Looking for Dear Zoo book activities that are easy, fun, and perfect for little hands? You’re in the right place! Dear Zoo is a huge hit with preschoolers—who doesn’t love lifting the flaps to discover surprise animals?
If you’re searching for book activities for preschoolers that go along with the story, I’ve gathered a sweet collection of crafts and hands-on fun to explore. These ideas are great for home or classroom and help bring the book to life in creative, playful ways.
You’ll find simple, engaging activities below, each with a direct link to the full tutorial. They’re fun to make and don’t require anything fancy—just a little time and imagination!
So if your preschoolers love Dear Zoo, these activities will keep them giggling, learning, and creating. Let’s jump in!
Dear Zoo Book Activities: Fun Book Activities for Preschoolers
Storytime doesn’t have to end when the book is closed! There are plenty of fun and simple ways to keep the excitement going after reading. These follow-up activities help preschoolers connect with the story, use their imaginations, and enjoy hands-on fun.
Take a peek below for ideas that bring Dear Zoo to life in a whole new way.
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Zoo Busy Box
This Zoo Busy Box is a hands-on activity that lets kids explore animals in a fun, playful way. They can match the animal toys to the cards, sort them, or even make up their own little zoo stories. It’s great for building thinking skills and using imagination!
Zoo animal salt painting is a simple art activity with a fun twist! Kids trace an animal shape with glue, sprinkle salt on top, and then watch the colors spread as they paint. It’s a great mix of creativity and a little bit of science magic.
Animal charades is a silly and active game that gets kids moving and thinking. They pick a card, act like the animal, and everyone else guesses what it is. It’s a fun way to build vocabulary and encourage pretend play.
Zoo Bingo is a fun way for kids to practice matching and taking turns. Each player gets a bingo card and listens for animal names to mark off. It’s a great mix of learning and laughter for preschoolers.
This zoo counting activity helps little ones practice their numbers in a playful way. Kids count the animals and match them to the correct number. It’s a simple way to build early math skills with a fun zoo theme.
Invitation to Create: Edible Zoo Small World – Fantastic Fun & Learning
This edible zoo small world is a fun mix of sensory play and creativity. Kids can build their own zoo using snacks and treats, then enjoy a little nibble when they’re done. It’s a playful way to spark imagination and fine motor skills.
A story box is a fun way for kids to retell a favorite book in their own words. This one includes small animal figures and props that match the story, making it easy for little ones to play and pretend. It’s great for building language skills and storytelling confidence.
This I Spy Zoo Animals activity is perfect for building focus and visual skills. Kids search for and count different animals on the page, just like a fun little scavenger hunt. It’s a quiet activity that keeps little eyes and minds busy.
This animal tracks activity lets kids explore how animals leave unique footprints. They can stamp tracks, compare shapes, and talk about what might belong to each animal. It’s a simple way to spark curiosity and get kids thinking like little scientists.
Zoo small world play gives kids the chance to create their own little zoo using animal toys and simple props. It encourages storytelling, pretending, and lots of imagination. This kind of open-ended play is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
These toilet paper roll zoo animals are a fun and easy craft for little hands. Kids can turn plain tubes into their favorite animals using paper, glue, and a little creativity. It’s a great way to recycle and get crafty at the same time!
Zoo animal coloring pages are a simple way to keep little ones busy while they practice fine motor skills. Kids can choose their favorite animals and color them however they like. It’s relaxing, creative, and always a hit with preschoolers.
Rainy day activity for preschoolers — Zoo Sensory Play
This zoo sensory play activity is perfect for a rainy day! Kids can explore textures, scoop, pour, and pretend with animal toys in a sensory bin. It’s a great way to keep little hands busy while encouraging imaginative play.
This storytelling basket is a hands-on way for toddlers to retell a favorite animal story. It includes simple props and toys that help little ones remember and act out the story in their own words. It’s a wonderful tool for building early language and storytelling skills.
This zoo rice sensory bin is a fun way for kids to explore through touch and pretend play. With colorful rice and animal figures, little ones can scoop, dig, and create their own mini zoo. It’s a calming activity that also helps build fine motor skills.
These printable activities are a fun way to bring animal-themed learning to your day. With matching games, puzzles, and more, kids can work on early skills while having fun. They’re easy to print and perfect for quiet time or centers.
This zoo scavenger hunt is a great way to add excitement to a trip to the zoo or even a pretend play day at home. Kids can search for animals, check them off their list, and feel like little explorers. It’s a fun way to build observation skills and stay active!
This story sack is a playful way to bring a book to life using soft toys and simple props. Kids can pull out each item as the story is read, making it more interactive and fun. It’s a great way to help little ones follow along and join in with the storytelling.
Zoo color by number pages are a fun way for kids to practice number recognition while coloring adorable animals. Each number has its own color, so kids get to match and color as they go. It’s a great mix of learning and creativity!
These activities are designed to go along with a favorite animal-themed book and are perfect for preschoolers. From crafts to simple learning games, there’s something here for every kind of learner. They’re easy to set up and make storytime even more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dear Zoo Book Activities
How do I keep my child’s attention during these activities?
Keep things short and playful. If something isn’t clicking, it’s totally fine to switch gears or come back to it later. Sometimes just changing where you do the activity—like taking it outside or spreading it on the floor—makes it more fun and fresh.
Do I have to do an activity every time we read a book?
Not at all! Just reading the book is amazing on its own. Activities are just a fun bonus when you want to change things up or extend the learning. Do what works best for your routine and your child’s mood that day.
What if my child isn’t interested in crafts?
That’s totally okay! Try starting with something more hands-on, like a sensory bin or a storytelling basket. Some kids prefer movement or pretend play, and that’s just as valuable as gluing and coloring. The key is finding what lights them up!
Thanks for joining me on this playful adventure through Dear Zoo book activities! Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, these ideas are a fun and easy way to help little ones connect with the story long after the last page. From crafts and coloring to games and pretend play, each activity gives preschoolers a chance to learn, imagine, and explore in their own way.
You don’t need to be super crafty or have a bunch of supplies—just a love of learning and a willingness to follow your child’s curiosity. Let them take the lead, ask questions, and enjoy the moments that make storytime special.
Books like “Dear Zoo” open the door to numerous meaningful conversations and creative experiences. I hope this post inspires you to add more book-based fun into your routine. Happy reading, happy playing—and don’t forget to share your favorite activity in the comments!
Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.
