Worm Hotels

Child observing an earth worm in a jar

This activity promotes development and learning by demonstrating how all living things thrive in their own habitats by studying earthworms. Children can observe, draw comparisons to other animal habitats, and be scientists in action!

Materials Needed:

  • A clean 2-liter soda bottle or empty aquarium
  • Soil/dirt
  • Dry leaves
  • Earthworms NOTE: Sold at bait shop or garden supply store.
  • Paper or journal
  • Writing or drawing implement

Participants: This activity is intended for adult/child interaction.

Directions:

  1. Cut the top off an empty clean soda bottle, or use an empty aquarium. Fill the container with soil, leaves, and twigs. Add water and the worms!
  2. Emphasize respect for living things. Explain that the worms are just having a short visit at your hotel.
  3. Check the worms several times per day and keep soil moist, but not soaking wet. Ask your child to make observations, and document what they see by drawing it or writing it down. Ask, what do worms need to make a home? Where do they get food?
  4. Return the worms outdoors to their natural habitat.
Bright Horizons
About the Author
Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons
In 1986, our founders saw that child care was an enormous obstacle for working parents. On-site centers became one way we responded to help employees – and organizations -- work better. Today we offer child care, elder care, and help for education and careers -- tools used by more than 1,000 of the world’s top employers and that power many of the world's best brands
Child observing an earth worm in a jar