Learn all the reindeer fun facts for kids with our free printable packet. Learn parts of the reindeer, reindeer life cycle, and more!
These Reindeer Facts For Kids and all things reindeer worksheets are fun and educational this holiday season.
Reindeer happens to play a big part in the Santa story. If you are looking for some other fun reindeer activities, then you will not want to miss our Reindeer Coloring Page, Reindeer Coloring Ornament, Reindeer Paper Plate Craft, and our 21+ Reindeer Crafts For Kids.
Don't miss our How To Draw a Reindeer, Animal Facts, and our 365+ Fun Facts For Kids!
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Santa and His Reindeer
It’s December which means embracing all the things the Christmas season is known for including Santa Claus and his reindeer!
We all know the story of our famous red-nosed reindeer and you may think Santa's Reindeer are just mythical creatures if you haven’t seen them in real life. But with this reindeer facts activity for kids, you and your littles will learn all there is to know about these amazing creatures!
Let’s Learn about Reindeer!
My reindeer facts for kids sheet will have your children (and yourself!) learning so many fun facts about Santa’s little transporters.
For example- did you know reindeer and caribou are the same animals? It’s true! In North America, both are members of the deer family. If they are wild, they are called caribou and if they are domesticated they are called reindeer!
True or False- Reindeer live at the North Pole? True! You can find reindeer (or caribou) to the north in the arctic and subarctic regions of the planet. That’s why they need their thick coats of fur- a double layer even!- to keep them nice and cozy in the freezing temperatures.
Reindeer Facts For Kids
Join the winter adventure as we uncover fun and fascinating reindeer facts tailor-made for curious young minds!
- Reindeer are also known as caribou.
- Both male and female reindeer grow antlers.
- The word reindeer comes from the Latin name rangifer tarandus.
- Reindeer live in cold regions like the Arctic and subarctic.
- Their thick fur and hooves help them survive in snowy climates.
- Reindeer are excellent swimmers and can cross rivers with ease.
- Did you know that reindeer do have a red nose, just like Rudolph? Well, kind of... Their noses have lots of tiny veins and blood vessels that warm up the air before it reaches their lungs, keeping them cozy in the cold!
- Reindeer are herbivores, meaning they eat plants like reindeer moss, lichens, and grass.
- During winter, reindeer dig through snow to find their food.
- Reindeer can run up to speeds of 50 miles per hour.
- Their hooves change in summer and winter to adapt to different terrains.
- Reindeer travel in large herds for safety from predators like wolves and bears.
- Calves can walk within an hour of being born.
- Reindeer migrate in search of food, sometimes covering thousands of miles.
- They have a special reflective layer in their eyes to help them see in low light.
- Reindeer are known for pulling Santa Claus's sleigh on Christmas Eve.
- In some cultures, reindeer are domesticated and used for transportation.
- The Sami people of northern Europe have herded reindeer for centuries.
- Reindeer have unique clicking sounds in their knees that help them stay together in a herd.
Other Interesting Reindeer Facts
Embark on a fascinating journey into the Arctic tundra wonderland as we explore more interesting facts about one of its most iconic residents—reindeer!
- In the wild, reindeer can live up to 15 years.
- Reindeer shed and regrow their antlers each year.
- Reindeer fur changes color with the seasons, helping them blend into their surroundings.
- They have specialized stomachs with multiple chambers to help digest tough plant materials.
- Reindeer communicate with each other using various sounds, like grunts and snorts.
- During harsh weather, reindeer use their antlers to shovel snow to find food.
- Reindeer are known to be good jumpers, clearing obstacles with ease.
- They have a keen sense of smell, helping them locate food sources beneath the snow.
- Reindeer's coats are so well-insulated that snow can fall on them without melting.
- In folklore, reindeer are often associated with magic and mystery, like Santa's flying reindeer.
- Reindeer can drink very cold water without any issues, thanks to their specialized noses.
- They are social animals and often engage in playful behavior, especially the young ones.
- Reindeer have been domesticated by various indigenous cultures for centuries.
- The gestation period for reindeer is around 230 days, and they usually give birth to one calf.
- Reindeer play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystems of the Arctic by shaping vegetation growth.
- They have adapted to long periods of darkness during winter, relying on their other senses for survival.
- Reindeer migrate to escape biting insects during the summer months.
- In some regions, reindeer are used for their milk, which is rich in nutrients and low in fat.
- Woodland caribou are in danger, but other groups of caribou are doing okay.
Fun Reindeer Facts
One of my favorite fun facts is that reindeer are the only deer species that have hair completely covering their nose! (They must've left that out of our Rudolph story since it would’ve been hard to guide the sleigh…)
It not only covers their nose but to the bottom of their feet! They may look silly, but the hair creates traction so they don’t slip on the ice and snow. This is helpful with pulling sleds (or taking off to guide Santa’s sleigh, of course.)
Another fun fact is that both male and female reindeer can grow antlers! With most other species of deer, it is only the males. They start growing them at different times but then finish growing them at the same time.
Remember the reindeer from Frozen 2? Well, it’s true about reindeer herding. Their herds can get very large- up to 50-500,00. And they do love to run in circles, just like at the end of the movie! They do this to avoid hunters. It’s called a reindeer cyclone. Isn’t nature so cool!?
Do you leave out cookies for Santa and carrots for his helpful reindeer? Well, you may want to second-guess that! The reindeer eat mosses, herbs, ferns, and grasses among other things- these vegetarians love anything green. These adorable reindeer can get up to 700 pounds!
We highlighted this Christmas Printable along with some other fun Winter Printable Activities in our December Crafts along with our 101+ Easy Craft Ideas for kids.
You also do not want to miss our 101+ Printable Coloring Pages For Kids and 101+ Printables For Kids full of Crafts and Coloring Pages.
Check out our 101+ Animal Crafts too!
Other Fun Facts For Kids You'll Enjoy
- Turkey Facts For Kids
- Facts About Winter
- Pumpkin Facts For Kids
- Apple Facts For Kids
- Christmas Facts For Kids
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