What Do Earthworms Feel Like?

July 7, 2026

One of the first questions children ask after finding an earthworm is: "Can I touch it?"

Followed by giggles and sometimes "Ewww it feels slimy!!"

Touch is one of the most powerful ways young children learn about the world. Before children can describe what something feels like, they need opportunities to experience it for themselves. An earthworm is a wonderful introduction to exploring nature through gentle, hands on observation.

What Does an Earthworm Really Feel Like?

Many children think earthworms will feel slimy. Most are surprised to discover they actually feel smooth, cool, soft, and slightly damp. That damp feeling comes from a thin layer of mucus covering the earthworm's skin. Although the word mucus may sound unpleasant, it is essential for the earthworm's survival.

Earthworms breathe through their skin instead of lungs. Their skin must stay moist so oxygen from the air can dissolve into the moisture and enter their bodies. If an earthworm dries out, it can no longer breathe properly.

That is why earthworms spend most of their lives underground where the soil stays cool and moist.

Before Touching, Encourage Your Child to Observe

Ask:

"What do you think it will feel like?"

"Does it look rough or smooth?"

"Does it look wet or dry?"

Making predictions encourages children to think like scientists. Once your child gently holds the earthworm, ask again,

"Were you surprised?"

"Was it what you expected?"

Children quickly learn that observations are often different from assumptions.

What Your Child May Notice

As your child gently holds the earthworm, they may notice many small details.

-The body feels flexible.

-It stretches and contracts as it moves.

-Tiny muscles can sometimes be felt moving beneath the skin.

The earthworm may gently push against your child's hand as it searches for the ground.

Some children notice that it leaves a little moisture behind. Others notice how surprisingly strong it feels as it slowly moves forward. Every child notices something different.

There are no wrong observations.

Questions to Ask While Holding an Earthworm

Instead of explaining everything, encourage your child to describe their experience.

-How would you describe the way it feels?

-Is it colder or warmer than your hand?

-Does it feel heavy or light?

-Can you feel it moving?

-Does it feel different now than when you first picked it up?

This teaches children to observe and notice things most adults don't even notice.

Why Touch Matters

Young children learn best when they use all of their senses.

Looking at a picture of an earthworm teaches one thing. Watching a worm move helps children connect with it and appreciate it. They frequently will want to learn more.

Hands on experiences help children connect what they see with what they feel, making learning more meaningful and easier to remember.

Teaching Gentle Hands

An earthworm is delicate. Show your child how to rest it on an open palm instead of squeezing it between their fingers.

Explain that every living thing deserves gentle hands.

This simple lesson teaches children empathy and kindness.

Children begin to understand that even the smallest animals deserve kindness and respect.

About Little Hikers Long Island

Little Hikers Long Island is a fully outdoor parent and child nature program at West Hills County Park in Huntington, New York. Through hands-on exploration, families learn about the local plants, insects, animals, and seasonal changes found right here on Long Island. Children learn to observe closely, ask thoughtful questions, compare what they see, and build a lasting relationship with the natural world around them.

Our goal is to help children become careful observers, confident explorers, and future stewards of the places they call home, because children protect what they understand.

Continue Learning:

Back to blog

Item added to your cart