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National Animal Crackers Day

Celebrate National Animal Crackers Day with the perfect snack - get creative and use animal crackers to make art, desserts, or just enjoy them plain!

Sunday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 18

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSnacks

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Animal Crackers Day on April 18 with a tasty treat! Animal crackers have been around since the early 1800s and are still enjoyed by people of all ages. They come in various shapes, sizes and flavors, from classic honey-flavored ones to more exotic varieties like peanut butter or chocolate. Whether you eat them straight out of the box or use them for fun recipes, these delicious snacks are sure to bring a smile to your face!

TIMELINE

National Animal Crackers Day Timeline

Animal Crackers' Origins

Animal crackers originated in the United Kingdom during the 19th century, originally known as "Animals."

Barnum's Animals

The National Biscuit Company (currently known as Nabisco) launched "Barnum's Animals," designed as a Christmas novelty, sold in a small box that resembled a circus cage with a string to hang on a Christmas tree.

Stauffer's Animal Crackers

Stauffer's, a company originally from York, Pennsylvania, started producing their version of animal crackers, a product which is still popular today.

Variety Shapes Introduced

Nabisco added a variety of new shapes to "Barnum's Animals," including zebras, koalas, kangaroos, and others.

First National Animal Crackers Day

The first National Animal Crackers Day is celebrated on April 18, honoring one of America's favorite treats.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Animal Crackers Day

Make your own animal crackers

Making your own animal crackers is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious homemade animal crackers in no time.

VISIT

Visit the zoo

Not only will you get to see some amazing animals, but you may even find animal crackers for sale at the concession stand. It's a win-win!

THROW

Throw an animal cracker party

Invite all your friends and family over for an evening of fun with animal crackers. Serve up some of your homemade treats, or pick up some store bought ones, and have a blast.

PLAY

Play an animal cracker game

Test your knowledge of animals by playing a game with your friends and family with animal crackers as the prize. You could play something like “Guess the Animal” or “Name That Animal”.

DONATE

Donate to an animal shelter

Show your support for animals by donating money or supplies to a local animal shelter in honor of National Animal Crackers Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Animal Crackers Day

Animal crackers can be used in recipes

You don't have to limit animal cracker consumption to snacking - these cookies can also be used in recipes! Try crushing them up and using them as a topping on ice cream sundaes or sprinkle them over your favorite yogurt parfait for an added crunch. With animal crackers, the possibilities are endless!

Animal crackers are nostalgic

Animal crackers bring back fond memories of childhood. Whether we enjoyed them as a snack at school, or as an after meal treat, animal crackers always make us smile.

Animal crackers are cute

It's no wonder that kids (and adults!) love animal crackers; their fun shapes and bright colors just scream fun! Plus, they come in all sorts of different animals like elephants, monkeys and bears, so there's something for everyone!