Each year, Americans celebrate pioneer, conservationist and legend, John Chapman. “Johnny Appleseed" remains such an important and charismatic figure, Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated twice a year – on the anniversary of his birth on September 26, 1774, and on the anniversary of his death in 1845. Because the actual date of his death is disputed – March 10, March 11 or March 18. - Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated on either March 10th or 11th.
The Legend of Johnny Appleseed
While he was also known for his generous ways, he introduced apple trees to a large portion of the United States. Legend has it, this deeply religious man planted apple seeds as he walked barefoot though the Ohio Valley while balancing a pot on his head. But Appleseed actually planted apple seeds wherever he found “suitable ground for a nursery.” He enclosed the areas with fences made out of brush and would return to the area year after year. For more than 40 years, Johnny Appleseed returned to his beloved nurseries to tend to his tress and planted new nurseries along the way.
During his travels, he encouraged others to plant apple trees too. If and when this simple man slept in a house, he usually slept on the floor. His hat was made out of a tin vessel, which he also used for cooking his food. He befriended everyone he met, including Native Americans and animals. He often helped animals of all shapes and sizes that were injured and often used his own money to buy animals that were being mistreated.
Johnny Appleseed never married and died of pneumonia at a friend's house. His legendary life continues to touch people of all ages. In 1966, a United States Postage Stamp was created in his honor.
In honor of Johnny Appleseed Day, check out these 30 fun and free apple-inspired craft projects, printable activities and games for kids.
Free Apple Activities, Printables & Games for Kids
- The Story of Johnny Appleseed – Children will learn all about Johnny Appleseed in this online story by Weekly Reader. An online and printable quiz is also available.
- Watch the PowerPoint presentation, the Ballad of Johnny Appleseed.
- Johnny Appleseed Lesson Plan and Worksheet – This free printable worksheet, for grades K-4, is from Scholastic.
- Legend Vs. Fact – Read the story of Johnny Appleseed then try the printable crossword puzzle. This project is for adults or older children.
- Johnny Appleseed Crossword Puzzle – See how much you know about Johnny Appleseed by playing this online crossword puzzle game.
- Johnny Appleseed Printables – Select from 10 different printable activities for children including a wordsearch, crossword, tic-tac-toe game and coloring pages.
- Apple Printable – This one-page apple printable includes a Word Search, Fill in the Blanks and Connect the Dots.
- Apple-Shape Book Printable – Print this free apple booklet.
- This colorful Johnny Appleseed poster is perfect for the classroom.
- Apple Stationary – Kids will love this free, printable apple-inspired stationary.
- Johnny Appleseed Day Counting Page – For the little ones, use apple stickers or draw apples and learn to count!
- I See Apples Counting Pages – Here’s another printable counting activity for youngsters.
- Squigly’s Apple Game - Can you figure out where Squigly is in this fun online ordinal number game?
- Catch the Apples - See how many apples you can catch in this fun online game.
- Apple Mania – Can you find the missing apple words in this online game? Helpful hints are included.
- Apple Seed Toss – Speaking of apple seeds, play this Apple Seed Toss Game.
Apple Crafts for Kids
- Apple Cinnamon Dough – Kids and adults will love this popular craft idea that can be made into all sorts of fun shapes and sizes for all different events and holidays.
- Apple Dolls – These real apple dolls are just “doll-ing!”
- Apple Print Bag - This fun craft idea, from Martha Stewart, is a perfect gift idea for teachers.
- Apple Pin Craft – Make this wearable apple pin out of safety pins and seed beads.
- Johnny Appleseed Origami Project – You’ll need a piece of construction paper or card stock then add this adorable head and body template.
- Johnny Appleseed Hat – Learn how to make an Appleseed hat out of black poster board, silver paint, tape, and glue.
- Fingerprint and Handprint Apple Tree – Cute!
- Stained Glass Apple Craft –This fun craft idea requires crayons, wax paper, construction paper, glue, white or brown paper and an iron.
- Apple Pencil Topper – This craft idea requires chenille pipe cleaners, red and green craft paint, tacky glue, wire cutters, medium Woodsies apple and a paint brush.
- Apple Candles – Adult supervision is required for this craft. You’ll need apples, pipe cleaners, short candles and hydrogen peroxide for this idea.
- Apple Prints – All you need for this apple-inspired craft is a few apples, some paint, construction paper, some sort of shallow dish and paper towels.
- Apple Lacing Project – Using the apple template, “lace” wool or ribbon around the edges. You’ll need a hole punch, scissors and card stock or construction paper for this project.
- Apple Bookmark – This adorable bookmark requires a hole punch, cardstock, stickers and a tassel.
- Apple Necklace – You’ll need ribbon or yard, craft glue, a red pom-pom, pony bead and craft foam, felt or construction paper for this craft idea from Sherri Osborn.
Note - Depending on the age of your children, many of the projects listed above may require parental supervision.
And speaking of Johnny Appleseed Day, be sure to check out the 40 Delicious Apple Dishes, Desserts & Cocktail Recipes too!
