Bat Fun for Kids

Bats are amazing flying mammals that come out at night to eat bugs, drink fruit juice, and help nature by moving pollen and seeds. They have wings made from skin and bones, and some bats use echolocation to “see” in the dark. Bats are gentle, helpful, and very interesting!

Watch a Bat in Action!

Check out this fun video of a bat flying and navigating using sound.

What Is a Bat?

A bat is a mammal that can fly using skin stretched over long fingers.

• They are the only mammals that can truly fly.
• They use wings made of skin and bones.
• Some bats use echolocation—high sounds that bounce off things—to find food at night.

Where Do Bats Live?

Bats live in many places around the world and find safe spots to sleep during the day.

• Caves and hollow trees.
• Under bridges or in buildings.
• Almost everywhere—from forests to cities.

What Do Bats Eat?

Bats like to eat different foods depending on their type.

• Many eat insects like moths and mosquitoes.
• Some eat fruit or nectar from flowers.
• A few drink blood, but most bats don’t—only a tiny number do.

How Big Is a Bat?

Bats can be small or big, but most fit in your hand!

• Some bats are as small as a paperclip.
• Big fruit bats can have a wingspan as wide as a large pillow.
• They usually weigh less than a juice box.

What Sound Do Bats Make?

Bats make high-pitched squeaks that we often cannot hear, but they help bats move and find food in the dark.

Cool Bat Facts

Bats are full of surprises!

• They are the only flying mammals.
• Some bats can eat hundreds of insects in one night.
• They help flowers grow by spreading pollen.
• Some bats live together in groups as big as a classroom!
• Only one baby bat is born at a time.
• Bats use echolocation so well they can catch tiny insects in total darkness.

Printables and Coloring Fun

Have fun learning more about bats with these activities:

• Download Bat Coloring Page (PDF)

Bats in the Eco-System

Bats help keep our world healthy!

• They eat bugs, helping farmers and reducing mosquitoes.
• They pollinate plants and spread seeds in forests.
• Some bat species are endangered and need help.
• Counting bats helps scientists know how healthy nature is.

Ask a Grown‑Up to Learn More

With help from a grown-up, you can read more great bat facts here:

• bat – Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
• Wildlife Aid Foundation | Bats
• Bats (U.S. National Park Service)

Fun Questions About Bats

Ways to Donate and Support Bats

You can help protect bats by giving to places that study and save them. Bat friendly homes and safe spaces help bats stay healthy!

Donate – Support Bats