7 Fun Ways to Play with Your House Rabbit

When I first brought my rabbit home, I was excited about the idea of playing and bonding with her. However, I quickly realized that rabbits aren’t like cats or dogs—they have their own unique way of interacting and having fun. At first, she seemed cautious and curious, but with time, I discovered several creative ways to engage her.

These activities not only brought us closer but also enriched her life and kept her entertained. If you’re looking for fun ways to play with your house rabbit, here are seven activities that worked wonders for me and my furry friend.

1. Set Up a Digging Box

One of the first things I noticed about my rabbit was her natural instinct to dig. Whether it was the carpet, a blanket, or even the corner of her enclosure, she always seemed to be searching for something to burrow into. To channel this behavior positively, I created a digging box just for her.

• What I Used: I filled a sturdy cardboard box with shredded paper, hay, and some hidden treats.

• How She Reacted: The moment she discovered the box, she dove right in, enthusiastically tossing the paper around and searching for the treats.

• Why It Worked: This activity allowed her to express her natural instincts in a safe and controlled way. Plus, it was so much fun to watch her get completely immersed in her "digging project."

Watching her hop in and start digging was a joy. It kept her entertained for hours and gave her a sense of purpose.

2. Play “Find the Treat”

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to play with my rabbit was by turning mealtime or snack time into a fun game. Rabbits are naturally curious and love foraging for food, so I decided to tap into that instinct by hiding treats around the room.

• What I Did: I placed small pieces of her favorite treats (like a slice of banana or a sprig of parsley) in various spots, such as under a pillow, inside a cardboard tube, or tucked into her hay.

• Her Reaction: At first, she hesitated, but once she realized treats were hidden, she eagerly sniffed and searched for them. It was adorable to watch her little nose twitching as she explored every corner.

• Why It Worked: This game stimulated her mind and encouraged her natural foraging behavior, keeping her both physically and mentally active.

I loved seeing her excitement as she "discovered" each treat—it was like watching a bunny treasure hunt in action.

3. Roll a Ball

I discovered that rabbits can enjoy playing with lightweight toys like balls. One day, I rolled a small wooden ball across the floor to see how my bunny would react. To my surprise, she hopped over, nudged it with her nose, and even pushed it back toward me.

• How I Started: I used a safe, rabbit-friendly ball made of wicker or untreated wood. I rolled it gently toward her and let her explore it on her own terms.

• Her Response: She quickly figured out how to push it around and seemed to enjoy the interaction. Sometimes, she’d even pick it up with her teeth and toss it!

• Why It Worked: This activity was simple but engaging. It allowed her to play independently while also giving us an opportunity to interact.

Every time she nudged the ball back, it felt like we were playing our own version of bunny soccer.

4. Build a Tunnel System

Rabbits love hiding, exploring, and darting through tunnels. To give my bunny a little adventure, I created a mini obstacle course using cardboard boxes, tunnels, and tubes.

• What I Used: I connected several cardboard boxes by cutting holes in the sides and added a few pre-made rabbit tunnels. I also sprinkled some hay or treats inside to encourage her to explore.

• Her Reaction: She immediately ran through the tunnels, popping her head out of the holes like it was the best game ever. Sometimes, she’d even do zoomies through the course!

• Why It Worked: Tunnels mimic the burrows that rabbits naturally love, giving them a sense of security and a fun way to burn off energy.

Watching her zip through the tunnels and dart in and out of the boxes was endlessly entertaining.

5. Teach Simple Tricks

I had always assumed rabbits weren’t trainable, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they could learn simple tricks with patience and positive reinforcement. I started with something simple—teaching her to come when called.

• How I Started: I used her favorite treat and called her name while holding it out. When she approached, I praised her softly and gave her the treat.

• Her Progress: Once she mastered that, I taught her other tricks like hopping onto a low platform or standing on her hind legs.

• Why It Worked: Training sessions not only gave her mental stimulation but also strengthened our bond.

It felt so rewarding to see her learn and respond. Each little trick she mastered brought us closer together.

6. Have a Bunny Chase Game

One day, I noticed my bunny seemed intrigued when I crawled on the floor near her. She started hopping after me, and that’s when I realized we could turn it into a game.

• How It Worked: I crawled slowly across the floor, pausing occasionally to let her catch up. Sometimes, I’d tap the ground or rustle a toy to get her attention.

• Her Reaction: She would chase me enthusiastically, sometimes zooming around me in circles or binkying in excitement.

• Why It Worked: Rabbits are playful by nature, and this activity mimicked their natural behavior of chasing and exploring.

This game brought out her playful side, and seeing her happy little binkies always made my day.

