Chameleon Fun for Kids: Facts, Videos & Coloring Page Activities

Chameleon

Watch a Chameleon in Action!

See how a chameleon moves, changes colors, and uses its long tongue to catch insects—it’s like a real-life magic show!

What Is a Chameleon?

A chameleon is a type of reptile known for changing its skin color. They have eyes that can move in different directions and sticky tongues to catch food.

They are reptiles covered in scales.
They can shift colors to match their surroundings or show how they feel.
They have eyes that move independently, letting them look all around.
Their tongues are very long and sticky to catch bugs.

Where Do Chameleons Live?

Chameleons live in warm places like forests, deserts, and jungles. They spend most of their time in trees and bushes.

Africa, Madagascar, southern Europe, and parts of Asia.
Rainforests, dry forests, scrublands, deserts, and grasslands.
They climb trees and bushes to stay safe and find food.

What Do Chameleons Eat?

Chameleons are carnivores and mostly eat insects. Some bigger chameleons may even eat small birds or lizards.

Crickets, flies, and grasshoppers.
Butterflies and moths.
Lizards and small birds (for larger species).

How Big Is a Chameleon?

Chameleons come in many sizes. Some are small like a crayon, and others can grow as long as a school ruler!

Smaller ones: 2–5 cm (about 1–2 inches)—as long as a crayon.
Larger ones: up to 60 cm (about 24 inches)—as long as a school ruler.
Weight: from less than 10 g (a paper clip) to over 900 g (about as heavy as a large juice bottle).

What Sound Do Chameleons Make?

Chameleons are mostly quiet. Sometimes they hiss softly or make tiny clicking or squeaking noises—secret sounds you’d barely hear!

Cool Chameleon Facts

Chameleons are full of surprises! Check out these fun facts:

They use color changes to hide from predators or show mood.
Each eye moves on its own—so they can look in two directions at once!
Their tongue can shoot out as fast as a superhero and is twice as long as their body.
Some can move their skin in bumpy waves to confuse other animals.
Babies are born knowing how to change color and catch food right away.
They live alone, and adult males often guard their trees from others.
They can live from 2 up to 10 years depending on the species.

Printables and Coloring Fun

Have fun coloring and playing with chameleon crafts!

Download Chameleon Coloring Page (PDF)

Chameleons in the Eco-system

Chameleons help keep nature in balance. Some are doing well, but others need our help.

They eat bugs, helping plants stay healthy by keeping pests away.
They are food for birds and snakes.
There are about 200 types of chameleons.
Some live in lots of places, but others—especially in Madagascar—are threatened by habitat loss.
Several species are listed as vulnerable or endangered because their homes in forests are being cut down.