Harriet Tubman was a brave abolitionist and a fighter for freedom and equality. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations and these 25 fun and creative activities are the perfect way to educate kids about her story. From word searches to creating portraits, these activities are designed to be both educational and fun. Kids can learn about her achievements through art, games, and stories, and gain a better understanding of this famous person in American history.
1. Harriet Tubman Word Search
Have kids find hidden words related to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in a word search puzzle. By solving the puzzle, they will learn new information and improve their vocabulary skills.
Learn More: TES
2. Escape the Plantation Board Game
Teach kids about the quilts used by Harriet Tubman as signals for escaping slaves by having them create their own quilts. This hands-on activity allows kids to understand the symbolism behind the quilts and how they were used to guide slaves to freedom.
Learn More: Rahdo
3. Create a Harriet Tubman Portrait
Introduce kids to Harriet Tubman’s life by watching documentaries about her life and the Underground Railroad. By visualizing her story, kids can develop a deeper appreciation for her bravery and sacrifice.
Learn More: Art for Kids Hub
4. Build a Harriet Tubman Museum
Encourage students to research and create their own museum showcasing the life and achievements of Harriet Tubman. They can use posters, artifacts, and multimedia to bring her story to life and educate others on her legacy.
Learn More: 6abc Philadelphia
5. Trail Mix Adventure
Take kids on a trail mix adventure by creating a mix of foods and ingredients inspired by the foods escaped slaves would have eaten on the journey to freedom. Discuss the significance of each ingredient and how it relates to the story of Harriet Tubman.
Learn More: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
6. Following the North Star
Have kids learn about the significance of the North Star as a symbol of freedom for escaped slaves. Have them follow a map and compass to understand the importance of navigation during this time.
Learn More: EDU Kid Space
7. Create a Harriet Tubman Quilt Square
Encourage kids to create their own quilt squares inspired by the quilts used by Harriet Tubman as signals for escaping slaves. Discuss the symbolism behind the quilts and how they were used to guide escaped slaves to freedom.
Learn More: LACountyLibrary
8. Design a Harriet Tubman Wanted Poster
Have kids design their own wanted poster for Harriet Tubman, including information about her achievements and the bounty on her head during her time as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Learn More: Pinterest
9. Secret Message Station
Set up a secret message station where kids can send and receive secret messages just like Harriet Tubman and escaped slaves did during the Underground Railroad. Discuss the importance of communication and secret messages during this time.
Learn More: Harriet Tubman
10. Paper Chain Freedom Trail
Have kids create a paper chain trail to represent the journey to freedom for escaped slaves. Discuss the challenges and obstacles they faced along the way and the bravery of Harriet Tubman.
Learn More: National Park Service
11. Follow the Map to Freedom
Have kids follow a map to understand the journey of escaped slaves to freedom, including stops and landmarks along the way. Discuss the leadership and guidance of Harriet Tubman during this time.
Learn More: The New York Times
12. Build a Model of the Underground Railroad
Encourage kids to build a model of the Underground Railroad to gain a deeper understanding of this important part of American history. Discuss the importance of Harriet Tubman’s role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Learn More: Prime Video
13. Harriet Tubman Mobile
Have kids create a mobile that showcases important events and achievements from Harriet Tubman’s life. This hands-on activity will help them visualize her story and appreciate her bravery and sacrifice.
Learn More: Google Play
14. Reenact the Journey
Have students trace the journey of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. They can draw a map and label important landmarks, and act out the journey using props and costumes.
Learn More: SouthCarolinaETV
15. Fill in the Blanks: Harriet Tubman Story
Create a fill-in-the-blank story about Harriet Tubman’s life and have the kids complete it. This activity will help them learn new information and gain a deeper understanding of her story.
Learn More: Educaplay
16. Act Out a Harriet Tubman Rescue
Encourage kids to act out a rescue scene from Harriet Tubman’s life. This hands-on activity will bring her story to life and help kids appreciate her bravery and leadership.
Learn More: Scholastic
17. Make a Harriet Tubman Hat
Have kids create their own hats inspired by the ones worn by Harriet Tubman. This hands-on activity will help them understand the significance of her signature headwear and her impact on fashion.
Learn More: Coney Island Library
18. Design a Harriet Tubman Medal
Encourage kids to create their own medals to honor Harriet Tubman’s achievements and impact on American history. Discuss the importance of recognizing her contributions and celebrating her legacy.
Learn More: University of Maryland
19. Harriet Tubman Match Game
Create a matching game that showcases important events and achievements from Harriet Tubman’s life. This fun activity will help kids learn and remember new information.
Learn More: Film Inquiry
20. Create a Harriet Tubman TimeLine
Have kids create a timeline that showcases important events and achievements from Harriet Tubman’s life. This hands-on activity will help them understand the progression of her story and the impact she had on American history.
Learn More: Canadian Heritage
21. Read Aloud: Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
Encourage kids to read books about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Discuss the significance of her leadership and guidance during this time.
Learn More: Muffie Cummons
22. Sing a Harriet Tubman Song
Encourage kids to sing songs about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. This fun activity will help them learn and remember new information while also appreciating the role of music in this important part of American history.
Learn More: Josh Arthur
23. Create a Bingo
Create a BINGO game that showcases important events and achievements from Harriet Tubman’s life. This fun activity will help kids learn and remember new information while also having fun.
Learn More: Bingo Baker
24. Make a Harriet Tubman Doll
Encourage kids to create their own doll inspired by Harriet Tubman. This hands-on activity will help them understand her story and appreciate her impact on American history.
Learn More: Coney Island Library
25. Draw a Harriet Tubman Landscape
Have kids draw a landscape that showcases important events and achievements from Harriet Tubman’s life. This creative activity will help them visualize her story and appreciate her impact on American history.
Learn More: art JanaG