Everyone desires happiness, especially children! As parents and educators, it’s our responsibility to cultivate an environment that promotes positivity and happiness. Research shows that spending quality time, nurturing their interests, and helping them acquire new skills are all effective ways to foster happiness in children. So, whether they’re enjoying a family meal, reflecting on what they’re thankful for, or learning something new, you can feel confident that you’re contributing to their overall well-being with these ideas!
Online Activities to Promote Happiness
1. Go Noodle
Bring happiness to your kids and get their wiggles out with Go Noodle! This website offers a variety of videos, games, and activities that promote movement, mental well-being, and mindfulness; all of which can help children release energy, calm their bodies and refocus their attention.
Learn More: GoNoodle | Get Moving
2. Guided Drawing
Drawing is a wonderful outlet for children to express themselves creatively and freely. Consider providing guided drawing sessions; a great way to reduce a child’s decision-making stress and allow them to relax and simply enjoy the process! They will finish their piece of art feeling happy.
Learn More: Art for Kids Hub
3. Mandala Drawing
Encourage your kids to be creative and happy with mandala drawing! Coloring mandalas can be a calming activity for kids; helping them reduce stress and anxiety, and promoting a sense of contentment. The repetition and patterns of mandalas can also create a sense of balance and harmony; giving your kids a peaceful and positive experience.
Learn More: The Little Yogis – Yoga For The Kids By The Kids
4. Play Prodigy
Prodigy is a fun and educational website that promotes happiness for kids by offering engaging math games that make learning enjoyable. It helps children develop their math skills in a playful way, which boosts their confidence and motivation!
Learn More: Prodigy
5. Listen to a Fun Audiobook
Looking for a fun and educational way to help your child unwind and get into their happy space? Audiobooks are a fantastic option! Get Epic is a great resource for finding a variety of audiobooks that cater to different ages, interests, and reading levels. Your child can listen to exciting stories, learn something new, and let their imagination soar!
Learn More: Get Epic
6. Read Books about Happiness
Read the book, “Happiness is…” with your child! Not only are you promoting happiness by spending quality time together, but this book also illustrates 500 ways a child can find happiness in even the most simple and mundane aspects of life.
Learn More: Amazon
7. NY Times Wordle
Help promote happiness and a growth mindset in your child by giving them a chance at a challenging word game! New York Times’s Wordle is a perfect opportunity for children to have fun independently, and build self-confidence and resilience.
Learn More: NY Times, Wordle
8. Headspace
Promote happiness through mindfulness! This website provides guided meditation for children of all ages, along with lesson plans and practice materials. By introducing mindfulness practices in your house, you can help your kids develop skills that promote happiness, calmness, and resilience.
Learn More: Head Space
Cultivate a Passion to Promote Happiness
9. Happy Music
Create a happy, and soothing environment for your kids with music! Playing music can help reduce stress and promote happiness while improving focus and concentration.
Learn More: Magic Footprints
10. Slime as a Sensory Experience
Making slime can be a fun, satisfying activity for kids that promotes concentration and happiness. The squishy texture can provide a sensory experience that helps little learners release tension, promote a sense of calm, and find happiness by learning something new.
Learn More: Mom Does Reviews
11. Play Dates
Playing with friends is a classic childhood pastime that never goes out of style. Having quality social interactions with friends can help children develop empathy, cooperation, and communication skills. Additionally, research shows that social interactions and friendships bring an immense amount of happiness to children.
Learn More: The Dating Divas
12. Quality Family Time
Having a movie night can be a fun way to spend quality time with your kids while also finding happiness in simple moments at home. Children need to feel secure in their family relationships in order to develop their own secure attachment and happiness. So, whether it’s watching a classic family movie or a new release, kids can snuggle up with their blankets and snacks for a cozy night in!
Learn More: Brendid
13. Gratitude Log
Want your child to start noticing everything they are grateful for? Help them to create a gratitude journal that they write in each evening. This will help them to notice the small things in life that bring them happiness. Whether that is having a quality friendship, a simple moment in their day, or something incredible that happened to them.
Learn More: Happy Confident
14. Cultivate a Passion for Singing
Having a karaoke night can be a fun and entertaining activity for kids that helps them cultivate a personal passion, singing. Supporting your child in discovering a passion helps with their overall emotional development and promotes happiness. So, start helping your child develop self-expression and confidence by having a karaoke night to create lasting memories!
Learn More: Time Out
15. Cook Together
Cooking a meal with your kids can be a fun way to bond and create memories together; both crucial ways for a child to develop their relationships towards their family and cultivate a passion. Not only will they learn valuable life skills, but it also provides an opportunity for creativity and exploration in the kitchen. See what you can create together!
Learn More: A Daily Something
16. Dance Party
Having a dance party can be a fun and energizing activity for kids. From creating their own dance moves to dancing to their favorite songs, children can get their bodies moving and release energy. Plus, research shows that getting active helps to increase endorphins and promote happiness for all ages!
Learn More: Families Magazine
17. Have Dinner Together
Something as simple as eating a meal together can support your child’s happiness, growth, and social development. Research shows that feeling a connection towards family members promotes happiness and long-term health for kids. So, set out the plates and silverware for your family meal!
