Apps For Kids

Today, like the first Saturday of every month, is Play Outside Day. Put down the phones and video games, and get some fresh air! Play in the snow if you still have it, or explore the new plants that are sprouting. Can you identify them? Whatever the weather, have some outdoor fun.

Meteor showers can be seen lighting up the night skies, from October to December every year. The Southern Taurids peaked this week, while the Leonids will be visible for the rest of the month, with the best viewing on November 17th to 18th. Get up for school at 4 AM, and watch before dawn.

Have you ever heard of a numbat? It’s also known as a banded anteater, although it only eats termites. One numbat can eat up to 20,000 per day! The small marsupial is native to Western Australia, and is an endangered species. It’s World Numbat Day, so look up a photo of these cute little guys!

Today is Bison Day. The American bison, the USA’s national mammal, is North America’s largest land mammal. They can grow 11 1/2 feet long! Although people also call them buffalo, the scientific name is Bison bison. Buffalo species, like the cape buffalo and water buffalo, are beardless, and don’t have the giant shoulder hump.

Gather all your teddy bears, and start hugging. It’s Hug A Bear Day! Although wild bears also look cute and fuzzy, it’s best to leave them alone! It’s also Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day. It’s not the most common candy bar, so today would be a good day to make your own delicious treat!

Could you find your way out of a forest? Learn some survival skills, like navigating by the stars, or making your own compass, for Marooned Without A Compass Day! Practice walking straight lines, by following 3 lined-up objects. Ancient Vikings used the Sun’s shadows to navigate, as well as glowing crystals called sunstones.

Are you excited for Eat Smart Month? It’s not only about eating foods that are good for your brain, like blueberries, pumpkin seeds, broccoli, dark chocolate, and nuts. It’s also making your nutritious eating choices, a habit for life. Don’t forget to add some exercise to your healthy plan, by celebrating Basketball Day.

As you get dressed today, wear your favorite sports jersey. It’s Jersey Friday! Today is also Fountain Pen Day. It might be less convenient, but an old-fashioned fountain pen, with a refillable ink reservoir, makes your writing look elegant. Try using a calligraphy fountain pen for an even fancier style!

Today is Saxophone Day, in honor of the mellow brass woodwind instrument. Adolphe Sax developed the instrument in 1846. What would you name an instrument, if you invented one? It’s also Nachos Day, so start with a plate of tortilla chips. Melt some cheese on top, and add jalapenos, salsa, or whatever else you’d like!

Raking the leaves into a big pile and jumping into it, is loads of fun. But be sure to leave some patches of leaves for the bugs, too. Many insects like moths, butterflies, and fireflies, overwinter in leaves. Dead leaves also make good mulch for the lawn, so leave them alone. Enjoy the mess!