What is Rakhi?

Raksha Bandhan, which is also often called Rakhi, is a Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love. It is celebrated on a full moon in the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar.

The word Raksha means protection, whilst Bandhan is the verb to tie. Traditionally, during the festival sisters tie a rakhi, a bracelet, around their brothers’ wrists to celebrate their relationship.

Below is a picture of my daughter tying on a bracelet to her brother. Here’s a few closeups of what our rakhi’s looked like from India. My husband received his from his sister.

Rakhi’s can be purchased at your local india store, made by had or purchased them online. Like these rakhi bracelets on Amazon.

What is Raksha Bandhan?

This Hindu holiday symbolizes the unmatched bond of love, care and respect.

… directly translated as, “the bond of protection”, Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a festival primarily observed in India, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. The central ceremony involves the tying of a rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother’s wrist. This symbolizes the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s well-being, and the brother’s lifelong vow to protect her.

Source: Wikipedia

Raksha Bandhan Videos for Kids

Here are a few kid friendly rakhi videos to show your child as you learn about Raksha Bandhan with your child. Perfect to show for a rakhi celebration ideas for preschool or kindergarten.

Watch this Rakshi Bandha Story from The Rakhi Connection 

Check out this video from Global Wonders about Rakhi…so cute!

Here’s a song for the kids to learn!

Here’s one more video celebrating Rakhi with brothers and sisters.

Learning About Rakhi with Kids 

Here’s how they celebrate Rakhi on Sesame Street. We we so excited one morning when we discovered that they were celebrating Rakhi on Sesame Street. It’s so important for children to see their culture in the shows, movies and books that they read.

Here’s a fun way to pretend play with India sweets using playdough.
You will love to smell our own creation of playdough… cardamom scented playdough

Check out more background info about Raksha Bandhan.

Want to make your own Rakhi Bracelet?

Here are a few tutorials for how to make Rakhi’s for kids. They would be perfect to set up one for your activities for rakhi celebration.

• Tutorial for Easy Rakhis
• Handmade DIY Rakhis
• Making Rakhi using Craft Foam
• Handmade Beaded Rakhi Tutorial
• Easy Beaded Rakhi Bracelet
• Paper Quilling Rakhi

Friendship bracelets are very similar to Rakhi’s.  It’s fun to see how different traditions have found their way across the world in different ways. You could make these a part of you Rakhi celebration ideas in school!

Rakhi Books for Kids

There are a few books that I recommend finding at your local library, book store or buy them now on Amazon by clicking on the image to bring home and read with your child about Rakhi or bring to a Rakhi celebration in preschool.

• Amma Tell Me About Raksha Bandhan!
• Rani and the Very Special Rakhi
• Shanti and the Knot of Protection: A Rakhi Story by Amita Roy Shah
• Shalu, Happy Raksha Bandhan
• Thread of Love

Sibling Activities for Rakhi

• Write down best qualities of each other.
• Make a picture collage of their best moments.
• Draw a funny picture of each other.
• Write a poem or story for each other.
• Play games: Bring siblings together to play these fun games and take the celebration upon the enjoyment meter. (If a sibling is away, set up a video conference call and play these game online to spend some quality time together.)

Can’t wait to celebrate today with my son and daughters and my husband and sister-in-law. They are all so very blessed to have a brother! 

Happy Rakhi!

To Learn More About India Culture

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Let’s get ready to go on an adventure to India through this hand-picked collection of children’s books!

My husband is from India and we are always looking for books for our children to learn about India. We select books to recommend that discuss the land, landmarks, social life, festivals, language, religion, folktales, events, and clothing.

Anything that we can use to encourage our children to learn about their culture since we can’t visit there all the time. Of course, nothing can replace an actual visit to spend time in the daily life of a culture, especially in India.

Here are a few photos of our everyday experiences when we brought our daughter for the first time a few years ago for my sister-in-law’s wedding. She enjoyed a rickshaw ride, playing with the front gate, and even learning to sweep with an Indian broom. 

Here’s a peek at our latest trip to New Delhi India with both of our girls and their cousins.

This post contains affiliate links to Amazon 

Books about India for Kids 

Here are some of the books that we’ve been enjoying in our house about India.

