15 Fun Facts About Theodore Roosevelt + Activities for Kids

Looking for a fun, hands-on way to teach your kids about one of America’s most adventurous and inspiring presidents? This post is packed with fun facts about Theodore Roosevelt that will surprise your kids, spark curiosity, and make history come alive.

Whether you’re diving into a unit on American presidents, exploring conservation, or just looking for ways to inspire young learners, these Theodore Roosevelt facts are perfect for homeschool lessons or classroom learning. You’ll also find ideas for fun activities and free printables, including a Teddy Roosevelt coloring page and Springboard Learning Choice Boards, to help kids explore Roosevelt’s life from the Rough Riders to the Teddy Bear, and even the construction of the Panama Canal.

Who Was Theodore Roosevelt? A Quick Biography for Kids

Theodore Roosevelt, also known as Teddy Roosevelt, was born on October 27, 1858, in New York City. He faced many challenges as a sickly child including asthma and even battled typhoid fever. Despite these obstacles, he developed a love for reading and learning that shaped the rest of his life. He also experienced a double tragedy when both his mother and first wife, Alice Hathaway Lee, died on the same day in 1884.

Roosevelt was a true go-getter. He earned a reputation for energy, curiosity, and courage early on. He served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy before leading the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War, gaining fame for his bravery. Later, he became Governor of New York, worked in public service, and eventually rose to the 26th President of the United States, known for being the youngest president at the time.

When he became president, Roosevelt took bold action to improve the nation. He helped construct the Panama Canal, conserved public lands, and established national parks, wildlife refuges, and the United States Forest Service. He even helped negotiate the peace that ended the Russo-Japanese War, earning the Nobel Peace Prize. Roosevelt’s energy, courage, and curiosity made him one of the most fascinating leaders in American history.

15 Fun Facts About Theodore Roosevelt for Kids

Here are some of the most surprising and interesting facts about President Roosevelt that kids will love:

1. He had a photographic memory. Roosevelt could remember almost everything he read. This skill helped him as a student, writer, and president, since he could recall details from books, speeches, and meetings with ease.
2. He chased wild horses. During his ranching days in the Dakota Territory, Roosevelt once rode across the Badlands to capture a group of wild mustangs for his ranch.
3. The Teddy Bear is named after him. On a hunting trip in Mississippi, guides tied a bear to a tree for Roosevelt to shoot. He refused, saying it wasn’t fair to kill a trapped animal. The story spread, and a toymaker created the first “Teddy Bear.”
4. He wrote more than 35 books. Roosevelt loved reading and writing. He published books on history, politics, and even his adventures exploring the wild.
5. He led the Rough Riders. Roosevelt became famous during the Spanish-American War when he and his volunteer cavalry, the Rough Riders, bravely charged up San Juan Hill in Cuba.
6. He was the youngest president in U.S. history. Roosevelt became president at just 42 years old after President William McKinley was assassinated. 
7. He was a “trust-buster.” Roosevelt worked to break up big companies, called “trusts,” that were unfairly controlling prices and hurting smaller businesses. People gave him the nickname “trust-buster” because he wanted the economy to be fair for everyone.
8. He modernized the White House. Roosevelt added electricity, a new office (the West Wing), and even welcomed journalists inside, making the White House feel more connected to the people.
9. He helped build the Panama Canal. Roosevelt made the canal project a top priority because it would let ships travel quickly between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Even though it was built in another country, Roosevelt helped organize the work and made sure the U.S. supported it. The canal became one of the greatest engineering achievements of its time.
10. He was called the “Conservation President.” Roosevelt protected over 230 million acres of public land, creating 5 national parks, 18 national monuments, 150 national forests, and even starting the U.S. Forest Service.
11. He won the Nobel Peace Prize. Roosevelt helped negotiate the end of the Russo-Japanese War, making him the first American to receive this honor.
12. He survived an assassination attempt. While giving a campaign speech for the Bull Moose Party, he was shot in the chest. Instead of going to the hospital, he finished his 90-minute speech with the bullet still inside him!
13. He boxed in the White House. Roosevelt loved sports and staying active. He practiced boxing while president, though he once got hit so hard that he lost vision in one eye.
14. He had a family full of pets. The Roosevelt White House was like a zoo! His kids had snakes, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, a macaw, a badger, and even a pony that once rode in the White House elevator.
15. He is on Mount Rushmore. Roosevelt was chosen to appear alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln because of his role as the “first modern president” and his leadership in shaping America’s future.