Learn More: Family Dinner Project
18. Play Dress-Up
Playing dress-up can spark a child’s imagination and creativity while also children find the ability to be adaptable in all situations. Encourage them to use their imagination and come up with different characters and stories to act out. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to provide hours of entertainment while building confidence and promoting happiness.
Learn More: Love Lane Designs
19. Playdough
Creating and using playdough is a fun, relaxing, and tactile activity for children. They can use their imagination to create all sorts of shapes and figures, while also developing their fine motor skills. Additionally, playdough can be a calming activity for kids; allowing them to relax and focus on the present moment.
Learn More: Living Well Mom
20. Bubble Blowing
Why not try out one of the classics? Bubble Blowing! This is a childhood activity that never gets old. It also helps children to appreciate the “mundane moments” in life and see appreciation in even the smallest of things. It’s also a great outdoor activity that can be enjoyed with friends or family!
Learn More: Holidaze Craze
21. Lego Building
Building with blocks and Legos is a great way for kids to use their creativity and imagination while also developing their problem-solving and spatial skills. They can build towers, bridges, and other structures, and experiment with different colors and shapes. Try out this Lego challenge with your kids for an enjoyable time together!
Learn More: The Wild West
Learn Something New in Your Local Community
22. Observe Animals
Going to the zoo or aquarium can be an exciting and educational experience for kids. From observing animals up close to learning about their habitats and behaviors, children can develop an appreciation for the natural world and learn something new, which helps to develop overall happiness in children.
Learn More: Kids Activities Blog
23. Head to a Museum
Going to a museum or art gallery can be a fun and enriching experience for kids. From exploring exhibits to learning about different cultures and history, children can broaden their knowledge and imagination. Going to a museum or art gallery can also spark creativity and inspire new interests. When children learn new things, they find a sense of purpose in the world.
Learn More: Kids are a Trip
24. Try Slacklining
Try out an incredible outdoor activity that your children will love, slacklining! It might take some resilience to get the hang of things, but this activity will promote happiness through exercise and entertainment. All you need are two trees and a slackline to get started.
Learn More: Minnesota Yogini
Subscription Services to Promote Happiness
25. Kiwi Co Subscription
This monthly subscription box is designed to inspire creativity and learning in kids. When children learn and master new things, they are inundated with a sense of happiness and excitement. Each box contains hands-on STEAM projects that encourage problem-solving and exploration. Kids will love the engaging activities and parents will love the educational benefits!
Learn More: KiwiCo
26. Universal Yum
Does your child love learning about new cultures? Try Universal Yum! This subscription box delivers a monthly selection of snacks from around the world. Kids will enjoy trying new flavors and experiencing different cultures through food. Perhaps, you will cultivate a new passion for your child!
Learn More: Universal Yum
27. America’s Test Kitchen Young Chef’s Club
This subscription box is perfect for budding chefs and can develop a useful skill for your child! Each box includes recipes, cooking tools, and ingredients to make a delicious meal. Kids will love the hands-on cooking experience, the chance to develop important life skills, and the overall happiness it brings them.
Learn More: America’s Test Kitchen
28. Music Library Box
Explore the world of music with this monthly subscription box! Each box includes a themed selection of CDs, books, and other musical resources. Kids will love the opportunity to discover new artists and genres while developing a love of music.
Learn More: Music Library Boxes
29. Little Passports
Promote happiness, excitement, and learning with this subscription box which is all about exploring the world! Each month, kids receive a package filled with activities, games, and information about a new country. It’s a fun and engaging way to promote curiosity and global learning.
Learn More: Little Passports
30. Owl Post Books
There is no better way to bring happiness to a child than by gifting them new books. Try out this subscription for young bookworms. Each month, kids receive a carefully curated selection of books, along with related activities and crafts. It’s a fun and educational way to promote a love of reading and learning.
Learn More: Owl Post Books
Outdoor Activities for Happiness
31. Water Play
Playing in water is a great way for kids to cool off on a hot day while also having fun. Water play can help children develop their sensory and motor skills while also supporting relaxation. When a child can get outside, move their body, and socialize with others, they will be more content.
Learn More: Easy Play Ideas
32. Having a Picnic
Having a picnic can be a fun outdoor activity for kids and parents alike. From picking the perfect spot to packing the picnic basket, kids can get involved in every aspect of the preparation. Eating outdoors, having quality time, and enjoying a simple moment can make for a memorable and happy day that they appreciate for years to come.
Learn More: Emily Norris
33. Playing with Pets
Playing with pets can be an enjoyable experience for kids as they bond with their furry friends. Whether it’s playing fetch, snuggling, or teaching them new tricks, pets provide a sense of comfort and companionship. Plus, playing with pets has been shown to reduce stress and promote happiness in children of all ages!
Learn More: Frugal Mom Guide
34. Hiking
Hiking can bring happiness to kids by allowing them to connect with nature and explore new surroundings. It provides an opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally, boosting their self-confidence and sense of achievement. So, get outdoors with your kids today!
Learn More: Nature and Thrive
35. Nature Art
Creating art using natural materials promotes happiness in kids by allowing them to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty. It can also provide a sense of calm and relaxation as they focus on the creative process. Try bringing some supplies with you next time you head outside.
Learn More: Tales of a Mountain Mama
24 Fun Heart Coloring Activities The Kids Will Love