Informational Books about India

Starting with the facts about India is a good place to begin this learning adventure with your child. Take a moment and find on your map where the country of India is located and its 1.38 billion citizens.

• T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet
• India (A True Book: Geography
• India ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of India

• A Kid’s Guide to India
• A Children’s History of India by Subhadra Sen Gupta
• The History of India for Children by Archana Garodia Gupta
  

• I Is for India (World Alphabets)
• Illustrated Atlas of India: A Visual Guide to the Land, Its People and Culture
• Tiny Travelers India Treasure Quest by Susie Jaramillo
• We, The Children Of India by Seth Leila

Books About Daily Life in India

The next types of books to explore are the daily activities that happen in India.

• Going to School in India
• Monsoon Afternoon
• Monsoon
• A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India

• Namaste Is a Greeting by Suma Subramaniam
• Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelly Anand
• I’ll Go and Come Back by Rajani LaRocca
• Gope and Meera: A Migration Story by Ritu Hemnani and Samidha Gunjal

Books for Learning about Clothing from India

One special thing that your child may notice is that fashion can look different when you’re connecting with families from India. Take this time to learn about Saris and Lenghas and even the Bindi’s the women from India will where at times.

• Mama’s Sari
• My Dadima Wears a Sari
• Bindu’s Bindis

• A Sari for Ammi
• Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz
• The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury
• How to Wear a Sari by Darshana Khiani

Stories from India for Kids

There are so many stories and folktales that have come from India since it’s beginning of civilization, many years ago. You may even spend some time exploring how old India is.

• Be the Change
• Indian Children’s Favorite Stories
• I am Gandhi

• Stories from India
• Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India
• Finders Keepers?: A Bus Trip in India

• Maya and Leela Present: Dances of India
• Shubh Raatri Dost/Good Night Friend
• The Drum: A Folktale from India
• Where Three Oceans Meet by Rajani LaRocca

Books about Food in India

The food that can be found in Indian kitchens and restaurants is full of flavor and aroma. It’s personally one of my favorite types of food. Here’s a peek at a few of our favorite Indian recipes to make with kids.

• Bilal Cooks Daal 
• 10 Gulab Jamuns by Sandhya Acharya (Listen to the Read Aloud)
• P Is for Poppadoms!: An Indian Alphabet Book by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal (Listen to Read Aloud)

• Masala Chai, Fast and Slow by Rajani LaRocca
• India on a Plate!: Indian Food from A to Z by Archana Sreenivasan
• Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra

• What Should I Make?
• Chaat and Sweets (Listen to the Read Aloud)
• Hot Hot Roti for Dada-Ji

• Chaiwala! by Priti Birla Maheshwari
• Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi
• Kalamata’s Kitchen by Sarah Thomas

• One Grain Of Rice by Demi
• The Spice Box by Meera Sriram
• Meera Makes Aloo Paratha by Sangeetha Narayan

Books about Indian Culture for Kids

One thing that can be fun to explore when learning about other countries is the culture that can be seen in the everyday lives of its citizens. These stories highlight all the special things in Indian culture from the eyes of a child.

Here’s a peek at our recent trip to New Delhi, India with our kids with tips for where to travel with kids.

• The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal (Listen to Read Aloud)
• Good Night India (Good Night Our World) by Nitya Khemka
• Mina vs. the Monsoon
  

• Finding Om
• Thread of Love by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal (Listen to Read Aloud)
• Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers by Rajani LaRocca
• Always Anjali

• Pashmina
• Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala
• The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story

• Tiny Travelers India Treasure Quest 
• Same, Same But Different
• Rapunzel (Once Upon a World)

• Maya
• Indra Nooyi: A Kid’s Book About Trusting Your Decisions (Mini Movers and Shakers)
• Rangoli: Discovering the Art of Indian Decoration

• Mother Goose Goes to India
• Rock by Rock: The Fantastical Garden of Nek Chand
• Ritu Weds Chandni

• Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps by Srividhya Venkat
• I Am An Amazing Asian Girl: A Positive Affirmation Book For Asian Girls by Yobe Qiu
• I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
• Asian Adventures A-Z Foods: Delicious Asian Foods From A-Z by Yobe Qiu
• Asian Adventures A-Z by Yobe Qiu
• American Desi by Jyoti Rajan Gopal
• A Garden in My Hands by Meera Sriram

• Lali’s Feather by Farhana Zia
• Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins
• Lali’s Flip-Flops by Farhana Zia

• Seven Golden Rings by Rajani Larocca
• She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change by Suma Subramaniam
• Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh
• Amma, Take Me To The Golden Temple by Bhakti Mathur
• Amma, Take Me to Tirupati by Bhakti Mathur
• Our World: India by Meera Sriram

Hindi Books for Kids

There are many languages spoken in India. The Indian constitution recognizes 22 major languages of India. Just around half of those living in India speak Hindi.

Hindi is the fourth most spoken language in the world after Mandarin, Spanish, and English.

• My First Hindi Book: Learn Colors, Counting, And Animals In Hindi
• My First Book of Hindi Words: An ABC Rhyming Book of Hindi Language and Indian Culture
• The Toddler’s Handbook
  

• A is for Anaar: My First Hindi Alphabet Book
• My First Hindi Words! (There are more in this series too!)
• Bindi Baby Animals (Hindi): A Beginner Language Book for Hindi Children (There a whole series of these books)

Diwali Books for Kids

One of the most popular festivals in India is Diwali. Here are a few of our favorite books about this festival of lights.

We’ve shared our favorite Diwali books for kids here in this article.

• Diwali (Celebrate the World)
• Binny’s Diwali
• Shubh Diwali!

Holi Books for Kids

Explore and learn about the festival of colors as Hindu families welcome spring.

These are our favorite Holi books for kids.

• Festival of Colors
• Celebrate Holi With Me! 
• Let’s Celebrate Holi! (Maya & Neel’s India Adventure Series)
• Amma Tell Me About Holi!

Books about Hindu Gods

As you explore more about India, you’ll discover that about 95% of the world’s Hindus live in India. Nearly 80% of India’s Population. Here are a few kid-friendly books about Hindu Gods and Hindu festivals.

• Hanuman and the Orange Sun
• Ganesh and the Little Mouse
• Padmini is Powerful

• My Divine Friends
• Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth
• Meet My Hindu Gods Cultural Kids Book

• My First Book Of Hindu Gods and Goddesses
• The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow
• Classic Tales from India: How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head and Other Stories
• Elephant Prince: The Story of Ganesh

• Ganesha’s Great Race by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes
• Ramayana for Kids by Rita Gandhi
• The Amma Tell Me Krishna Trilogy: Three Book Set by Bhakti Mathur

• My Little Book of Lakshmi by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Ganesha by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Durga by Penguin India

• My Little Book of Shiva by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Hanuman by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Krishna by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Gods and Goddesses Boxset

• Ten Heroes, The incarnations of Sri Vishnu by Chanel Enjoem
• Little Goloka by Chanel Enjoem
• Please Please Open Your Eyes by Chanel Enjoem

What are the best children’s books about India? 

The collection of choices of books about India has grown quite a bit over the years. This updated list highlights to top picks of children’s picture books all about India.

Which book about India will you read first?

Activities about India For Kids

This past month I had the chance to go into my daughter’s classroom and teach about India. This experience is something I highly recommend to anyone whose family background is from another country. It was so much fun to share with the students and also helps them to discover something special about each other. Here’s the printables we used about India.

As I talked about India with the students I also shared personal photos of our family visiting the sites and landmarks we were sharing in the book. It seemed to bring everything to life for the kids. I know many of them even went home to share with their families what they had learned. 

I also created an India Printable for them each time I visited so that they could share the new words and places they had learned about. Plus it’s a great way for parents to follow up at home.

Want more: Explore our Let’s Learn about India Series

Explore Indian Recipes, Landmarks, Clothing, Animals, Hindi, Music, Arts, Festivals!

India celebrates its Independence Day on August 15th every year to commemorate the day in 1947 when India gained independence from British rule. The first Prime Minister of India was Jawaharlal Nehru, who is considered to be the father of modern India.

