Hole Punch Game – Free Printable
This Hole Punch Game Free Printable is a simple, fun, and engaging activity that builds fine motor skills and adds a bit of friendly competition. Kids will love racing to punch out all of their animals in our Animal Dot Dash game and you’ll love how easy it is to set up.
This free PDF includes everything you need to get started: adorable animal strips (featuring owls, penguins, bees, and chicks), easy-to-follow directions, and modification ideas to suit different needs and materials. You can download it for FREE at the bottom of the post.
HOW TO PLAY THE HOLE PUNCH GAME
Get ready to race your way through a trail of adorable animals! The first player to mark all of their animal circles wins the Animal Dot Dash! You’ll Need:
- A paper strip cut out from the printable page with 14 or 28 animal circles (owl, penguin, bee, chick).
- Use the 14 if you are flipping a coin OR tape two strips together to create 28 if you are rolling a die.
- A coin or a die
- Something to mark the circles, like a hole punch, crayons, small stickers, pom poms, small balls of clay, pennies, bingo chips, or dot markers.
How to Play:
- If using a coin – Flip the coin.
- Tails? Mark one animal circle.
- Heads? Mark two animal circles.
- If using a die – Roll the die. Mark the number of animals shown on the die.
Take turns flipping or rolling. The first player to mark all their animal circles wins!
Flip and Snip Scissor Practice Game
BENEFITS OF THE HOLE PUNCH GAME
This game is not only entertaining, but it also supports child development in several important ways:
- Fine motor skills – Using a hole punch or placing objects on small circles builds finger strength and control.
- Turn-taking and social interaction – Perfect for small group play or classroom centers.
- Visual scanning and attention – Kids must locate and track their progress along the strip.
- Counting and number sense – Integrates coin flipping and dice rolling for math reinforcement.
HOW TO MODIFY THE GAME
Don’t have a hole punch handy? No problem! Try these creative alternatives:
- Pom poms – Place one on each animal as you earn it.
- Color them in – Use crayons or markers to fill the circles.
- Dot markers or bingo chips – A great option for younger kids or quick setup.
- Small stickers or coins – Stick or place an object on each animal circle as you go.
This flexibility makes the game perfect for home, therapy sessions, or classrooms with varied materials and abilities.
The Hand Strengthening Handbook
MORE FUN STUFF
Looking for more animal-themed fun? Check out these free printables:
- Drawing Animals Using Shapes
- Animal Walks Movement Activity
- Farm Animal Activity Pack
- Animal I Spy Printable Game
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE HOLE PUNCH GAME HERE
Sign up to get access to the free printable Animal Dot Dash game to encourage fine motor skills, eye hand coordination and more!
