Hippopotamus Facts for Kids
Hippopotamuses, often called hippos, are huge mammals that live in Africa. They spend much of the day in rivers, lakes, and swamps to stay cool, then often come onto land at night to graze on grass.
Quick Hippopotamus Facts
- Animal Type: Mammal
- Group: Hoofed mammal
- Known For: Huge mouth and water life
- Habitat: Rivers, lakes, swamps, and nearby grasslands in Africa
- Diet: Mostly grasses
What You’ll Learn
Learn 10 fun hippopotamus facts for kids with simple explanations, kid facts, quiz, glossary, and a hippo activity.
These hippopotamus facts for kids are written in a simple way for kids, parents, teachers, and curious little fact-hunters.
10 Fun Hippopotamus Facts for Kids
1. Hippos Spend Lots of Time in Water
Hippos spend much of the day in rivers, lakes, and swamps. Water helps keep their large bodies cool under the hot sun.
Kid Decode: A hippo uses water like a giant cool bath.
2. Hippos Are Huge Mammals
Hippos are among the largest land mammals on Earth. Their bodies are round, heavy, and powerful.
Kid Decode: A hippo is built like a living river boulder.
3. Hippos Eat Mostly Grass
Hippos are herbivores and mostly graze on grass. They often feed on land at night when it is cooler.
Kid Decode: A hippo’s midnight snack is a grass buffet.
4. Baby Hippos Are Called Calves
A baby hippopotamus is called a calf. Hippo calves can nurse underwater and stay close to their mothers.
Kid Decode: A baby hippo is a chunky little river calf.
5. Hippos Have Huge Mouths
Hippos can open their mouths very wide. Their large teeth and strong jaws help them defend themselves.
Kid Decode: A hippo yawn looks like a cave with teeth.
6. Hippos Can Stay Underwater
Hippos can close their ears and nostrils while underwater. They can stay submerged for several minutes before coming up for air.
Kid Decode: Hippos come with built-in water plugs.
7. Hippos Do Not Really Swim Like Fish
Hippos often move through water by walking or pushing off the bottom rather than swimming like many animals.
Kid Decode: A hippo can stroll along the underwater floor.
8. Hippos Live in Groups
Hippos may gather in groups in the water. Group sizes can vary depending on the place and available space.
Kid Decode: A hippo group is a chunky river crowd.
9. Hippo Skin Needs Moisture
Hippo skin can dry out or burn, so staying in water and mud helps protect it.
Kid Decode: Hippos love mud like nature’s skin cream.
10. The Name Means River Horse
The word hippopotamus comes from Greek words often translated as river horse, even though hippos are not horses.
Kid Decode: A hippo got a horsey name, but it is its own river boss.
New Hippopotamus Fact for Kids
Colombia Plans to Control Invasive Hippos
Colombia plans to reduce its population of about 200 wild hippos, which are not native there. These hippos are descendants of animals from a private zoo. Scientists worry the hippos could harm native animals like river turtles and manatees by changing the water and eating lots of plants.
The Weirdest Hippo Fact
Hippos can close their nostrils and ears underwater, almost like they have built-in plugs for river life.
Try This Hippopotamus Activity
Hippo Drawing Activity
Draw a hippo relaxing in a river. Add only its eyes, ears, and nose above the water, then draw grass, mud, birds, and a baby calf nearby.
Quick Hippopotamus Quiz
- Where do hippos spend much of the day? Answer: In water.
- What do hippos mostly eat? Answer: Grass.
- What is a baby hippo called? Answer: A calf.
- Why do hippos stay in water and mud? Answer: To keep cool and protect their skin.
- Does hippopotamus mean river horse? Answer: Yes, from Greek words.
Mini Glossary
- Herbivore: An animal that eats plants.
- Calf: A baby hippo.
- Graze: To eat grass or low plants.
- Submerged: Underwater.
- Habitat: The natural home of an animal.
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Fact check note: Fact checked with Britannica Kids hippopotamus resources, Britannica hippopotamus resources, and trusted wildlife education references.