Snake Activities for Preschoolers
Snakes might not be the first animal that comes to mind when you’re planning preschool lessons, but they’ve been a surprise hit in our home. You’ll find a list of Snake Activities for Preschoolers because I’m sharing some tips that brought smiles, curiosity, and a lot of conversation into our animal lessons.
If you want more ways to explore the animal kingdom with your kids, check out my list of Animal Activities for Kids. It offers many themed resources and hands-on activities that complement this snake round-up.
You’ll discover many easy and fun snake projects for preschoolers and see how these activities can be part of your lessons. I’ll walk you through helpful resources, fun facts, and ways to make snakes exciting and approachable for preschoolers.
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Fascinating Snake Facts for Kids
Before jumping to my list of snake crafts and games for preschool, let’s look at some interesting details about snakes that even surprised me:
- Some snakes use their tongues to collect scent particles from the air and then analyze them with a special organ in their mouths called the Jacobson’s organ.
- While many snakes lay eggs, several species, such as boas and vipers, actually give birth to live young, which is fascinating to preschoolers learning about animal life cycles.
- The Barbados thread snake, considered the tiniest snake, is only about four inches long, while the giant reticulated python can grow to over 20 feet, longer than a small school bus.
Snake Books Your Preschooler Will Love
When we read snake-themed stories together, it sets the tone for curiosity. I recommend having a few age-appropriate picture books to help bring these slippery creatures to life through storytelling.
SNAKE! (Shout Fear Out)Snakes!: A My Incredible World Picture Book for Children (My Incredible World: Nature and Animal Picture Books for Children)Simon the Silly SnakeThe Greedy Python (The World of Eric Carle)SnakesOh No! There’s a Snake in the Lake
Why Do Kids Need to Learn About Snakes?
When I first introduced snakes, I’ll admit I expected some hesitation. But I noticed that learning about animals that are sometimes misunderstood helped my kids think critically and become more open-minded. Snakes may not be warm and fuzzy, but they play an essential role in nature, and that lesson stuck.
It’s also a great chance to teach science vocabulary, life cycles, habitats, and observation skills. Preschoolers are naturally curious, and snakes allow them to ask questions, compare textures, and talk about movement and colors.
Early Learner Printable Packs I Recommend
I’ve found that printable packs are a great way to sneak in learning with some structure. The right print-and-go set makes it easy to mix play with tracing, cutting, and color recognition.
Recommended Snake Toys
Tactile play is where things click for preschoolers. Having a few snake-themed toys around lets them explore independently, act out what they’ve learned, and even get creative with stories or imaginary habitats.
DINOBROS Snake Toy Grabber Reacher – Interactive Pick-Up Tool for Kids | 16-Inch Snake Chomper Head Design | Fun & Educational GiftWild Republic Scarlet Snake, Rubber Snake Toy, Gifts for Kids, Educational Toys, 46LovesTown Montessori Wooden Alphabet Puzzle for Toddlers, Snake ABC Learning Toys for Kids, Educational Preschool Jigsaw Puzzle for Early Childhood Development, Ideal Gift for Boys and GirlsRismise Snake Growth Cycle Cobra Growth Cycle Model Toys Snake Figurines Toy Mini Cobra Snake Figure Snake Life Cycle Figurine Educational Toy Snake Animal Trick Reptile Halloween Prank PropsTerra by Battat Remote Control Emerald Tree Boa – Electronic Snake Toy for Kids Ages 6+Muiteiur Giant 6 Piece Snake Stuffed Animal, 55 inch Mommy Snake with 3 Baby&2 Egg, Green Large Jungle Plush Toy, Realistic Serpent Plush Toy Gift for Kids Girls Boys
More Animal Activities To Try
Don’t stop with snakes—there are plenty of animals to explore that bring just as much learning. These can be rotated through the month or even paired together for some great comparisons.
- Pond Life Worksheets
- Food Chain Worksheets
- Printable Snake Coloring Pages
- Books About Snakes for Kids
- Toilet Paper Roll Owl Craft by Homeschool Preschool
- Going on a Bear Hunt Printables by Crystal and Comp
Snakes can be a great entry point into early science, art, and sensory play. If your child is curious or hesitant, these ideas offer fun, approachable ways to explore something new together.