Remembering historical events with little kids can feel… well, tricky. You want to teach them about sacrifice and gratitude, but you also don’t want to overwhelm them with concepts that are too heavy. It’s a fine line, right?
I remember the first time I tried to explain a moment of silence to my then-five-year-old. He lasted about four seconds before asking, loudly, if we could have a snack. 🤦♀️ That’s when I realized I needed a new game plan. I needed activities that would help them feel the meaning of the day, not just hear about it.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro at this or you’re just looking for some fresh ideas, I’ve got you covered. I’ve rounded up 10 Remembrance Day activities for kids that are engaging, respectful, and actually fun. They’re designed to help your little ones honor the past and learn its importance, all while keeping their attention spans firmly in check. Let’s get started!
1. Create a Handprint Poppy Wreath
This is probably the most classic Remembrance Day craft, and for good reason. It’s simple, tactile, and creates a beautiful, lasting piece of art. Plus, it involves paint, which is always a win in my book (just be prepared for the mess!).
Why This Works So Well
The poppy is the ultimate symbol of Remembrance Day. By using their own handprints, kids feel a personal connection to the craft. They aren’t just gluing pre-cut pieces; they are actively creating the symbol.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A large paper plate or a piece of cardboard cut into a circle (for the wreath base)
- Red, black, and green paint
- A paintbrush
- Glue
How to make it:
- Paint your child’s palm and fingers with the red paint and press it firmly onto pieces of white or construction paper. Do this a bunch of times! You’ll need several handprints to fill your wreath.
- Once the paint is dry (the hardest part for impatient little ones, I know), help them cut out each handprint.
- Glue the handprints in a circle on your wreath base, with the fingers pointing outward.
- In the center, paint or glue a black circle to mimic the heart of the poppy.
- Add a simple green stem or bow at the bottom for a finishing touch. Voila! A wreath made with love and tiny hands.
2. Bake (and Decorate!) Poppy Seed Cookies
Let’s face it, food is a universal language of love. And what better way to remember a sweet moment than with, well, sweet treats? This activity doubles as a mini baking lesson and a creative outlet. It’s a win-win.
A Little Tip from My Kitchen
I am not a professional baker. I’m more of a “drop-the-cookie-dough-on-the-floor-and-start-again” kind of baker. But that’s the beauty of this—it doesn’t have to be perfect.
My advice: Use a simple sugar cookie recipe or even pre-made dough from the store (no judgment here!). Cut the cookies into circles. After they’re baked and cooled, the real fun begins. Give the kids red icing, black icing, and a small paintbrush or piping bags. Let them decorate their own poppy cookies. You’ll be amazed at their focus. Plus, eating a cookie you decorated yourself? Pure magic.
3. Go on a Local “Poppy Hunt”
One of the simplest ways to make Remembrance Day tangible for kids is to point out the symbols in your own community. Turn a regular walk into a mission.
Grab a camera or a phone and head out to find:
- Poppies on lapels: See how many people you can spot wearing a poppy.
- War memorials or cenotaphs: These are often in town squares or parks.
- Poppy displays in shop windows: Many local businesses create beautiful tributes.
- Streets named after fallen soldiers or significant battle sites.
This turns a potentially abstract concept into a real-world scavenger hunt. My son now yells “Poppy!” every time he sees a red flower anywhere. We’re working on distinguishing between a Flanders poppy and a geranium, but the sentiment is there. 🙂
4. Write a Letter to a Veteran
In our digital age, getting a handwritten letter is a rare and special thing. This activity bridges the gap between generations and shows kids the power of gratitude.
Making it Age-Appropriate
You don’t need to push for long, emotional essays. For younger kids, it can be as simple as a drawing with a short message like “Thank you for keeping us safe.”
- For pre-writers: Have them draw a picture of a poppy or a soldier. You can write down their dictated message.
- For early writers: Help them sound out simple sentences. “I am thankful for you.” “Your job was brave.”
- For older kids: Encourage them to ask questions or share what they’ve learned about a particular battle or event.
Where to send them? A quick online search for “write to a veteran [your country]” will give you several organizations that facilitate this. It’s a small act of kindness that means the world.
5. Attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony (With an Exit Plan)
This one can feel daunting. The idea of standing still and silent with a wiggly kid for an hour is enough to make any parent break out in a cold sweat. But experiencing the community aspect of Remembrance Day is powerful.
The “Golden Rule” for Kids at Ceremonies
Have an exit strategy. Seriously. Park near the back or on the edge of the crowd. Bring snacks and a quiet toy. Explain beforehand what will happen: “First there will be music, then people will be very quiet for one minute, and then there will be more music. If we get wiggly, we can quietly walk back to the car.”
