The best low-maintenance pets for children, and what parents need to know first

What are the best pets for children that are small and easy to take care of? Here are 4 great (and very cute) options, with expert advice on everything from cages to cleaning and food...

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Published: August 14, 2026 at 7:10 PM

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There's something very appealing about getting your child their first pet. As well as the excitement of welcoming a new member of the family, caring for an animal can give children an opportunity to learn about routines, responsibility and treating another living thing with care.

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But a dog that needs daily walks or a cat that wants the run of the house isn't going to work for every family. Smaller pets and reptiles can sometimes require less day-to-day interaction, but 'low-maintenance' definitely doesn't mean no maintenance.

In fact, some of the pets that look easiest on paper require specialist housing, heating, food and veterinary care, and can live for well over a decade. We've updated our guide to four options families might consider, plus the important questions to ask before committing.

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What should you consider before getting a pet for your child?

However enthusiastic your child is right now, an adult should ultimately be responsible for making sure a pet's welfare needs are met.

Before choosing an animal, consider its adult size, lifespan, housing requirements, diet, cleaning needs and whether you have access to a vet experienced in treating that species.

It's also worth calculating the ongoing costs, rather than focusing on the relatively small price of buying the animal itself. Specialist enclosures, heating, lighting, food, bedding and veterinary treatment can make an apparently inexpensive pet considerably more costly.

1. Hamster

pet without a paw

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Typical lifespan: Around 2 to 3 years, depending on species

Hamsters are small and don't need walking, which can make them seem like the obvious starter pet. But they're nocturnal or crepuscular animals, so their natural schedule doesn't always match that of a young child who wants to play during the day.

They need a spacious, secure enclosure with deep, suitable bedding for burrowing, places to hide and opportunities to forage and exercise.

What does a hamster need?

Their enclosure should include:

An important update to our original guide is that exercise wheels shouldn't automatically be avoided. An appropriately sized, solid wheel that allows your hamster to run without arching its back can provide valuable exercise. Exercise balls, meanwhile, aren't necessary and can present welfare concerns.

Syrian hamsters should live alone. Housing requirements for other hamster species can be complex, so seek up-to-date species-specific welfare advice rather than assuming two hamsters will enjoy sharing.

2. Leopard gecko

Smiling Cute Leopard Gecko on Owner's Hand. Petting and Handling Leopard Gecko in Close Up

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Typical lifespan: Often 10 to 20 years with appropriate care

A leopard gecko can be fascinating for older children, but the long lifespan makes this a significant family commitment rather than a short-term first pet.

They also need a carefully controlled environment. Their enclosure requires suitable heating, hides, appropriate substrate and careful temperature monitoring.

What does a leopard gecko eat?

Leopard geckos eat live insects such as appropriately sized crickets and other suitable feeder insects. Their diet and supplementation need to be managed correctly, so this isn't necessarily the pet for a family that's squeamish about keeping live food in the house.

It's also important to research current reptile husbandry guidance before setting up the enclosure. Requirements around heating, UVB lighting, supplements and substrate have developed over time, so older advice, including recommendations for calcium sand, shouldn't automatically be followed.

Leopard geckos are generally best housed individually unless you're an experienced keeper with a specific reason and suitable set-up for doing otherwise.

3. Frog

Asian girl playing with a little frog.

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Typical lifespan: Varies considerably by species

A frog can be an extraordinary animal for children to observe, but different frog species have very different requirements. That makes choosing the species before buying any equipment particularly important.

Temperature, humidity, water quality, enclosure size and diet all need to be appropriate for the individual species.

Most frogs are better treated as animals to observe rather than regularly handle. Amphibians have delicate, permeable skin, so unnecessary handling can potentially harm them.

What do pet frogs eat?

Many commonly kept frogs require live invertebrates, such as appropriately sized crickets or flies, although the correct diet and feeding frequency depend on the species.

Rather than collecting insects from your garden, which could expose a pet to pesticides, parasites or unsuitable prey, use appropriate feeder insects from a reputable source.

If you're considering a frog, find an exotic-pet vet and research the precise husbandry requirements of your chosen species before bringing it home.

4. Aquatic turtle

Red-eared big turtle in hands of child close-up. Pets.

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Typical lifespan: Potentially several decades

A turtle is the option on this list we'd think particularly carefully about before describing as 'low-maintenance'.

Aquatic turtles can live for decades and require specialist accommodation, filtration, heating, UVB lighting and carefully managed water quality. Their enclosure also needs to accommodate them as they grow, meaning the relatively small tank suitable for a young animal won't necessarily work throughout its life.

What about hygiene around turtles?

Reptiles can carry bacteria including Salmonella even when they appear healthy, making careful hygiene especially important in a family home.

Hands should be thoroughly washed after touching the animal or anything in its enclosure, and children need close adult supervision around reptiles and amphibians.

If you have babies, toddlers, someone who is pregnant or a person with a weakened immune system at home, seek appropriate medical and veterinary advice before choosing a reptile.

So, which is the easiest family pet?

There's no single pet that's easiest for every family. A hamster may involve less specialist equipment than a reptile, but its nocturnal habits could be disappointing for a child hoping for daytime interaction. A gecko may need less social attention, but could still be with your family when today's primary-schooler is heading off to university.

Before making the decision, ask yourself:

Where should you get a family pet?

Avoid impulse-buying an animal simply because it's inexpensive or looks easy to care for.

Look for a reputable rescue organisation or responsible breeder or seller who can explain the animal's history, health and precise care requirements. For exotic species, check that the animal has been legally and responsibly sourced and that you understand any paperwork or licensing requirements that apply.

Most importantly, research the species using current guidance before buying the enclosure, rather than relying solely on information provided at the point of sale.

'Low-maintenance' is really about finding an animal whose needs fit realistically into your family's life. Every pet still needs appropriate food, housing, healthcare and daily attention from a responsible adult, however small they might be.

About our expert, Johnathan David

Johnathan David is the Editor-in-Chief of Everything Reptiles and has decades of experience keeping reptiles and amphibians. He has cared for a range of species, including geckos, skinks and poison dart frogs, and shares practical guidance on reptile and amphibian care.

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