Together you can discover and discuss as you help your child learn more about this significant date in history. Get started by exploring these activities, books, and videos that are all about India’s Independence Day.

India’s Independence Day Activities for Kids

India is a land of many cultures and languages, with over 1.4 billion people. India has 22 separate official languages, it is home to a total of 121 languages and 270 mother tongues. India is the world’s largest democracy, and it is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture.

Here are a few fun facts to learn about India…

Fun Facts for Kids About India

• India celebrates its Independence Day on August 15th every year.
• India gained independence from British rule in 1947.
• The first Prime Minister of India was Jawaharlal Nehru.
• The national flag of India is called the Tricolour.
• The national anthem of India is called Jana Gana Mana.
• India is a land of many cultures and languages.
• India has 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
• India is the world’s largest democracy.
• India is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture.

Bonus Fact: On January 26 Republic Day is celebrated and marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950.

Flag of India

The national flag of India is called the Tricolour. On the flag, the top band is of Saffron color, indicating the strength and courage of the country. The white middle band indicates peace, purity, and truth with Ashoka Chakra. The last band is green in color showing the fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land.

On August 16, 1947 India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag and since then the tradition has been made and every year Prime Minister of India hoists the flag on August 15 at Red Fort.

Here’s a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosting the Indian flag for 2022 celebrations.

National Anthem of India – Jana Gana Mana

The national anthem of India is called Jana Gana Mana, and it is a song that celebrates the unity and diversity of India.

My favorite version of Jana Gana Mana is this when the great classical vocalists of India render the Indian National Anthem.

This video highlights young children dressed up as many of the freedom fighters during the time of India’s Independence.

The next video highlights the Sounds of India | A one of a kind National Anthem. It is a unique AI powered musical experiment, Prasar Bharati, Virtual Bharat and Google invited users from across India to sing our national anthem.

Here are 10 Things to Know About India’s National Anthem from Google Arts and Culture.

India’s Independence Day Crafts

One fun way to get the kids involved is to create colorful Independence Day crafts highlighting the flag colors of India. We’ve handpicked 17 activities that are good for all ages to celebrate India!

Which one will you make first?

India Bunting Kids Craft with Coffee Filters are inexpensive and so fun to color.

Indian Paper Flag make great Indian Independence Day Decorating Ideas or hand-held fans for kids!

Paper Fan Bunting in saffron, white and green are easy to make and perfect to hang up!

Paper Chain for Independence Day is a great inexpensive way to decorate.

3D Tricolored Snowflake Craft to hang around your room.

Using many hands you can create a Paint a Handprints India Flag.

Create a fine motor activity by Dot Painting the India Flag using Qtips.

Make your own Indian Flag Icecream Sticks.

Learn How to Draw and Color Map of India

Celebrate the special day by making India Flag Party Poppers.

Treasure your little one’s hand by making a Handprint India Flag.

Send eye-catching Independence Day Pop-Up Cards to a loved one.

Add glue and yard to cardboard to make a Tricolor Map of India with Yarn Pieces.

Using a cardboard India Map Outline with Tri-Colored Rice create a keepsake.

Find a clear container to create this Tricolor Map Craft with a Recycled Container.

Create a fun India Flag Rangoli with colored sand.

Get ready for kite flying by following this How to Make Tricolour Kite.

Make this delicious Indian samosas recipe for kids to share for Independence Day.

Once you’ve made a few crafts highlighting the Indian Flag, it’s time for a good book or two about India!

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

India Books for Kids

One of my favorite ways to learn about something new with a child is with a book!

Here are my top picks of books about India for kids. This book list highlights non-fiction books about India. You can also find many Indian books for kids here on this book list.

My Incredible India by Jasbinder Bilan

Illustrated Atlas of India: A Visual Guide to the Land, Its People and Culture by DK

A Children’s History of India by Subhadra Sen Gupta

Living in… India: Ready-to-Read Level 2 by Chloe Perkins

T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet by Varsha Bajaj

India (A True Book) by Sunita Apte

Saffron, White and Green: The Amazing Story of India’s Independence by Subhadra Sen Gupta

The History of India for Children from Prehistory to Sultantes (Vol 1) by Archana Garodia Gupta & Shruti Garodia

The History of India for Children – from Mughals to the Present by Archana Garodia Gupta & Shruti Garodia

The History of India for Children (Vol. 2): From The Mughals To The Present by Archana Garodia Gupta & Shruti Garodia

A Flag, A Song And A Pinch Of Salt: Freedom Fighters Of India by Subhadra Sen Gupta

I am Gandhi (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer

You can find more books about India here for kids.

