Backyard fun with bug toys

Insects teach us a lot. Playing with bugs is pretty much a national pastime for many adults and children. Sometimes the fascination with insects fuels a lifelong interest that even leads into strange and wonderful careers.

Who doesn't love bugs?

Bugs make themselves known to kids pretty early in life. That's probably why there are so many stories about books. Insects are great teachers and many stories and old tales have explored the insect world to teach us good habits such as patience and teamwork.

We can certainly thank one of the smallest well-known insects of the backyard, the ant--for those traits.

Puppets and Plush in Bugs

Bugs have populated fables, stories, and children's books for generations. Today they've left the pages of books and taken to the real world in the form of puppets and plush stuffed toys. It's not uncommon to see children drop the conventional dolls and start dragging an ant or a dragonfly or even a plump ladybug around the house. Children wear bugs that are stuffed, gloved, and on the backs of their fingers.

Bugs make great gifts ages 3 and up (adults, too)

check out this bug, the little Pill Bug Puppet featured. He's made by Folkmanis, a great puppet maker, and terrific for ages 3 years and up. He's soft, flexible, and so darn cute. Who wouldn't want to slip a hand into this puppet and make him come alive?

As you read, feel free to click on the images to learn more about the bug toy featured and don't forget: These toys are for indoor play, too.

Do bugs make fun toys?

Let's face it, children love puppets. Actually I think adults love them, too. I know I do. They're fun; they're lovable, and I confess: I have quite a few puppets staring down at me in my office.

Stage live puppet shows in the backyard

What better backdrop for an outdoor play featuring bug puppet characters than the outdoor patio or backyard? Turn the same landscape where real bugs walk, crawl, and burrow into a live stage where puppets can live out a child's story.

Consider these toy insect puppet characters

Ladybugs are a perennial favorite among children. They love to count their spots and retell the Ladybug, Ladybug Fly Away Home story. Dragonflies are beautiful, delicate flying creatures that inspire the imagination of any child. And, of course, there's the frog, a perennial favorite when it comes to children's storytimes and books. Think of the classic Wind in the Willows with Frog and Toad and the list goes on.

Puppets are a great way for children to play. These puppets are terrific for girls or boys. Why not give one a try to see how it goes?

Disney made ants popular with its celebrated ANTZ film. Many bugs are featured prominently in animation films and children have a real love for these buggy films. It doesn't hurt that those creepy-crawly things found in the backyard and can transformed into such lovable creatures, so much so that children adore them and love bugs.