The Teddy Bear: A Presidential Inspiration

One of the most fun stories about Theodore Roosevelt is how the Teddy Bear got its start. During a hunting trip in Mississippi, Roosevelt’s guides cornered a bear and tied it to a tree so he could shoot it. Roosevelt refused, saying it wasn’t fair to kill a trapped animal.

A toymaker heard the story and created a stuffed bear called “Teddy’s Bear” in Roosevelt’s honor. Over time, the name was shortened to the “Teddy Bear,” and it became one of the most beloved toys in history.

Memorable Theodore Roosevelt Quotes

Roosevelt had a way with words that reflected his energy, curiosity, and love of adventure. His sayings encourage courage, hard work, and determination – qualities that made him one of America’s most remarkable presidents. Here are some quotes to share and discuss with your kids:

• “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
• “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
• “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
• “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
• “It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”

Ask your kids which quote they like best and how they could apply it to school, hobbies, or trying something new.

President Theodore Roosevelt FAQ’s

Still have a few questions? Here are some quick questions and answers to help you learn even more about this adventurous president

Q: Was Theodore Roosevelt a good president?

A: Many historians say yes! Roosevelt was known for his energy, leadership, and willingness to take bold action. He improved conservation, reformed government, and negotiated peace abroad.

Q: When & how did Theodore Roosevelt die?

A: President Roosevelt passed away on January 6, 1919, from a heart attack at his home in Oyster Bay, New York.

Q: What was Theodore Roosevelt known for?

A: He is remembered for being a Rough Rider, conservationist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, trust-buster, and the first modern president who modernized government and helped build the Panama Canal.

Q: Where can I see a Theodore Roosevelt statue or historic site?

A: Roosevelt statues can be found in Washington, D.C., and Oyster Bay. You can also visit Mount Rushmore, where he is carved alongside 3 other presidents. Other great places to explore his life include the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo, New York, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.

Q: Why is Theodore Roosevelt on Mount Rushmore?

A: Teddy Roosevelt is on Mount Rushmore because of his big ideas and bold actions. He protected millions of acres of land by creating national parks and wildlife refuges, helped build the Panama Canal, and worked to make the government fairer and more honest. He showed courage, leadership, and a love for America that made him one of the most important presidents in history.

9 Springboard Learning Activities for Kids

Explore Theodore Roosevelt’s life with these fun, hands-on activities! Each idea includes options for younger and older kids, so the whole family can learn about history, adventure, and conservation together.

1. Teddy Bear Storytelling

• Younger kids: Draw a picture of a teddy bear going on an adventure with you or Teddy Roosevelt.
• Older kids: Write a short story or comic about a Teddy Bear traveling with Roosevelt on one of his adventures, incorporating historical facts

2. National Park Activities

• Younger kids: Take a field trip to a national park, or complete the online Junior Ranger activities at Theodore Roosevelt National Park to learn about animals, plants, and the outdoors.
• Older kids: Visit a national park or complete the Junior Ranger activities online at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Take notes on wildlife, conservation efforts, and park features, and consider creating a mini-report or presentation on what you learned.

3. Panama Canal Exploration

• Younger kids: Find Panama on a map and color the canal. Talk about why it would be helpful for ships to take a shortcut instead of going all the way around South America.
• Older kids: Research how engineers and workers built the canal, including the challenges they faced. Draw or create a mini “lock system” with water, blocks, and/or craft materials.

