Pretzel Theme and Activities

Did you know that April 26th is National Pretzel Day? Pretzels come in so many shapes, sizes and flavors that they are a snack almost everyone enjoys! Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate National Pretzel Day in your program (or any time you want to celebrate pretzels in general!)

Pretzel Art Activities

Pretzel Prints
Try choosing a few different shapes of pretzels and allowing the children to dip them in paint and press them into paper to make a Pretzel Print Picture.

Pretzel Collage
Let the children create a picture by gluing different shapes and sizes of pretzels to paper.

Pretzel Math and Science Activities

Same and Different
Choose a variety of pretzels in different sizes, shapes and even flavors. Let the children explore what is the same and what is different about the pretzels. You can help them create a chart or graph. You can also have the children sort the pretzels in a variety of ways, such as by size, by shape, by flavor, etc.

Pretzel Math
Create a math activity that requires the children to add and subtract using mini pretzel sticks.

Small, Medium and Large
Provide a variety of pretzels. Talk about size and seriation. Have the children organize the pretzels from smallest to largest.

Pretzel Geometry
Show the children how to make squares, rectangles, triangles and more using mini pretzel sticks.

Pretzel Snacks and Cooking Activities

Make chocolate covered pretzel sticks
Have the children dip a large pretzel stick into chocolate. You can also have them decorate the sticks with colored sugars and sprinkles. Wrap them in cellophane to take home or have them as your snack.

Pretzel Dipping Taste Testing
Provide a variety of "dips" for children to try. A few suggestions are cheese dip, mustard, French onion, ranch, chocolate, peanut butter, etc.

Make your Own Pretzels

• Ingredients:
  • 1 package of yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • sea salt (rock salt preferable)
• Preheat oven to 350°
• Measure warm water into a large bowl. Sprinkle on yeast and stir until soft. Add salt, sugar, and flour. Mix and knead dough with hands. Roll and twist into any desired shapes. Place on greased cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with salt. Bake 12-15 minutes.