Worm Fun for Kids

Worms are small, wiggly creatures that live underground and help make the soil healthy for plants. They’re helpful friends in gardens and fun to watch as they crawl through the dirt!

Watch a Worm in Action!

See how a worm wiggles and digs through the soil as it eats and helps the garden.

What Is a Worm?

Worms are long, soft animals that do not have bones or legs. They live mostly underground and are very important for healthy soil.

• They have smooth bodies made of many little rings called segments.
• They breathe through their skin, so they need to stay wet.
• They are not insects or snakes, but a different kind of animal.

Where Do Worms Live?

Worms live in places that are damp and dark so they can stay moist and hidden from animals that might eat them.

• Found in gardens, forests, and farms around the world.
• They dig tunnels in soil full of leaves, roots, and tiny bits of plants.
• During rainstorms, they sometimes come up onto sidewalks or grass.

What Do Worms Eat?

Worms love to eat tiny bits of decaying plants in the soil. They help turn this old plant material into nutrient‑rich food for plants.

• Rotting leaves and roots
• Tiny bits of old vegetables or fruit in the soil
• Soil and organic matter, which they swallow and digest

How Big Is a Worm?

Worms can be different sizes, but many common garden worms are these sizes:

• Length: about as long as a child’s pencil (10 cm).
• Weight: light as a paperclip (around 2 g).

What Sound Do Worms Make?

Worms do not make noises you can hear—they are silent as they crawl through the soil.

Cool Worm Facts

Worms are fascinating animals with many interesting traits:

• Worms can eat almost half their own weight in dirt and plant bits each day!
• They help plants grow by making tunnels that let air and water reach roots.
• Worm poop, called castings, is a great natural plant food.
• Worms do not have bones—they move by squeezing their muscles.
• Each worm can make tiny hairs on its segments to grip the soil.
• There are over 66 000 known species of worms and many more waiting to be discovered.

Printables and Coloring Fun

Have fun with worms and learn more by coloring and playing!

• Download Worm Coloring Page (PDF)

Worms in the Eco-system

Worms play an important role in nature. They help keep soil healthy and support plant growth.

• They improve soil by mixing it and making tunnels for air and water.
• Worm castings add nutrients to the soil so plants grow strong.
• Worm populations are large around the world and not endangered.

Ask a Grown‑up to Help You Learn More

Find cool websites with more worm facts and activities:

• Facts About Worms – How Long They Live & Other Fun Facts
• Nat Geo Kids: Earthworm Facts
• Britannica Kids: Earthworm

Fun Questions About Worms

Ways to Donate and Support Worms

You can help worms by supporting healthy gardens and soil programs.

Worm Farming Donate to help protect worm habitats and promote healthy soil.