Historic Moments from Independence Day in 1947

For older children explore these resources available to look back at history with photos, videos, and books. All the resources linked in this Independence Day Guide are mom-approved and teacher-approved by me.

You can start with your peek back in history at these photos from Independence Day Celebrations 1947 from Google Arts and Culture.

Next you can listen to A Tryst with Destiny Speech by Prime Minister Nerhi on the eve of independence It is considered to be one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century.

Watch this video of PM Jawaharlal Nehru at first Independence Day at Red Fort, Delhi.

This time in history also marks the anniversary of the partition of the subcontinent into two countries, India and Pakistan, which occurred at midnight on August 14–15, 1947.

To make Independence Day for kids meaningful, tell them the story of India’s struggle for independence. Share stories of brave freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Rani Laxmi Bai, Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi and others, who dedicated their lives to the cause of freedom.

For younger kids are you not sure where to start? Here’s How to Explain to Kids About the Importance of Independence Day in India.

Kids Videos Explaining India’s Independence Day

There are several age-appropriate videos to share with your child about Independence Day for India. Take a look below at our top video picks for kids.

I’m Independent | Independence Day Story | Independent Child | Jalebi Street 

Why we celebrate independence day Real story of India’s independence day

Indian Freedom Struggle | Pre Independence History of India | by Mocomi

Indian Independence Day Story in Hindi | Folktales – Hindi Stories

Indian Freedom Fighter | Know about Freedom Fighter by Rimi and Mimi

75 years in 2 minutes by Google India

75 years of Independence: the India story | The Hindu

Indian States, Union territories and Capitals

States of INDIA, Capitals and Languages | Akash Vukoti

Songs to Perform for Independence Day

One tradition for Independence Day is hosting performances. Here are a few that you could dance along to with your child. Check your local events to see if you have an Independence Day event in your community and join the celebration.

Independence Day Celebration | Cute little Kids | India Waale | G M Dance

India Waale X Suno Gaur Se | Patriotic Dance Video

Jai Ho Zumba Dance Video Tutorial

Independence Day Decorations

We had our local bakery make cupcakes to reflect the Indian Flag, there are so many fun ways to celebrate with your family and friends. Kite flying has also become an Independence Day tradition, with kites of various sizes, shapes, and colors filling the sky.

If you’re hosting, here are a few decorations you can also grab on Amazon for your celebration!

Places to Visit That Highlight India’s Independence

• Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya
  The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since Independence and a narrative record of how each one has contributed to the development of our nation over the last 75 years. It is a history of collective effort and powerful evidence of the creative success of India’s democracy

• National Science Center in New Delhi
  One of the featured exhibits highlights the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the independence of the country will always be unforgettable. The merger of 565 princely states in India is the result of the efforts of Sardar Patel. It’s an attraction everyone should visit to truly understand India’s Independence Day history.

• India Gate
• National War Museum
• Parliament House / Sansad Bhavan Delhi
• Red Fort, Delhi

Here are some additional Museums that give a peak into the events of the Indian freedom struggle.

We hope that you have fun celebrating and learning more about Independence Day for India with your child. Don’t forget to download our India Virtual Field Trip Log to encourage your child to learn more about India.

HAVE AN IDEA? If you have any new resources or craft ideas to share, please let me know in the comments or email us! We’d love to include your Independence Day Ideas too!

You may also enjoy these activities about India…

My husband and I have talked about taking our girls to India for a very long time. This summer we finally made it happen, the stars aligned and we were able to visit India for a month. The best part was that it was a family reunion with my sister-in-law’s family and brother-in-law’s family visiting there too along with their parents at their family home in Faridabad, India.

The whole house was filled with cousins, fun, and memories of a lifetime. 

