Many teenagers are pet owners as well as animal lovers. They may want to participate in animal-related games and activities for fun. "Duck, Duck, Goose" or "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" are childish games that teenagers balk at. Instead, plan age-appropriate animal games for teen children.
Guessing Games
Tell teens to get into pairs. Put an animal sticker on each teen's back and have him show it to his partner. Each teen must ask yes or no questions like "Does it hop?" or "Does it live in water?" to their partner to try to guess the animal on their back. Another game is an animal version of "Charades." Glue several different animals on index cards. Have each teen pick a card. The teen must act out the animal on the card while the others try to guess it.
Relay Races
Find a wide, open space. Create a starting and finishing line 1. Have the teens get down on all their arms and legs and pretend to crawl like a spider. On the word "Go," have the teens crawl from start to finish. The first teen to reach the finish line wins the game. For a different approach, have teens pretend they are elephants and push a peanut with their noses from start to finish. The first teen who reaches the finish line wins the game.
Animal Contests
Have teens divide into two equal teams. Designate one player from each team to be the "flamingo." The two players must stand on one leg and try not to fall. Each team must try to distract the opposing team's flamingo to try to get him to fall. The flamingo who keeps his balance the longest gets a point for his team. Continue playing until all team members get a turn. The team with the most points wins. Teens can also participate in animal sound contests. Have teens get up in front of everyone and make their best animal noises. Give a prize to the teen who makes the most realistic noise.
Scavenger Hunts
Create a checklist of animals found in nature such as different types of insects or species of birds. It may be helpful to put pictures of the animals next to their names. Have teens divide into groups. Provide each group with a checklist. Have teens go to a park and work together to find all the animals on the list. The first team to complete their list wins the game. For an easier game approach, hide several plastic animals around the yard. Provide teens with a bag and have them search for as many as they can. The teen who finds the most plastic animals wins.