7. Explore Together

Rabbits love exploring new spaces, and I found that turning this into a shared activity was a great way to bond. I’d let her explore a new room or area of the house while I stayed close by to keep her safe.

• What I Did: I rabbit-proofed the space by removing cords and dangerous objects, then sat on the floor and let her roam freely.

• Her Response: She’d hop around excitedly, sniffing everything and occasionally nudging me as if to say, “Look what I found!”

• Why It Worked: Exploring together gave her confidence and made her feel like we were sharing an adventure.

I loved watching her curiosity come to life, and it felt like we were creating little memories together.

Reflecting on the Joy of Playing With My Rabbit

Playing with my bunny turned out to be one of the most fulfilling parts of being a rabbit owner. Each activity we tried not only brought her joy but also strengthened our bond in ways I hadn’t expected. Seeing her binky with excitement or flop with contentment after a play session reminded me of how important it is to keep her mentally and physically stimulated.

Through trial and error, I discovered that rabbits are playful, intelligent creatures who thrive on interaction and enrichment. Whether it was digging in her box, chasing me across the floor, or exploring a new space, each activity brought us closer together.

FAQ: 7 Fun Ways to Play With Your House Rabbit

Here are some frequently asked questions about playing with your house rabbit and ensuring they stay happy, healthy, and engaged.

1. Why is it important to play with my rabbit?

Playing helps rabbits stay physically active, mentally stimulated, and emotionally happy. It also strengthens the bond between you and your bunny, giving them the attention and interaction they crave.

2. What are some safe toys for my rabbit?

Rabbits love toys that cater to their natural instincts. Some safe options include:

• Cardboard boxes and tunnels.

• Wicker or untreated wooden balls.

• Chew toys made of hay, applewood, or natural materials.

• Digging boxes filled with shredded paper or hay.

3. How often should I play with my rabbit?

Aim to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour each day playing with your rabbit. This doesn’t have to be continuous—it can be spread out over several short sessions, especially during their active times at dawn and dusk.

4. How can I tell if my rabbit is enjoying playtime?

Signs that your rabbit is having fun include:

• Binkying (jumping and twisting mid-air).

• Zooming around the room.

• Nudging or interacting with toys.

• Engaging with you or exploring their surroundings.

5. What if my rabbit doesn’t seem interested in playing?

Some rabbits may need time to adjust or build trust before they engage in play. Start with simple activities, like sitting quietly near them or offering treats, and let them explore at their own pace. Experiment with different toys and games to find what excites them.

6. Can I train my rabbit to play games with me?

Yes! Rabbits are intelligent and can learn games like “find the treat” or even simple tricks like coming when called. Use positive reinforcement, like treats and gentle praise, to encourage them during training sessions.

7. How do I keep my rabbit from getting bored with the same toys or games?

Rabbits thrive on variety, so rotate their toys and try new activities regularly. You can also make small changes, like rearranging tunnels or adding hidden treats, to keep things fresh and exciting.

8. Is it okay to let my rabbit play without supervision?

While rabbits can play independently, it’s safest to supervise them, especially if they’re outside their enclosure. Make sure the play area is rabbit-proofed to prevent chewing on wires, furniture, or dangerous objects.

9. Can my rabbit play with other pets or rabbits?

If you have other pets or rabbits, introduce them slowly and under supervision. Some rabbits enjoy playing with bonded companions, but it’s important to ensure that interactions are safe, friendly, and stress-free.

10. How do I make playtime more enriching for my rabbit?

• Add elements that mimic their natural instincts, like digging boxes, tunnels, and foraging activities.

• Offer a mix of physical activities (like chase games) and mental challenges (like treat puzzles).

• Spend time playing together to create a sense of companionship.

11. How can I tell if my rabbit is overstimulated during play?

If your rabbit starts hiding, thumping, or avoiding interaction, it might be a sign that they’re feeling overwhelmed. Give them time to rest and adjust the activity level to match their energy and comfort.

12. What’s the best time of day to play with my rabbit?

Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during dawn and dusk. These are ideal times to engage them in play, as they’ll be more energetic and interested in interacting.

If you have more questions or concerns about playing with your rabbit, consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian or an experienced rabbit care expert. Playtime is not just about fun—it’s an opportunity to strengthen your bond and enrich your bunny’s life!

If you’re looking for ways to play with your house rabbit, remember that the key is to tap into their natural instincts and let their personality shine. From digging boxes to bunny soccer and everything in between, there are so many fun ways to keep your rabbit happy and engaged.

For me, playing with my bunny wasn’t just about keeping her entertained—it was about building trust, creating memories, and enjoying the unique companionship that only a rabbit can provide. I hope these ideas bring as much joy to you and your bunny as they did to us.