Here’s a peek at what we fit into our 4 weeks of traveling in India with all 13 of us.  

Planning for an international flight can be quite an adventure, ours was a direct flight from New York for 15 hours to New Delhi. We first had to make a few connecting flights out of our tiny town in North Florida with all our luggage. 

After arriving, we spent a few nights in Aerocity, near the airport at the Novotel hotel, and enjoyed ourselves as the girls transitioned into the Indian culture… very slowly. It was the perfect way to deal with jet lag for a few days after our 30-hour journey.

And we got the chance to begin our India culinary adventure with tons of restaurants in WorldMark and the amazing Indian buffet at the Novotel Hotel.

We had lots of places to visit on our agenda but the main focus for me was simply for us to experience everyday life in India.

This was my 5th visit and I still feel quite humbled each time I go to this magical country. The scale of economic diversity in one location is hard to put into words. The sounds, smells, and sites are unlike any other place I’ve visited. Here’s a peek at my other visits to India.

After being home for just 24 hours, it feels so quiet and simple here in our Florida home.

Did you know that over 32 million people call the city of New Delhi home? One of the biggest changes since visiting nearly 14 years ago, was the Delhi metro, it’s changed how easy it is to get around town and enjoy the landscape of one of the largest cities in the world.

Here are helpful tips for tourist sites near Delhi Metro Stations.

The bonus of our trip was realizing that India Google Maps exists now (My last visit was 14 years ago) I was able to understand more easily where everything is and how to get there.

Take a moment to explore India using Google Earth, it’s pretty cool.

We traveled either with the metro, the new e-rickshaws or we hired a private driver to take the whole family to key locations, which is pretty easy to do there and budget-friendly. By the way, they even have OLA and Uber, and a few other mobile app options for getting a ride.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Top Places to Visit in New Delhi with Kids

On our list of things to visit were historical landmarks, tourist attractions, and a few temples that are located in New Delhi. These are the places we visited with many locations left on our list for our next visit to India. We learned very quickly you can only fit so much in when traveling with grandparents and kids and a large group of people.  

Most of these key attractions are located within the city with a few that are a day trip option to visit, including the city of Agra. One of my goals was to see as many Indian UNESCO sites as we could.

Historial Landmarks

One of the unique things about visiting India is the historical landmarks that were built by the various dynasties thousands of years ago. There’s so much to learn about the Mughal dynasty as you explore these breathtaking sites.

• Qutab Minar
• The Red Fort
• Raj Ghat
• Humayun’s Tomb

A quick day trip you can head to Agra to visit this top places…

• Taj Mahal
• Agra Fort
• Sikandra Fort
• Fatehpur Sikri Fort

Tourist Attractions

There are a few hidden gems in New Delhi to explore with your family. The nice part is so many things are just a short e-rickshaw ride away from one another if you plan it right.

• Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya
• National Science Centre
• Nehru Planetarium
• India Gate
• National War Memorial
• Parliament House

These attractions were on our list to do but life got a bit busy with all of us, no worries it’s on our bucket list for the next visit.

• Waste to Wonder Park
• Garden of Five Senses
• National Gallery of Modern Arts
• National Zoological Park 
• Lodhi Gardens
• Snow World
• e-o-d Adventure Park
• National Rail Museum

Temples

Exploring the temples in India and learning more about religion and how it is so connected to daily lives is something unique to experience. These are a few temples that we visited based on our family members preferences. Before entering a temple everyone is required to remove shoes. Be sure to remember to dress accordingly, for both men and women, this generally means not wearing shorts and keeping the shoulders covered.

• Lotus Temple
• Akshardham Mandir
• Chatarpur Temple
• Bangla Saab Gurudwara
• Hanuman Temple
• Mangal Mahadevan Birla Kanan
• Dev Sthal Mandir
• Gurudwara Sachkhand Sahib

Typically you should also avoid taking photos inside of temples. Here are a few more things to know about visiting a Hindu temple or a Sikh temple (Gurdwara).

Places to Shop

It’s not a trip to India without doing some shopping. Here are a few of our favorite local places to find traditional Indian clothing, jewelry, and local artwork. We took our kids to both market street vendors where bargaining is expected and to some extremely large malls with set prices and great food courts.