My first attempt was a total bust. We lasted five minutes. But we tried again the next year, and just seeing the veterans march was enough to spark a whole week of questions. Even a brief attendance leaves a lasting impression.
6. Read a Picture Book Together
Cuddling up with a good book is my favorite way to introduce any tough topic. There are so many beautifully written children’s books about war, peace, and remembrance that handle the subject with just the right amount of sensitivity.
Here are a few of our family’s favorites:
- “A Poppy is to Remember” by Heather Patterson: This book simply and clearly explains the significance of the poppy.
- “The Poppy Lady” by Barbara E. Walsh: The true story of Moina Belle Michael, who championed the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
- “In Flanders Fields” by Linda Granfield: This book pairs the famous poem with stunning visuals and historical context. It’s great for older kids.
FYI, you might need a box of tissues nearby. Some of these stories are emotional, even for the grown-ups.
7. Make a “Peace Dove” Garland
Remembrance Day isn’t just about looking back at war; it’s about hoping for peace in the future. The dove is a universal symbol of that hope. This craft is perfect for little fingers working on their fine motor skills.
Simple and Striking Decor
All you need is white paper or cardstock, a black marker, scissors, and some string.
Here’s the easy method:
- Fold a piece of paper in half and draw the outline of a simple dove (basically, a bird shape with a long tail). Make sure part of the body is on the fold.
- Cut it out while the paper is still folded. When you open it, you’ll have a symmetrical dove!
- Let the kids draw on an eye and maybe a small olive branch.
- Tape or glue the finished doves onto a long piece of string to create a garland. Hang it over a doorway or mantle as a simple reminder of our hope for peace.
8. Explore a Virtual Museum Tour
If you can’t get to a physical museum (and let’s be honest, who has the energy for that with kids sometimes?), the internet is your friend. Many war museums and memorials have incredible online resources designed specifically for children.
Why this beats a regular history lesson:
It’s visual, interactive, and often includes videos, photos of artifacts, and personal stories. You can explore a WWI trench, see a real tank up close, or listen to a veteran’s firsthand account—all from your living room couch.
My kids were mesmerized by a virtual tour showing a soldier’s kit and what they carried in their backpack. Suddenly, history felt real and relatable. IMO, this is one of the most underrated tools for teaching history.
9. Plant Red Flowers in the Fall
This is an activity with a future payoff. Planting bulbs or small plants in the autumn gives your family a reason to look forward to the spring. It connects the act of remembrance to the cycle of life and growth.
Connecting to the Flanders Fields Poem
When you plant those red flowers (tulips or even poppies if your climate allows), you can talk about the famous poem “In Flanders Fields.” The image of poppies blowing amidst the crosses is so powerful. By planting your own, you’re creating a little living memorial in your own backyard.
A quick tip: Let your child dig the hole. Kids love digging. It gives them a sense of ownership over the plants. “I planted that one!” they’ll proudly say for months to come.
10. Host a Mini-Baking Soda Poppy Experiment
Okay, this one is for the science-loving kiddos. It’s a craft and a science experiment rolled into one, and it’s a great way to keep antsy hands busy while you talk about the meaning of the day. It’s messy, it’s fizzy, and they will love it.
How to Create Fizzy Poppies
This is super easy and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
You will need:
- Baking soda
- Red food coloring
- A muffin tin or small containers
- White vinegar in a squirt bottle or cup
- A tray to contain the mess (trust me on this!)
The Activity:
- Mix the baking soda with a few drops of red food coloring and a tiny bit of water until it has a crumbly, paste-like consistency.
- Press the mixture firmly into the cups of the muffin tin. These are your “poppies.”
- Give your child the squirt bottle filled with vinegar. When they squeeze it onto the red baking soda, it will fizz and bubble! It looks like the poppies are fizzing.
- As they play and experiment, you can talk about the symbolism of the poppy. It’s a great multi-sensory experience.
Conclusion: It’s About Connection, Not Perfection
So, there you have it—ten ways to help your kids connect with Remembrance Day. Remember, you don’t have to do them all. Pick one or two that resonate with your family and your child’s age. The goal isn’t to create a perfect, Instagram-worthy moment (though those handprint poppies are pretty cute). The goal is connection. It’s about opening the door for conversation and planting a seed of gratitude and understanding.
Whether you’re baking cookies, fizzing baking soda, or simply sitting together and reading a book, you’re doing it right. You’re teaching them that we remember, we honor, and we are grateful. And honestly, that’s the most important lesson of all.
Now, go forth and craft (or bake, or read)! I’d love to hear which activity you try first. Drop a comment below and let me know how it goes! 😉
