel like they’re part of a turtle-saving team with easy actions they can take.

4. Get Crafty with Turtle Art

Craft time is a great way to learn! Try these turtle-themed projects:

• Paint Turtle Rocks: Paint rocks to look like turtles with green shells and googly eyes.
• Make a Turtle Snack: Use apple slices for the shell, grapes for the head and legs, and raisins for eyes to create an edible turtle.
• Paper Plate Turtles: Cut out a paper plate, paint it green, and add paper legs, a head, and a tail to make a cute turtle.
• Handprint Turtles: Use a handprint as the shell, then draw a head and legs to create a turtle masterpiece.

5. Play Turtle-Themed Games

Make learning fun with games! Try a turtle word search or bingo using turtle species and habitats. These games help kids learn new words and facts while having a blast.

6. Turtle Tales: Storytime Fun

Read books about turtles to your kids, like *“The Tortoise and the Hare”* or *“Yertle the Turtle”* by Dr. Seuss. These stories entertain while teaching lessons about kindness and caring for nature.

7. Meet Real Turtles

Visit a local zoo, aquarium, or nature centre to see turtles and tortoises in a natural environment. Many host special World Turtle Day events like workshops or talks for kids. If you can’t go in person, take a virtual tour of a turtle sanctuary online to learn about their world.

8. Explore Turtle Learning Resources

The internet has tons of kid-friendly turtle resources! Watch educational videos, play interactive games, or explore websites like National Geographic Kids to learn more about turtles and conservation.

9. Make Turtle Day Pledges

Encourage kids to make simple pledges to help turtles, like picking up trash or using reusable bags. It shows them that small actions can make a big difference for wildlife.

10. Create a Turtle-Friendly Garden

Build a turtle-friendly garden as a family project! Plant native flowers or shrubs that provide food and shelter for local turtles and other animals. Your backyard can become a safe haven for wildlife.

11. Dress Up for Turtles

Get into the spirit by dressing up! Wear green or create a turtle costume with a baby steps. It’s a fun way to show your support for turtles on World Turtle Day.

12. Support Turtle Conservation Efforts

Take conservation further by supporting local businesses that help turtles, like those donating to wildlife charities. For older kids, explore turtle monitoring or research projects through organizations like the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

13. Throw a Turtle Party

Host a World Turtle Day party with friends and family! Include turtle crafts, games like “Pin the Shell on the Turtle,” and share what you’ve learned about conservation to spread awareness.

14. Ideas for Educators and Parents

Create a simple lesson plan about turtles, focusing on their habitats and conservation needs. Organize a school or community event with turtle-themed activities to engage more kids in celebrating World Turtle Day.

15. Reflect on Your Turtle Journey

After the activities, chat with your kids about what they loved most about World Turtle Day. Encourage them to keep helping turtles by sharing their knowledge with friends and continuing their conservation efforts year-round.

Make World Turtle Day unforgettable while inspiring a love for nature! Discover more family activities at RiiRoo.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrating World Turtle Day with Kids

How can I make World Turtle Day educational for my children without overwhelming them?

Focus on playful activities like sharing turtle facts through a quiz or doing crafts that teach conservation lessons. Keep it light and let kids learn at their own pace.

How do I involve my child in turtle conservation efforts year-round?

Try small actions like adopting a turtle through a charity, joining beach clean-ups, or fundraising for conservation groups. Encourage them to share turtle facts with friends.

Are there kid-friendly resources on turtles and conservation?

Yes! Check out the Sea Turtle Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, and National Geographic Kids for videos, games, and activity sheets designed for children.

What are some easy ways kids can help turtles every day?

Kids can help by using reusable items, picking up litter, and planting gardens to support wildlife, all while learning to care for the environment.