Unlimited fun for animal-loving children

A young boy in a blue shirt sits on a purple rug and pets a cat being held by an AHS employee

Animal Humane Society encourages children to make a difference in the lives of pets and their people. From helping kids explore their interests, interacting with animals, and nurturing their compassion for all living things, we’re fostering the next generation of animal lovers. 

For those of you looking to cultivate your child’s love for animals, our Humane Education team compiled a robust list of animal-related experiences and activities below. From games and crafts to outdoor adventures to recommended books and movies – you’ll help develop a respect and appreciation of all living things, pique their curiosity, and experience our furry, feathered, and scaly friends in new ways. 

Games and crafts

Using simple materials that many households already have on hand, you can spark creativity, keep little hands busy, and provide screen-free entertainment with these adorable creations.

  • Paint pet rocks
  • Build a bird feeder
  • Let your imagination run wild with paper plate masks, sock puppets, origami, DIY bookmarks, or animals created from toilet paper rolls and pipe cleaners!
  • Frame a photo of your child and their pet(s)
  • Make a collage by cutting pictures of animals out of magazines
  • Decorate your child’s room with animal artwork (even better if they have a hand in creating it!)
  • Sing and dance to animal-themed songs
  • Put together an animal jigsaw puzzle
  • DIY dog and cat toys made of fleece or an entertaining and mentally stimulating snuffle mat for you pup
  • Play a game of charades by acting out various animals or making animal noises while others guess
  • Strike an animal yoga pose, such as the downward dog, butterfly, or cobra pose
  • Explore our virtual education resources

Outdoor adventures

A woman and a young girl walk outside in a wooded area with their dog

Get out and about in the great outdoors all while taking in the sights and sounds of animals in nature!

  • Take a walk and participate in a nature scavenger hunt (find a tree stump, spot animal tracks, locate a colorful leaf, butterfly, a smooth rock, etc.) or go on an animal alphabet hunt
  • Visit an animal sanctuary, wildlife preserve, or explore a nature center
  • Carl W. Kroening Nature CenterEloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
  • Tamarack Nature Center
  • Theodore Wirth Regional Park
  • Elm Creek Park Reserve
  • Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
  • Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
  • Pull out your binoculars and go bird watching
  • Visit the animals at the Minnesota Zoo or Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
  • Plant a garden, native wildflowers for butterflies, bees, and others insects; put out birdseed to witness wildlife up close. Allow your kids to become part of the routine — refilling feeders, watering plants, etc. You can even make homemade suet for birds and squirrels.
  • Ask to take a neighbor’s dog on a walk 

Indoor adventures

For those looking for quieter activities close to home, consider snuggling up with a good book or movie featuring your favorite animal. Bonus points if your four-legged friend joins you on the couch!  

  • Visit your local library and borrow animal books (younger readers may enjoy Buffalo Fluffalo, Stellaluna, and Becoming a Good Creature, while more advanced readers may like Charlotte's Web, Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love, The Tale of Desperaux, and The Tiger Rising)
  • Buy cookie cutters to make animal-shaped snacks for you or homemade dog treats for your pup
  • Train your dog to do tricks
  • Watch a movie that stars an animal (some of our animated favorites include 101 Dalmatians, A Bug’s Life, Bolt, Sing, and Zootopia) or nature shows/documentaries
  • Get your child a toy veterinarian kit they can use on their stuffed animals 

Animal Humane Society activities

A group of children pose together holding KONGS that they filled at AHS summer camp

Our camps and programs are designed for kids of all ages.

  • Visit one of our shelters (Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, or Woodbury) to visit with the animals
  • Participate in one of our reading programs – Furry Tales features a storybook read by one of our humane educators, followed by a craft or activity, and a special visit with an animal; Rescue Readers helps students gain confidence and build their reading skills all while providing soothing company to the animals awaiting adoption
  • Sign up for camp! Offering one-of-a-kind experiences for the ultimate animal lover, our school break camps throughout the year and summer camps feature animal-related educational activities, games, crafts, animal interactions, and more!
  • Become the next Pawcasso! In a Paint My Pet session, they’ll paint a portrait of their pet — or any animal — under the guidance of an experienced artist
  • For those interested in becoming a veterinarian or vet tech one day, immerse them in the world of shelter medicine at a Future Vet Workshop
  • Suggest your child donate to AHS by encouraging a small fundraiser like a lemonade stand, setting aside money from their chores, or collecting new and gently used toys for the animals in shelter; it not only helps animals, but also teaches selflessness, generosity, and offers some perspective on money
  • Consider short-term fostering experiences that allow your child to become part of the caretaking routine of feeding, watering, walking, exercising, and providing enrichment to animals in need  

No matter where your adventures take you, the best way to foster a love for animals in your child is to give them an opportunity to learn about and interact with animals firsthand. Continue nurturing their love of all living things and help them grow to be kind, compassionate adults that change the world.  

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