While cats, gerbils, and rabbits are popular and beloved pets for children, they aren’t exactly out of the ordinary. For those looking to introduce something a bit more unique into their household, there are plenty of unconventional pets that kids will enjoy caring for and that can make wonderful companions.
Painted Turtles
Painted turtles are beautiful reptiles that are popular pets in the U.S. They can be kept in a tank in the water, but they also need a spot for basking under a UV lamp. Getting their enclosure set up initially requires some work, but after that, the turtles take care of themselves.
Stick Insects
The Spruce Pets also names stick insects as animals that are low maintenance. They say that they don’t require daily maintenance and can be left alone for a week without any care. This makes stick insects ideal for children to look after because they’ll survive even if the kids forget about them for a few days.
Spiny-Tailed Lizards
Lizards make great pets for children who like interesting animals. Spiny-tailed lizards are often referred to as uromastyx and are native to North Africa and the Middle East. Setting up the lizard’s enclosure will require the help of an adult, but once that’s done, they’re low maintenance.
Dwarf Hamsters
According to the Dwarf Hamster Guide, there are four different types of dwarf hamsters, most of which are usually available at your local pet shop. Dwarf hamsters are smaller than regular hamsters and are fascinating, energetic tiny pets that children will love petting and taking care of.
Chinchillas
Supreme Petfoods says that chinchillas make great pets for older children or adults. They have the densest fur of any land mammal, so they’re very soft to touch and cuddly. Chinchillas can be kept in a cage. Since they originate from the Andes Mountains, they like cold environments.
Mice
FOUR PAWS International says that pet mice can live up to four years when well cared for. Because they’re social animals, it’s best to keep them in groups rather than on their own. Mice make good pets for children as they’re low maintenance.
Canaries
Canaries are beautiful birds that children love to have as pets. They’re often fascinated by their bright feathers and their endearing nature. The Spruce Pets says that a single canary needs a cage that’s at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches long.
Betta Fish
PetMD says that betta fish are great first-time pets for anyone. They’re calm, slow-moving fish that don’t require a lot of space. This makes them the perfect pick for children who are looking for an exotic pet that’s not high maintenance and is fun to look after.
Green Anoles
Green anoles are small to medium-sized lizards. These lizards are very interesting for children to own, as they change color from green to brown depending on their mood and environment. Many children are drawn to these reptiles as they have brightly colored dewlaps that also change color.
Brown Anoles
Just like green anoles, brown anoles also make very interesting pets for inquisitive children. They have yellow to orangey-red dewlaps that make them stand out. These reptiles are easy to feed and do not need entertaining. They like their own company and are best housed alone.
Miniature Pigs
Miniature pigs make fascinating pets for children, as they’re small and adorable. You can house-train miniature pigs, and they like human company. Pigs are intelligent animals, and they love to run around. Since they’re very energetic, they need plenty of space to run.
Sugar Gliders
Children can learn a lot from observing the playful ways of a sugar glider. These are very educational animals that kids will love to see flying around. Sugar gliders can form bonds with their owners when you handle them regularly, and they can soon become very rewarding pets.
Parakeets
Parakeets or budgies are awesome pets for children to own, as they love spending time interacting with humans. These birds have big personalities, and they’re very entertaining. Apart from admiring their elegance and beautiful plumage, children will enjoy training these birds to mimic words.
Ferrets
Ferrets are not your everyday household pet, but they certainly are great animals to keep, and children love looking after them. Ferrets are very playful, and they’re entertaining to watch. When you spend enough time with them, they warm up to you and can form a close bond with their owners.
African Dwarf Frogs
African dwarf frogs are definitely exotic reptiles that not many people choose as pets. But that’s exactly what makes these reptiles so exciting to own. African dwarf frogs are easy to look after, as they stay in their aquariums all the time and don’t need handling.
Leopard Geckos
Of all the geckos, leopard geckos are known for being one of the most tame and easiest to look after. This makes them good pets for children. Not only are they low maintenance, but they’re also very interesting to observe, so they’re ideal for children who love learning about reptiles.
Quail
Quail are small birds that are relatively easy to take care of. They are social animals, so it’s best to keep them in small groups or pairs. Children love to see animals lay eggs, so this animal’s egg-laying process will be riveting for them to watch.
Tortoises
Tortoises are easy pets to look after as they don’t require human contact. They’re great for children to own as they have very long lifespans, meaning your child will be able to keep their pet well into adulthood. They are very docile animals, and there are many species to choose from.
Axolotls
Axolotls are a type of salamander. These are not your run-of-the-mill pets, but they’re incredibly interesting to observe. They’re aquatic creatures that require housing in an aquarium and don’t need human interaction. Children will like seeing this animal in its larval form.
