Lion vs Tiger: Who Would Win? Facts & Activities for Kids
Published:
August 4, 2025
Contributor:
Charis King
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In this wild showdown, we’re putting two amazing animals head to head: the king of the savanna versus the striped stalker of the jungle. It’s the ultimate face-off of lion vs tiger, and you’re invited to help settle the score.
This post is full of fast facts and hands-on fun-perfect for curious kids and animal-loving homeschool families. Here’s what you’ll explore:
- Fun, fast facts about lions and tigers
- A side-by-side comparison chart
- Hands-on learning ideas your kids will love
- Book, video, and website picks to dig deeper
- Print & Go pages from our full study
- FAQs you might be wondering too
- Bonus ideas for celebrating Tiger Day and Lion Day
Meet the Contender: The Lion
Lions are loud, proud, and made for team spirit. They rule the African savanna with their mighty roar and family-first lifestyle. If you’ve ever wanted to lead a pride (or take lots of naps in the sun), the lion might be your spirit animal.
- Lions live in groups called prides. They’re the most social of the big cats.
- A male lion’s mane protects its neck and makes it look bigger to rivals.
- Lions can sleep up to 20 hours a day .
- Their roar can be heard up to 5 miles away and can be louder than a rock concert (up to 114 decibels!)
- Lions mostly hunt at night and can run up to 50 mph in short bursts.
- A lion’s tongue is covered in tiny spines strong enough to strip meat from bone.
Meet the Challenger: The Tiger
Tigers are solo hunters with stealthy moves and serious strength. They prowl the forests of Asia and rely on their stripes for camouflage-not fashion, although they do look fierce.
- Tigers are the largest of all the big cats.
- No two tigers have the same stripe pattern. Each one is unique, just like your fingerprint!
- They love water and are strong swimmers.
- Tigers hunt alone, using surprise to their advantage.
- Their jaws are strong enough to crush bone
- They can leap over 30 feet in a single bound. That’s about the length of a school bus!
Lion vs Tiger Comparison Chart: Let the Big Cat Battle Begin
How does the king of the jungle stack up against the striped stealth master? Before you decide who would win in a face-off, take a look at how lions and tigers compare. Size, strength, family life, hunting style – this quick chart breaks it all down so you can investigate the facts side by side.
| Trait | Lion | Tiger |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Up to 500 lbs; males around 8–10 ft long (including tail) | Up to 660 lbs; can reach 10–12 ft long (including tail) |
| Habitat | African savannas and grasslands; large territories (up to 100+ square miles) | Asian forests and jungles; several subspecies live in varied habitats |
| Strength | Strong in groups; pride hunts with teamwork | Stronger individually; powerful bite force capable of crushing bone |
| Speed | Can run up to 50 mph in short bursts; excellent endurance in a pride | Can run up to 40 mph; great swimmer and agile stalker |
| Special Skills | Roar reaches 114 decibels and can be heard 5 miles away; rough tongue helps strip meat from bones | Can leap the length of a school bus; stripes work like built-in camouflage |
| Social Behavior | Lives in prides; social and territorial | Mostly solitary; defends large territory alone |
| Parental Care | Lionesses raise cubs cooperatively; cubs stay with pride 1.5–2 years | Mother raises cubs alone; they stay with her up to 2 years |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years in the wild | 10–15 years in the wild |
Think you’ve picked your winner? Now it’s time to dive deeper! If your learners are curious, creative, or just love a good animal rivalry, they’ll love this hands-on printable pack. From fun fiction to big cat vocabulary, you’ll get a taste of what’s inside our full Lion vs Tiger Fun Study
Print & Go Giveaway: Lion vs. Tiger Free Sampler Pack
Want a sneak peek at our Lion vs. Tiger: Fun Study Face-Off? Grab these three free pages to get your learners roaring with excitement:
Boxing Lion vs Tiger Coloring Page
One of the fun preview pages from the Lion vs Tiger Fun Study is this awesome boxing lion and tiger coloring page. You’ll get four coloring pages in total: this one plus a version made just for younger kids, a lion coloring page with a cool fun fact and a tiger coloring page with its own fun fact too. Grab your crayons and get ready to bring these fierce fighters to life!.
Leo and Tigris Get Ready to Rumble Story Preview
Here’s page one of our fictional story all about the epic boxing match between Leo the Lion and Tigris the Tiger. This story is perfect for kids ages 8 to 10 who love adventure and excitement. Plus, the Fun Study also includes a nonfiction story filled with 14 vocabulary words and 12 cool facts about lions and tigers written for kids ages 10-12.
Lion vs Tiger Vocabulary Word Search
Practice your vocabulary skills with a fun word search featuring 14 key words straight from the nonfiction story. Plus, the Fun Study includes a crossword puzzle and even more activities to help your students learn all about lions and tigers.
