animal figures & toys for early childhood classrooms

Our animals collection includes farm, jungle/safari, dinosaurs, forest, polar, insects and spiders, and assorted/mixed sets. Each animal type supports thematic learning units, dramatic play, and vocabulary development. You can filter by animal type to find sets that align with your current curriculum themes or seasonal learning goals.

Many of our animal sets are designed for water play and sensory tables. Look for products marked as water play safe in the product filters.

Medium and jumbo figure sizes are ideal for ages 3–5, offering easy-grip designs that support fine motor development. Sets from Excellerations® feature realistic details that help build vocabulary and animal recognition.

Medium figures (approximately 3½ inches) are versatile for dramatic play, small world setups, and individual exploration. Large figures offer more detail for group discussions and science observations. Jumbo sizes (12–16 inches) work well for whole-class instruction, sensory play, and children who need larger manipulatives for developmental support.

Our animal figures come in solid vinyl, hard plastic, hollow PVC, solid rubber, soft-touch squeezable, and magnetic tiles. Solid vinyl and hard plastic offer durability for high-use classrooms. Soft-touch options provide sensory feedback, while magnetic tiles like those from Magna-Tiles® combine animal themes with STEM building opportunities.

Yes, many sets are designed for PreK through 3rd grade. Younger children use them for imaginative play and vocabulary building, while older students incorporate them into science lessons, habitat studies, sorting activities, and story writing.

Sets range from 5–8 pieces for focused small-group work to 40+ pieces for classroom-wide activities. Smaller sets work well for introducing specific habitats or animal families, while larger collections support learning centers where multiple children play simultaneously.

Excellerations® animals feature realistic details, durable construction for years of play, and designs suitable for dramatic play, sand and water centers, and thematic units. Many sets include diverse animal types within a habitat theme, offering ready-to-use collections that require no additional prep and support immediate integration into existing learning centers.