Peek-a-boo has been a childhood favorite for generations. It’s simple, interactive, and always delivers a burst of laughter from babies and toddlers. But what happens when you give it a fun twist — with elephants? That’s right! Adding an elephant theme to the classic game makes it even more exciting and engaging for kids.

In this blog post, we’re going to explore 5 fun variations of Elephant Peek-a-Boo that are easy to play at home, require little to no equipment, and are guaranteed to become a hit with your little ones!

1.  Elephant Ears Peek-a-Boo

What You Need: Just your hands!

Turn your hands into floppy elephant ears. Place your hands next to your head with fingers extended and palms facing out like elephant ears. Cover your face with your hands, then slowly "flap" them open to reveal your face.

Why Kids Love It: The flapping motion makes it fun and exaggerated, which leads to lots of giggles.

Tip: Add an elephant sound like "Pawoo!" when revealing your face — this builds anticipation and joy!

2.  Elephant Mask Peek-a-Boo

What You Need: A simple elephant mask (paper, cardboard, or a printable one).

Use an elephant mask to cover your face. Peek out from behind it, or lift it slowly to show your smiling face.

Why It Works: Masks create a playful sense of surprise. The elephant theme sparks imagination — your child sees you "transform" into a friendly elephant.

Bonus: Let your child decorate their own mask and take turns playing elephant peek-a-boo together!

3.  Elephant Behind the Curtain (or Blanket)

What You Need: A curtain, blanket, or large piece of cloth.

Hide behind the curtain or blanket like an elephant hiding behind a tree. Slowly reveal yourself with dramatic flair while saying, “Where’s the elephant?”

Add Drama: Stomp your feet like big elephant steps as you reveal yourself. This adds sound and movement that stimulates your child’s senses.

Developmental Benefit: Helps with object permanence — the concept that things still exist even when hidden.

4. Elephant Toy Peek-a-Boo

What You Need: A plush elephant toy.

Hide the toy behind a pillow or under a small blanket, then make it peek out and say something silly like, “Pawoo! I see you!”

Encourage Interaction: Let your child be the one to hide and reveal the toy. You can even have a short dialogue:

• Elephant: "Where are you?"

• Child: "Here I am!"

Why This Works: It brings in pretend play and storytelling, boosting creativity and emotional connection.

5.  Storytime Elephant Peek-a-Boo

What You Need: A board book or picture book about elephants.

Incorporate peek-a-boo into storytime! Pause while reading and hide your face behind the book. Pop out at key moments and make funny elephant noises.

Recommended Books:

• Elmer by David McKee

• Elephants Cannot Dance! by Mo Willems

• Little Elephant by Miela Ford

Added Value: Combines literacy with play — helping develop language and attention span.

Why Elephant Peek-a-Boo Works So Well

Peek-a-boo is more than just fun — it supports early childhood development in powerful ways:

✅ Encourages Social Interaction
✅ Develops Object Permanence
✅ Builds Emotional Bonds
✅ Stimulates Imagination
✅ Supports Language Development

When you add the elephant theme, you’re also introducing animal awareness, movement play, and storytelling — making it a richer, multi-layered experience.

Tips to Make It Even More Fun

• Use silly voices and sound effects (trumpet like an elephant).

• Add music or rhythm to the game.

• Let your child lead — follow their laughter and cues.

• Repeat favorite variations — repetition builds confidence!

Final Thoughts

Peek-a-boo never goes out of style, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be reinvented. These 5 elephant-themed variations bring a whole new level of joy and creativity to your daily play routine. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or early childhood educator, these simple games are a delightful way to bond with your child and encourage their development.

So go ahead — flap those elephant ears, hide behind that curtain, and get ready for squeals of laughter.