Get the Full Lion vs. Tiger Fun Study
Did you love the preview pages? There’s even more waiting for you in the complete 27-page pack!
Lion vs Tiger Fun Study – Who Would Win?
Want the full 27-page Fun Study packed with 2 stories, nonfiction facts, maps, an opinion writing prompt, Venn diagram, crossword puzzle and more? You’ll find everything you need to dive deep into the world of lions and tigers and have a blast learning along the way! These pages are ready to print and go – no prep needed.
Lion vs. Tiger Springboard Learning Ideas
Ready to keep the learning going? These springboard ideas will help you dive even deeper into the wild world of lions and tigers.
- Measure It Out – Grab some sidewalk chalk and a measuring tape, then head outside to draw the length and shoulder height of a lion and a tiger on your driveway. It’s a fun way to see just how big they really are-and it sneaks in some great math practice too!
- Take a Field Trip – Plan a visit to your local zoo or a wildlife sanctuary to see lions and tigers in real life. If you’re near Colorado, check out The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg. It’s home to rescued big cats and offers an incredible view from its elevated walkway.
Books to Roar About
- National Geographic Readers: Lions by Laura Marsh – Packed with stunning photos and easy-to-read facts, this book helps your kids explore how lions live, hunt, and grow in the wild.
- Tigers by Kate Rigg – This beautifully illustrated nonfiction book dives into tiger facts, vocabulary, and up-close images your learners will love.
Videos to Watch
- Big Cats 101 | Nat Geo Kids – This short, snappy video introduces the basics of big cats and is perfect for curious learners who want to know more.
- Tiger vs Lion – Who is Stronger? | Animal Face-Off – Who wins in a head-to-head showdown? Watch as this video compares strength, speed, and skills in a fun, dramatic way.
Websites to Explore
- San Diego Zoo Kids: Lions – Discover fun lion facts, photos, and videos straight from one of the best-known zoos in the world.
- WWF: Tigers – Learn what’s being done to protect tigers-and find out how your family can help these beautiful animals.
Celebrate Big Cat Days
These wild holidays are the perfect excuse to dive into your lion vs tiger printable or host your own Big Cat Showdown:
- International Tiger Day ( July 29) – Watch a tiger documentary or movie, practice tiger yoga poses, or research what makes a tiger’s stripes unique.
- World Lion Day (August 10) – Try drawing a lion’s mane, write a short “King of the Jungle” story, or explore how lions live in groups called prides.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lions vs. Tigers
When you’re exploring big cats, kids tend to ask big questions. If you’re wondering how to guide all that curiosity, you’re not alone. Let’s look at a few of the most common things kids may ask:
Q: Who would win in a fight: lion or tiger?
A: Most experts say the tiger would win in a one-on-one match. Tigers are usually heavier, stronger, and more muscular than lions. But don’t count lions out. They’re fierce fighters too, especially when protecting their pride. That’s why it’s fun to explore both sides and let your kids decide for themselves!
Q: Are lions stronger than tigers?
A: Tigers are generally stronger pound for pound. They have more muscle mass and are built for powerful solo hunts. Lions, on the other hand, work as a team and are built more for stamina and strategy. You’ll notice these differences when you compare their size, hunting style, and lifestyle.
Q: What are the differences between lions and tigers?
A: Lions and tigers may look similar at first glance, but they have lots of differences! Lions live in groups called prides and have a loud roar that can travel up to 5 miles. Tigers are solitary and are known for their stripes, stealth, and strength. Your kids will love spotting even more differences with a side-by-side Venn diagram.
Q: Are tigers bigger than lions?
A: Yes, tigers are typically larger than lions. A male tiger can weigh over 600 pounds, while a male lion usually tops out around 500 pounds. Tigers are also longer and more muscular. If you want to make this fact hands-on, go outside and measure it out on your driveway!
Q: Can lions and tigers live together?
Not in the wild. Lions live in Africa, while tigers live in parts of Asia. Their habitats don’t overlap, so they wouldn’t meet unless they were in a zoo or wildlife sanctuary. If you’re curious to see them up close, check out a local zoo or better yet, visit a big cat rescue center near you.
Final Thought
Whether you’re Team Lion or Team Tiger, one thing’s clear – learning sticks best when it’s wildly fun! Keep the momentum going with our full Lion vs Tiger Fun Study filled with printables and facts your kids won’t forget.
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Charis King
Charis King is the owner & steward of Homeschool Giveaways, a wife whose husband lives in Heaven, and a mom of twin daughters currently attending college. She and her husband homeschooled their daughters with the belief that each person is a unique masterpiece of God – created with gifts, interests and talents. (Eph 2:10). Even though the season of homeschooling her own daughters ended a few years ago, Charis is grateful for the opportunity to support other families along their own unique homeschool journey.
