Kwanzaa Crafts and Activities for Kids

Children learn best when they can see, touch and talk about an idea. These activities help kids of different ages take part in the seven days of Kwanzaa, which runs from December 26 to January 1.

Color a kinara

Give children a page to color, such as a kinara with seven candles, an ear of corn, a cup or a basket of fruit. The colors of Kwanzaa are red, black and green, so those make good crayon choices. While they color, ask what they know about each symbol.

Try a word search

Word searches build spelling and focus. Choose words from the holiday, such as unity, purpose, faith, corn and candles. Younger children can look for just three or four words.

Solve a maze

Mazes help with planning and fine motor skills. Tell a short story about a child finding the kinara and let them trace the path.

Play bingo

Make bingo cards with words or pictures from Kwanzaa and use buttons or coins as markers. It is a gentle way to review the principles and symbols.

Hunt for colors

A scavenger hunt for something red, something black, something green and an ear of corn gets children looking closely around the house.

Make something

A paper garland, window decorations or a small card for a neighbor give children something to do with their hands. Zawadi, or gifts, can be handmade. Ask a grown up to help with scissors.

Write and draw

Ask children to draw their favorite part of the day and write one sentence about it. This is a good way to see what they understood.

Keep it relaxed

Customs differ among families. Short sessions that end while children still want more work best.

Have the pages ready

If you would like coloring pages, puzzles, bingo, crafts and an activity calendar ready to print, the Kwanzaa Kids Activity Pack has 40 pages.