25 Snake Toys and Enrichment Ideas

Good snake toys aren’t easy to find. Most are boring and snakes lose interest in them rather quickly.

The good news is you can repurpose toys from other species or get creative with enrichment ideas that get your snake moving, providing retreats, or simply a new place to explore.

Here are a few toys and enrichment ideas for your snake.

1. Hol-ee Roller Dog Ball

Hol-ee Roller Dog Ball with Ball Python
Hol-ee Roller Dog Ball with Ball Python

A puzzle ball is one of the most interesting snake toys and enrichment ideas as it sparks interest. Pet snakes get to crawl into the ball easily and use its many entrances for fun. Made out of pure rubber, Hol-ee’s Roller Dog Ball is also one of the most durable toys for snakes that like to play rough and exercise a bit of constriction.

2. Give a Bath

Give ball python a bath
Give ball python a bath

Water and snakes are a combination of many stories. In an enclosure, you can use it to the snake’s advantage and add a bit more activities. The best part is you only need a type of plastic container with a bit of water to get the snake interested.

3. Play Outside with a Playpen

Ball python with playpen
Ball python with playpen

There are various ways to entertain a snake but most are limited to its tank. You can always use a basic playpen to get the snake out and about. One that closes properly on all sides is recommended to avoid any trouble. Add a few toys inside to make the experience even more interesting.

4. Build a DIY Pegboard

DIY Pegboard for Snakes
DIY Pegboard for Snakes

Snakes like to wrap around things quite a lot. This is why a large DIY pegboard can be one of the ideal toys for snakes to wrap around. Consider how you will integrate it into the enclosure when planning out its size.

DIY pegboard in a tank

5. Make a Jungle Gym from PVC Pipes

Snake Jungle Gym from PVC Pipes
Snake Jungle Gym from PVC Pipes

The more climbing options the better. At least that’s what many snakes seem to transmit when playing on a jungle-like gym. PVC pipes are the materials of its structure while rubber bands can add a few more climbing options in-between.

6. Bamboo Jungle Gym

Jungle Gym from Bamboo Sticks
Jungle Gym from Bamboo Sticks

You can have a DIY snake jungle gym out of different materials. A bamboo one comes with the advantage of a more natural look and a setup that may make the snake feel more at home. Use bamboo of various lengths to create a maze or a gym so that snakes can explore for days.

7. Add Climbing Branch

Climbing Branch for Ball Python
Climbing Branch for Ball Python

Climbing branches enrich a snake’s tank but they also add plenty of climbing and hanging support. Most snakes love horizontal branches as they’re easier to move around. Make sure not to add it at an angle to have a place for your snake to rest.

8. Kid Toys

Kid toys and ball python
Kid toys and ball python

Kids toys come in all shapes and sizes and you can use them for your snake to explore and to add a bit more diversity into its enclosure. The idea is to use durable toys that can be moved around by the snake safely and that wouldn’t be too sharp or too small to put your pet in danger.

9. Rock Lair

Rock lair with pet snake
Rock lair with a pet snake

A rock lair made from plastic mimics actual rocks, it looks good, and it provides a playing opportunity. Snakes can also use it to have something to rub against. This may be helpful when it comes to shedding.

10. DIY Lego Hide

Lego hide for snake
Lego hide for snake
Ball python with a haunted house from legos

A hiding place is an ideal place for a snake to spend a lot of time in. But hiding places don’t need to be boring. Take this DIY Lego hide as an example. Large enough, colorful, and original, it adds some excitement to the life of your pet snake.

11. Hammock

Hammock in snake enclosure
Hammock in snake enclosure

A small hammock adds character and a space for your snake to explore. Consider various-sized hammocks and how you place them in the tank so that they stand out as statement toys or pieces. Larger snakes can still benefit from makeshift hammocks, especially the ones made from natural fiber which helps with shedding.

12. Bird Ladder

Ladder in ball python tank
Ladder in ball python tank

Snakes can be quite versatile when it comes to movement. They see ladders as an invitation to move around and quickly get used to exploring new grounds with them. Add a small bird ladder to the enclosure to help snakes transition between low and high levels.

13. Climbing Rope

Climbing rope for corn snake
Climbing rope for corn snake

Bridges for snake enclosures come in all types of designs, but you may find an improvisation more suitable. Climbing rope can be used to create a climbing opportunity that mimics a bridge, connecting the edges of a tank for the snake to have more exploration opportunities.

