I’ve always loved reindeer!
I’m sure one of the reasons that they are so intriguing is that they’re pretty scarce where most of us live. But if you’re lucky, you might be able to see one during your lifetime. Thanks to a few amazing zoos, I’ve gotten up close to a few and they are just beautiful creatures.
But since they are hard to come by, and yet loved by so many, I thought a round-up of reindeer fun — facts, crafts and activities – would be a great way for kids to learn more about reindeer this holiday.
See a Reindeer
I know many kids have never had the opportunity to see a reindeer, but thanks to the internet {and all those great folks who take videos}, you can share these selections with your kids:
Make sure to visit Santa’s Official Reindeer Cam where you can see live reindeer & Santa feeding them twice each day!
Reindeer Books
One of the best ways to learn about reindeer is through books! Here are some fun fiction & nonfiction books that include reindeer. We’ve also provided affiliate links so you can learn more about each selection.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Rudolph (a classic for all kids), try these two very entertaining stories about reindeer! Both have amazing illustrations too.
If the kids are more interested in the factual side of reindeer, this wonderful group of non-fiction books will help them learn about their antlers, bodies, fur, hooves and habitat. Not to mention a peek into whether or not they can really ‘fly’!
Reindeer (A Day in the Life: Polar Animals)
Reindeer! Learn About Reindeer
And older kids will enjoy Flight of the Reindeer: The True Story of Santa Claus and His Christmas Mission 
Crafting Some Fun
Happy Hooligans shared these fun Reindeer Ornaments made from toilet paper tubes! This is also the craft used in our main collage at the top of the page — super cute idea!!
Make this simple Clothespin Reindeer from Boy Mama, Teacher Mama
If you’re up for some painting, try these double Reindeer Handprints from Reading Confetti {love the addition of the jingle bell!}
Have fun creating this Reindeer Collage and learning about shapes from Housing a Forest.
Kids can craft this fun stand-up Reindeer from The Imagination Tree to decorate their room {I’m sure they’ll share all their secrets with him}.
You can also make Reindeer Popsicle Stick ornaments from Two Big Two Little.
Reindeer Activities
Kids will LOVE learning to play Beetle (a reindeer drawing game) from the NutureStore!
Let the kids soak in a fun Rudolph Bath from Growing a Jeweled Rose during winter break {tons of good, clean fun}!
Enoy a fun day with play-doh and create “Rudolph the Play-Doh Reindeer” with Home Learning Journey.
Try prancing around to holiday tunes in this fun Reindeer Hat from Putti’s World.
VisitRoyal Baloo for a great pack of printables for ages preschool – 1st grade {nothing like some fun math and writing practice over winter break!}.
3 Dinosaurs also has a great Reindeer Printable pack that can be used with the story ‘Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer’.
Reindeer Gifts
As a wonderful gift option for grandparents, frame a photo of your child in this DIY Handprint Reindeer Frame from Glittering Muffins.
Here Come the Girls has a very creative Rudolph Candy Gift Box that’s made from recycled items (great teacher gift!).
Another beautiful gift is this Keepsake Reindeer Footprint made by Momma’s Fun World.
And top off your gifts with some handmade Reindeer fingerprint gift tags from Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas.
Getting Ready for a Reindeer Visit
Enjoy this adorable Night Before Christmas lunch from JDaniel4’s Mom with Reindeer Nuggets!
And don’t forget to put out the Magic Reindeer Food {with free printable poem} from Love, Play, Learn!
Don’t forget to put out the carrotts & listen for feet on the roof!
Happy Holidays!
Many thanks to the Graphics Fairy for finding & sharing this vintage reindeer print
Get Ready for the Holidays:
25 Ways to Slow Down & Enjoy the Holidays
30 Service Projects & RAKs for Families to do Together
100 Ideas for Your Advent Countdown
20 Great Stocking Stuffers for Kids