Ivy the Kiwi? takes place in the Quiet Forest. One day, an egg falls from the sky, and from that egg Ivy hatches. After being born, Ivy discovers that her mama isn't there and begins her search for her mother.

Gameplay is similar to Kirby: Canvas Curse, in that you don't have direct control over Ivy and she moves forward as soon as the level begins. To help her reach the end of a stage, you place place vines for her to walk up and down on. Vines are also used to help Ivy slingshot through certain breakable walls.