Gecko Fun for Kids

Geckos are small lizards that live in warm places around the world. They are special because they can climb smooth walls and even walk on the ceiling! Some geckos make fun sounds like chirps, clicks, barks, or squeaks. Let’s explore more about these cool little climbers.

Watch a Gecko in Action!

See a gecko climbing walls and moving its sticky toes—it’s amazing to watch how they stick and move!

What Is a Gecko?

Geckos are special lizards known for their climbing skills and unique sounds. Here are some facts:

• They are lizards that live mostly in warm places.
• Geckos can climb smooth surfaces using special toe pads.
• There are over 1,500 different kinds of geckos around the world.
• Geckos are small and usually active at night.

Where Do Geckos Live?

• They live on every continent except Antarctica.
• They like warm and tropical places like homes, forests, and deserts.
• Some geckos hide in trees, under rocks, or on walls near lights.

What Do Geckos Eat?

• They eat insects like moths, crickets, and small bugs.
• Geckos help our homes by catching mosquitoes and flies.
• They find food at night when they are most active.

How Big Is a Gecko?

• Most geckos are about 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) long—around the size of a child’s hand.
• The biggest gecko ever was 24 inches (60 cm) long—about as long as a yardstick!
• The smallest gecko is only 1.6 cm—smaller than your finger tip!

What Sound Do Geckos Make?

Geckos make many sounds like chirping, clicking, barking, or squeaking to talk to each other, warn of danger, or call for a mate.

Cool Gecko Facts

• Gecko comes from a Malay word “gēkoq” that copies the sound they make.
• They are the only lizards that make real sounds to talk to each other.
• Some can drop their tail to escape and grow it back later.
• Most geckos cannot blink—they lick their eyes to keep them clean.
• Some geckos are day‑time climbers, but most are night explorers.
• They have color vision in the dark—350 times better than humans!

Printables and Coloring Fun

Enjoy coloring and learning about geckos with these fun activities:

• Download Gecko Coloring Page (PDF)

Geckos in the Eco-System

Geckos help balance nature by keeping insect numbers in check. They live in many places and some kinds are safe, while others are at risk.

• They eat insects that bother people and plants.
• They are food for birds, snakes, and bigger reptiles.
• There are about 1,500 species of geckos worldwide.
• Most geckos are not endangered, but some live only in small places and need help.

Ask a Grown‑Up To Help You Learn More

Want to explore more gecko facts? Ask a grown-up to check these great websites:

• Encyclopedia Gecko Guide
• Kids National Geography – Gecko
• Gecko | Species, Diet, & Facts

Fun Questions about Geckos

Ways to Donate and Support Geckos

You can help protect geckos and their homes by supporting wildlife groups that save reptiles and their habitats.

Miniature jewel in jeopardy