Tu B'Shvat Resources for Families with Children
Here are some ways to celebrate Tu B'Shvat, the birthday of the trees, with children:
Planting Together
Celebrate with tree planting. Don’t have a spot in the backyard? Reach out to local community gardens or parks, or ask if your child’s school would appreciate a new tree. As you dig the soil and place a tiny tree into the ground, talk about the importance of growth, renewal, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Family Nature Walk
Take a stroll through a nearby nature reserve or park. Use this time to appreciate the changing seasons, identify different types of trees, and simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Encourage family members to share their thoughts on the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving it. If visiting a spot that you’ve been to in the past year, try to notice new growth. Find a tree stump and count all the tree rings. Families with young children can also discuss the different parts of a tree.
Nature Arts and Crafts
Get creative as a family by incorporating natural materials into arts and crafts. Collect leaves, twigs, and flowers during a nature walk, and use them to make Tu B'Shvat-themed artwork. It's a fun way to express creativity while reinforcing the importance of our connection to the environment.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Organize a Tu B'Shvat-themed scavenger hunt in a nearby park or your backyard. Create a list of items related to nature, such as different types of leaves, rocks, or bird feathers. As a family, explore the outdoors and collect these items while discussing the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
The Tu B'Shvat Seder
Tu B'Shvat seders are special learning meals that have become a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday.
Tu B'Shvat seder guides, like Passover's Haggadah, offer structured blessings for tree snacks and grape juice and express gratitude and wonder for seasonal changes and tree growth.
Lay out your favorite fruits, nuts, and red and white grape juices, and engage every family member in the blessings and discussions. Share stories about the significance of each fruit and discuss your family's connection to nature. This interactive experience can become a cherished annual tradition.
Tu B'Shvat Seder Guides:
➤ My Jewish Learning | How to Lead a Tu B'Shvat Seder
Other Ways to Celebrate Tu B'Shvat
❋ Find more ideas and activities at PJ Library and 18 Doors
❋ Tu B’Shvat-themed books
❋ Watch Videos