4. Trust-Buster Role-Play

• Younger kids: Act out a simple scenario where a “big company” is being unfair and discuss fair solutions.
• Older kids: Role-play as “investigators” examining a real historical case of a trust Roosevelt broke. Come up with your own plan to make it more fair.

5. President’s Journal

• Younger kids: Imagine being Roosevelt for a day. What would you see and do? Draw or write a simple diary entry.
• Older kids: Write a detailed journal entry from Roosevelt’s perspective based on one of his decisions, speeches, quotes or adventures.

6. Junior Naturalist Adventure

• Younger kids: Go on a nature scavenger hunt in your backyard or local park, spotting birds, squirrels, insects, or other wildlife. Collect leaves, collect rocks or draw the animals you see.
• Older kids: Observe wildlife in your area or on a hike, take notes or photos, and create a short report about at least one animal’s behaviors and habitats just as Roosevelt did.

7. Timeline Creation

• Younger kids: Make a simple timeline with 5-7 key events in Roosevelt’s life using pictures or stickers.
• Older kids: Create a detailed timeline with major life events, political achievements, Rough Riders adventures, conservation milestones, and the Nobel Peace Prize. Include short descriptions, mini-research notes or drawings/pictures.

8. Watch A Movie or Musical

• Younger kids: Watch Night at the Museum (or a clip). Talk about Teddy Roosevelt’s curiosity, courage, and/or sense of adventure in the movie.
• Older kids: Watch Newsies or another movie about labor movements. Then write a short reflection connecting the themes to Roosevelt’s time and leadership.

9. Conservation Hero Project

• Younger kids: Draw a poster or make a simple craft showing how you would protect animals, trees, wildlife refuges or parks – just like Teddy Roosevelt.
• Older kids: Research a real conservation project inspired by Roosevelt. Create a poster or infographic and suggest ways kids today can help protect nature.

Print & Go Activities: Teddy Roosevelt Choice Boards

These printable choice boards pulls together all the Springboard Learning Ideas above so your kids can pick and choose how they want to learn about Theodore Roosevelt.

Recommended Books for Kids

• Who Was Theodore Roosevelt? (Who Was Series) – A fun, illustrated biography that tells the story of Teddy Roosevelt’s adventurous life in a way kids can easily enjoy.
• Theodore Roosevelt for Kids: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities – Hands-on activities and stories that let kids explore Roosevelt’s adventures, conservation work, and leadership.
• The Rough Riders – Written by Roosevelt himself, this book shares his exciting experiences leading the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. Perfect for older kids who love history and adventure.
• The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris – A detailed look at Roosevelt’s life and career, ideal for older kids or teens who want to dive deeper into history.

Virtual Tour Ideas for Kids

• Sagamore Hill National Historic Site (Oyster Bay, NY) – Visit Teddy Roosevelt’s “Summer White House” in person or take a 360° online tour to see his home and learn about his life.
• Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site (New York City, NY) – Step inside his childhood home in person, or explore the virtual tour with restored rooms and exhibits about his early years.
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Medora, ND) – Hike or explore the Badlands in person, or view multimedia presentations and videos online about the wildlife and landscapes that inspired his conservation work.
• Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (Buffalo, NY) – Visit the site where he was sworn in as president, or take the interactive online tour to explore the rooms and learn about this historic moment.

Final Thoughts

Theodore Roosevelt’s life shows that energy, curiosity, and courage can make a big difference in the world. From leading the Rough Riders to saving public lands, writing books, and inspiring the first Teddy Bear, Roosevelt’s story is full of fun and learning opportunities.

So whether your kids are crafting their own Teddy Bear, mapping the Panama Canal, or discussing their favorite Roosevelt quote, these fun facts will help them explore American history, leadership, and adventure in a hands-on way.