Need some activities to keep your young animal enthusiasts occupied and learning? We have three easy ideas you can try right now!
1. Make fun toys for the pets in your life.
Pets and humans need enrichment in their lives to stay healthy and toys are a great solution to keep both occupied! There are many pet toys that can be made with household items or after a quick stop at a crafting store. Education Specialist, Alina Marshall, demonstrates how to make toys for pets in this video: Make your own cat toys! Check out our full playlist of Do-It-Yourself Pet Projects on YouTube. If your child is interested in helping animals, visit our Community Service Activities webpage for ways that youth and families can support animals and the work we do at Seattle Humane. Please connect with our Education Services staff if you would like to donate your craft to pets at the shelter.
2. Play games and learn.
If your young child loves to hear animal stories or you have an emerging reader at home, we recommend Pablo Puppy’s Search for the Perfect Person by Sheila Hamanaka. A free PDF storybook can be found on Animal Welfare Institute’s webpage by clicking the Download PDF button. They also have coloring pages, activity sheets, and a printable board game to try under the Companion Activities and Games link on the same page. Need an activity sheet? Try our Pet Needs Word Search to start a conversation about what pets need to stay healthy and safe. For upper elementary learners who have a passion for animals, we recommend HEART’s online educational adventure game. Your child will play as a Compassionate Investigator in Training to learn more about humane issues and animal protection. HEART’s webpage includes a game trailer and free downloadable lessons and resources to extend learning!
3. Explore your neighborhood.
Need a break from the screens? Take a walk outside and to keep track of animals you observe with our Animal Habitat Investigation worksheet. Brainstorm ways to be good neighbors to the wild animals on your block or create a pet-friendly service map that includes your local parks, pet supply stores, and businesses where furry friends are welcome.