Englishlionel león
A FREE ACTIVITY FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN · AGES 2–5
Bilingual animal-name
play at home.
A picture book, a few large drawings and someone to play with: that is enough for this animal game. Use English, Spanish or the language you feel comfortable speaking. Your child can point, gesture, say a word or simply watch. There is no list to finish and no score to reach.
16 illustrated cardsEnglish + EspañolNo signup
See the printable cards ↓Original activity by the Leelalu team · 5 October 2026
What to gather
Choose an animal picture book you already own, or make a few large drawings together. The pictures can be simple; an adult can say the names. Use large sheets or pictures rather than small loose pieces, and stay with your child during play. You do not need an app, printed cards or an account.
Try one easy round
- Place two animal pictures where you can both see them.
- Point to one and say its name. For example: “Lion.” If Spanish is comfortable for you, you can also say, “El león.”
- Invite a response: “Show me the lion.” / “Muéstrame el león.” A look, a point or a word can be part of the game.
- Let your child choose the next picture, take your turn or stop. If they pick a different animal, name that animal together and keep playing if they want to.
AGES 2–3 · TWO PICTURES
A version for ages 2–3
Start with one familiar animal and two clear pictures. Say the name and leave room for a response. You can point together, trace the animal's outline with a finger or make a playful gesture. If choosing is hard, show the animal first and offer another turn. Use fewer pictures whenever that feels easier.
AGES 4–5 · A PICTURE CLUE
A version for ages 4–5
Offer three or four pictures. Give one clue about a feature visible in the picture: “Find the animal with the long neck.” Then name the giraffe together: “Giraffe.” / “La jirafa.” Your child can offer the next clue or make up a little story. Skip clues that depend on facts you have not explained; this is shared play, not a test.
Your little collection.
Each illustration has both written names. Start with a few pictures and come back to the others another day.
Print with your browserUse Print from the browser menu (Ctrl+P or ⌘P). The print layout includes the 16 cards and a short note.
Animal names · English + Español
Leelalu Games · leelalu.com/games/activities/animal-names/
Land animals
Englishgiraffela jirafa
Englishelephantel elefante
Englishzebrala cebra
Englishtigerel tigre
Englishmonkeyel mono
Englishrabbitel conejo
Englishbearel oso
Ocean animals
Englishwhalela ballena
Englishsharkel tiburón
Englishdolphinel delfín
Englishsea turtlela tortuga marina
Englishoctopusel pulpo
Englishjellyfishla medusa
Englishseahorseel caballito de mar
Englishcrabel cangrejo
Replay, or finish for today
Choose a new pair, swap who gives the clue or look for an animal in a different book. You can finish by choosing one favorite picture together. Repeating a familiar name is welcome; stopping is welcome too.
If you want a private note for yourself, record which pictures your child chose, what help they wanted and whether they wanted another turn. Those observations are not a language test or proof of learning. You do not need to send us a child's name, photo, recording or score.
Optional digital play
The current browser pilot has three free games: shapes, colors and sizes, in English and Spanish. An adult can open the English Games preview to explore it together. This animal activity is complete on its own; it does not depend on a public animal app. The nine-game native version is currently a private beta for existing adult testers, rather than a public App Store download.
Background reading for grown-ups
AAP and ASHA suggest speaking the language or languages you feel comfortable using. Their multilingual-family questions and answers provide general background. NAEYC's guidance on play and choice informs our flexible approach. Neither source has evaluated this Leelalu activity, and we do not promise a learning outcome.