Reindeer Fun for Kids

Reindeer are amazing animals that live in cold places like the far north. They have big antlers and thick fur to keep them warm. Reindeer are special because both boys and girls grow antlers, which helps them find food and protect themselves. Kids love learning about reindeer because they are strong, fast, and help people travel in snowy lands.

Watch a Reindeer in Action!

Reindeer are great at running and jumping through snow. They also swim across rivers when they travel long distances. Watching them move is fun and shows how they survive in cold weather.

What Is a Reindeer?

A reindeer is a large animal that looks like a deer with big antlers on its head.

• Also called caribou in North America
• Both male and female reindeer grow antlers
• Have thick fur to stay warm in winter
• Hooves change with the seasons to help walk on snow or soft ground

Where Do Reindeer Live?

Reindeer live in cold, snowy places where there are forests and open fields.

• Found in northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America
• Live in Arctic and sub-Arctic areas
• Travel long distances during migration

What Do Reindeer Eat?

Reindeer eat plants that grow in cold places.

• Eat grass, moss, and leaves
• Also eat lichens, a special plant that grows on rocks and trees
• Use their hooves to dig through snow to find food in winter

How Big Is a Reindeer?

Reindeer are about as tall as a kid on a big bicycle and can weigh as much as a small car.

• Height: 3 to 4 feet tall at the shoulder (90 to 120 centimeters)
• Weight: 160 to 300 kilograms (350 to 660 pounds)

What Sound Do Reindeer Make?

Reindeer make soft grunting and clicking sounds to talk to each other. The clicking sound comes from their hooves when they walk on snow and ice.

Cool Reindeer Facts

Reindeer are full of surprises that kids find fun to learn!

• Reindeer noses warm up the cold air before it reaches their lungs
• They can run up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour)
• Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, but males lose theirs in winter
• Reindeer are great swimmers and can cross wide rivers
• They travel in large groups called herds
• Reindeer have special hooves that act like snowshoes
• They help keep the forest healthy by spreading seeds in their droppings
• Reindeer have been important to people for thousands of years as transportation and food

Printables and Coloring Fun

Have fun coloring and learning more about reindeer!

• Download Reindeer Coloring Page (PDF)

Reindeers in the Eco-System

Reindeer play an important role in nature and help keep the environment healthy.

• Help spread plants by dropping seeds in their poop
• Are food for predators like wolves and bears
• Help control plant growth by eating moss and grass
• Population numbers vary, but they are not endangered

Ask a Grown-Up to Help You Learn More

Ask a grown-up to read these websites with you to learn even more about reindeer.

• National Geographic – Caribou Reindeer
• Reindeer – Fun Facts and Information For Kids
• Britannica Kids Reindeer Article

Fun Questions About Reindeers

Ways to Donate and Support Reindeers

You can help protect reindeer by supporting groups that keep their homes safe and clean. Learning about them and telling others is also a great way to help.

Reindeer Donation