I wish Suzzane was here to celebrate this new #Holiday with me which fell on March 16 which was National Panda Day #NationalPandaDay. Suzzane and I both loved #Panda’s and I thought you might as well.
With tomorrow being the last day of Spring break for a lot of children. I wanted to share a Spring Break Panda Adventure! Which will allow families to celebrate National Panda Day with their friends and family and get outside for bit. Leave the #electronics at home for some real #familytime.
🐼 Why We Love National Panda Day
March 16 is National Panda Day, and it couldn’t land at a better time — right in the middle of Spring Break, when families are looking for fun, meaningful, memory‑making adventures.
Pandas are gentle, adorable, and incredibly unique. But Pandas are also a symbol of conservation and teamwork around the world. National Panda Day gives families a chance to learn, explore, craft, and celebrate together.
🌿 How National Panda Day Began
National Panda Day was created to raise awareness about the giant panda’s shrinking habitat and the global conservation efforts that helped bring Panda’s back from the brink. Once endangered, pandas are now classified as vulnerable — a huge win, but still a reminder that they need our help.
🐾 Panda‑Tastic Facts for Kids
- A newborn panda is the size of a stick of butter
- Pandas spend 10–16 hours a day eating bamboo
- They can eat 20–40 pounds of bamboo daily
- Pandas have a sixth “thumb” to grip bamboo
- They are excellent climbers and surprisingly good swimmers
🚗 Spring Break Field Trip: Panda Adventures in DFW
While DFW doesn’t currently have live pandas, we do have amazing places to learn about wildlife, conservation, and Asian habitats.
🦁 Dallas Zoo– Perfect for learning about endangered species and conservation efforts.
🐻 Fort Worth Zoo– Explore bear habitats and compare species — a great tie‑in to panda learning.
🌳 Trinity River Nature Center– Use this as a “pandas vs Texas wildlife” comparison day.
🛍️ Bonus Stop: Asian Markets in DFW– Pick up bamboo shoots, panda snacks, or panda‑themed treats.
🎨 Panda Crafts for Kids
Paper Plate Panda– Easy, adorable, and perfect for preschool through elementary.
Panda Bookmark– Great for encouraging reading time.
Bamboo Counting Sticks– Use popsicle sticks for math fun.
📚 Books to Match the Lesson
Plan Ages 3–7
Ages 8–12
- Panda Rescue – Catherine Nichols
- The Last Panda (kids edition) – George B. Schaller
🎓 Homeschool Lesson Plan: Panda Day
Subjects: Science, Reading, Geography, Math, Art Age Range: K–6
Science: Panda diet, bamboo, habitats
Reading: Choose a book from the list
Geography: Locate China on a map
Math: Bamboo counting sticks
Art: Panda crafts
Movement: “Panda Stretch Time” is something fun I can’t wait to do with Charlie
“Today reminded me how much joy simple learning brings even if you’re not #Homeschooling your children. Even though Pandas may live far away, the lessons they teach us are kindness, gentleness, and caring for our world — fit right in at home.”
🐼 Charlie’s asked me to let you know that his favorite part was learning pandas have a thumb! And making the panda bookmark with Mikalya online as a date-night project.
🛠️ David said any day I get to explore with Charlie is a good day. Even better when it involves animals and hands‑on learning while getting us off electronics and giving us a chance to talk one-on-one.
🖍️ Free Printable: Panda Coloring Sheet
Perfect for:
- Morning basket
- Homeschool binder
- Restaurant waiting activity
- Quiet time
- Dad & Kid coloring challenge
📸 Share Your Panda Day With Us!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