14. Coconut Hide

Coconut hide for ball python
Coconut hide for ball python

Made from a real coconut husk, a coconut hide offers the ideal toy/hide for snakes, particularly the small species. This solution comes with the benefit of natural materials and with a small hole for access, it ensures your snake feels secure and out of sight as needed.

15. Fake Plants

Fake plants for corn snake
Fake plants for corn snake

From vines to flowers, fake plants add decor and hide opportunities. They combine durability with affordability and represent a convenient toy when it comes to return on investment.

16. Mossy Hide Cave

Ball python with mossy cave hide
Ball python with mossy cave hide

This mossy cave comes in 4 and 6-inch sizes and represents an ideal hide that looks all-natural. Mist it with a sprayer to add humidity and recreate a forest or jungle-like experience for your snake right at home.

17. DIY Crochet

DIY crochet for corn snake
DIY crochet for corn snake
Crochet for ball pythons

Have a bit of spare time? Why not consider a DIY crochet as a personalized hide for your snake? Apart from having the satisfaction of making something with your own hands, you may also have a unique hide that all guests are going to be interested in.

18. Skull Hide

Skull hide for snake
Skull hide for snake

Snakes are often associated with danger and even death. This is why a skull hide is highly suitable for these unusual pets. Consider having a large skull hide for a larger snake and a smaller one for small snakes as they may be slippery to climb on otherwise.

19. DIY Glass Jar Hide

DIY Glass Jar Hide for Pet Snakes

Stuck on ideas for snake toys? This idea is all about the toys you can repurpose or think about at home. Consider adding a more unusual jar to create an enclosure that stands out. Mix square and round jars to create a complex of glass jar hides. 

20. Bungalow Birdhouse

Snake with Bungalow Birdhouse
Snake with Bungalow Birdhouse

Highly popular among snake owners, bungalow birdhouses are among the top choices for natural nesting materials. This Supermoss Bungalow Birdhouse comes with an included hanging chain so that you can get creative when it comes to its placement. A very small entrance is all that most small and medium-sized snakes need as they crawl into a space that feels out of sight.

21. DIY PVC Tunnel

DIY PVC Tunnel for Snakes
DIY PVC Tunnel for Snakes

Interested in a cheap tunnel? Why not try a DIY PVC tunnel? Have as short or as long as you want and adapt it to the size of your enclosure. Consider the diameter of the pipe so that the snake doesn’t get stuck. At the same time, avoid having a tunnel with too many corners for the snake to move around and think about ways of securing the PVC pipes to a solid surface using simple solutions such as glue.

22. Hamster Tunnel

Hamster tunnel for ball python
Hamster tunnel for ball python

Do you have a larger snake that can’t fit through a PVC pipe? You can try a hamster tunnel which is also made from plastic but is flexible and has a 3.9 inch diameter. Wider and flexible compared to PVC pipes, this type of tunnel for rodents can be repurposed for snakes for easy access. Easy to clean, this type of tunnel is also ideal when it comes to helping with shedding.

23. Paper Towel Roll

Paper towel roll for ball python
Paper towel roll for ball python

A more affordable solution than a hamster tunnel, the paper towel roll is simple and efficient. It might not have the same durability as a hamster tunnel but it does the job quickly. Consider replacing it every now and then and save time cleaning other plastic tunnels that are more expensive.

24. Wine Rack

Wine Rack and Ball Python
Wine Rack and Ball Python

One of the easiest solutions for enclosure enrichment includes a wine rack. Simple and efficient, a wine rack allows snakes to explore a new structure. Easy access means your snake won’t get stuck. The best part is the wine rack may also be decorated. Small fake plants can be added to the wine rack as decoration. 

25. 3-Ring Tug Dog Toy

3-Ring Tug Dog Toy with Ball Python
3-Ring Tug Dog Toy with Ball Python

Repurposed toys from other pets are among the best for snakes. This 3-Ring Tug Dog Toy is made for dogs and chewing, but snakes love climbing on it as well. Hang it inside your snake’s enclosure to mimic climbing surfaces like branches. The 3 colored rings stand out and spark the interest of your snake differently than a branch or hanging rope.