Helping Kids Overcome Their Fear of Creepy Crawlies
Creepy crawlies are more than just tiny creatures lurking in gardens and parks—they’re essential players in our ecosystems.
Yet, for many kids (and parents), the sight of a centipede or a spider can bring on shrieks of fear.
By fostering curiosity and respect for these fascinating mini beasts, we can help kids move past their fears and develop ecoliteracy—an understanding and appreciation of the natural world that can inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Why Ecoliteracy Matters
Without opportunities to play freely in nature, children miss out on the chance to observe the incredible diversity of life around them.
Mini beasts like cicadas, butterflies, and geckos may seem small and insignificant, but they play vital roles—pollinating plants, breaking down organic matter, and balancing ecosystems. When children understand how these creatures contribute to the world, they’re more likely to want to protect them.
Teaching ecoliteracy doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with simple interactions, like spotting a centipede on a log or finding a butterfly on a flower. These moments of discovery are opportunities to replace fear with fascination.
Common Mini Beasts Found in South East Queensland
South East Queensland is home to a wide variety of fascinating mini beasts. Here’s a list of critters kids might spot while exploring:
Insects
Butterflies and Moths – Common species include Blue Tiger and Monarch butterflies.
Beetles – Look for Jewel beetles or Christmas beetles during the summer.
Ants – Green tree ants are particularly interesting with their large nests.
Grasshoppers and Crickets – These hopping critters are plentiful in grassy areas.
Cicadas – Known for their loud calls, cicadas can be spotted on tree trunks.
Dragonflies – Often seen near water sources, such as creeks or ponds.
Furry Caterpillars – These can be colorful but should not be touched due to possible irritation.
Arachnids
Spiders – Golden Orb Weavers and Huntsman spiders are common and mostly harmless.
Scorpions – Small species can be found under rocks and logs.
Reptiles
Skinks – These small, fast-moving lizards are common in gardens.
Geckos – Nocturnal creatures that can be spotted on walls or tree trunks.
Other Mini Beasts
Centipedes and Millipedes – Found in leaf litter or under rocks.
Snails and Slugs – Common in damp areas, particularly after rain.
Pill Bugs and Slaters – Often found under logs or stones.
Three Steps to Help Kids Overcome Their Fear
Give the Critter a Name
Naming a creature can help humanise it and make it less scary. "Cecil the Centipede" or "Georgie the Gecko" suddenly feels more like a character in a story than something to fear. Encourage your child to observe their critter and talk about what makes it unique.Make It a Home
Kids love creative play, and building a tiny home for their new critter friend out of dirt, leaves, and sticks can be a great way to engage them. This hands-on activity turns their attention to nurturing instead of fearing. Plus, it teaches empathy and the importance of respecting all living things.Let It Be
The final step is the most crucial: teaching kids to enjoy the wonder of watching these creatures in their natural environment. Remind them that creepy crawlies are happiest when left undisturbed and that we’re lucky to observe them at all. This builds an appreciation for the role these animals play in their world.
Turning Fear into Fascination
Encouraging kids to spend time in nature is key to breaking down fears.
The more they interact with their surroundings, the more they’ll discover the beauty of diversity in the natural world. For parents, this means modeling calm curiosity. Approach mini beasts with awe rather than alarm, and your child will likely follow suit.
Tips for Supporting Kids:
Normalise Curiosity: When encountering a new creature, ask questions like, “I wonder what it eats?” or “How do you think it moves so fast?”
Model Calmness: If you’re squeamish yourself, try not to show it. Instead, express curiosity or admiration.
Use Safety Tools: Provide gloves or small bug containers to help children feel more secure during their exploration.
Safety Tips for Handling or Observing Mini Beasts
While mini beasts are fascinating, it’s essential to prioritise safety and respect:
Avoid Touching with Bare Hands
Use gloves to handle critters, especially caterpillars, centipedes, and spiders, which may cause irritation or minor bites.
Stay Calm
Teach kids not to swat or panic around insects like bees or ants. Calm movements are less likely to provoke them.
Check the Environment
Look under rocks, logs, or leaves with care to avoid startling or harming creatures. Return objects to their original position after exploring.
Don’t Disturb Nests
Observe nests, such as those of ants or wasps, from a safe distance to avoid aggression.
Teach “Look, Don’t Touch”
Encourage observation rather than physical interaction to minimise risks to both children and the animals.
Check for Permission
Ensure you’re exploring areas where it’s safe and legal to observe wildlife. Avoid protected areas like national parks unless permitted.
Wash Hands Afterward
Even if gloves are used, wash hands after handling soil, leaves, or creatures to prevent spreading germs.
By encouraging mindfulness and teaching children to approach mini beasts with curiosity and care, families can foster a love of nature and respect for the environment while staying safe.
Free Mini Beasts Scavenger Hunt
To help your family get started, download our free Mini Beasts Scavenger Hunt! This activity encourages kids to search for critters like centipedes, cicadas, skinks, and more—all found in South East Queensland. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and open the door to the magical world of mini beasts.
Let Curious Explorers Discover Creepy Crawlies with Us
Raising environmental stewards starts with creating opportunities for play, wonder, and curiosity.
Helping children overcome their fear of creepy crawlies is about more than just addressing fears—it’s about helping them fall in love with the intricate web of life all around us. This love will inspire them to protect and nurture our planet for generations to come.
Our school holiday programs in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are the perfect place for curious explorers to dive into the world of creepy crawlies. With hands-on activities, guided adventures, and opportunities to learn through play, your kids will come home excited, fearless, and full of wonder.
Drop them off and pick them up happier, calmer, and buzzing with stories of the incredible creatures they’ve encountered.
Book a program today and help your child embrace the magic of mini beasts!
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.