• Lajpat Nagar
• Janpath
• Ambience Mall
• Crown Interiorz Mall
• Connaught Place
• DLF Mall of Noida
• Khan Market

TIP… I learned from my husband’s last trip, Amazon India can be a resourceful place for shopping for items from India too. On this trip, we were able to get a few traditional Indian Kurta With Palazzo And Dupatta. Plus some items to decorate for Diwali. Plus they offer cash on delivery.

Ideas for Family Time in India

Because we were spending time in India with all of our family members, experiencing everyday life through food and play was really important to us. Walking in the footsteps of my husband’s childhood was important to me for our kids to experience, it’s part of them now as they begin the next generation.

We were so lucky to be invited into the homes of our family members and neighbors throughout our stay. This was actually our daughters’ favorite thing from the trip, to connect with everyone and see into their daily lives. We wish would have had even more time with each of them and are so grateful for the support they provide to my inlaws when they are in their home in India.

There were so many delicious Indian meals and snacks, I can’t wait to spend more time learning and teaching my kids how to make Indian Food.

Here are a few of the fun things we included in our family time in India.

• Visiting aunties, uncles, cousins, and neighbors’ homes for chai and snacks
• Hosting a party for family and friends
• Taking many E-Rickshaw rides
• Visiting my husband’s old private school in Delhi
• Showing the kids his childhood home (We knocked and they even let us in)

• Getting Henna done
• Inviting Priest to do Havan ceremony in the inlaw’s home
• Breaking open and enjoying delicious coconut
• Enjoying monsoon season on the balcony
• Observing the Full Moon on the rooftop
• Rooftop adventures of Indian Kite flying

• Enjoying both the popular Haldiram and Bikanerwala Restaurants (many times)
• Going to a Movie (ticket prices are cheap compared to the US)
• Experiencing ordering Turkish Ice Cream
• Going out for Dominos Pizza
• Buying fresh produce from street vendors’ carts passing our home
• Feeding the Cows at the front gate
• Watching neighborhood monkeys
• Looking for peacocks and parrots
• Game time with cousins (Carom Board, Chess, Badminton, Cricket)
• And lots and lots and lots of ice cream

We can’t wait to return to do these all again very soon with all 3 of my kids and husband.

Tips for Taking Kids to India

• Weather – I’m not going to sugarcoat it, visiting India in the summer is HOT and HUMID. But if you’re traveling with kids, it’s the best time during the kids’ summer break from school. If you can swing it, winter break is much much cooler but sadly the pollution seems to be the worst during this time. To help with handling the heat, pack things like a neck fan and a cooling towel.    
• Foreigners Tickets – Just so you know ahead of time, foreigners tickets are far more expensive than local tickets for tourist attractions. Just be sure to budget accordingly.
• Indian Food – Start eating at Indian restaurants and cooking Indian food at home to prepare for your trip. Here’s one of our favorite in Indian Dishes. It includes a kid-friendly recipe too. Many of the dishes there can be on the spicier side, even for us. Keep a backup for your child. You can always find a Haldiram and Bikanerwala nearby, both delicious options with a large variety of dishes.
• Books about India – Read books about India to get ready for your adventure. Here are a few of our favorites.
• Drink only purified water– Water sanitation is an issue in India. Even if you get water from a nice restaurant, ask for bottled water. You just can’t trust what comes out of the tap, especially for little tummies. Avoid ice as well for this reason.
• Give yourself time for jet lag – With little ones adjusting to a new time zone can be hard at times.
• Plan for sickness – When planning your travel schedule, keep in mind that you or your child may also be dealing with Delhi Belly. No matter how careful you are, travel tummy bugs can happen, even at Disney. Keep in mind, that you may even get a cold or cough from the air pollution.

Here are a few more travel tips if you’re planning to travel to India with Kids.

Explore now our 30+ Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Activities About India for Kids

Here are a few activities to explore with your child to learn more about India. From books to crafts to even kid-friendly Indian recipes, we have many options available for you.

Things to Do in New Delhi with Kids

On our next trip, we plan to leave the crazy busy city of New Delhi and venture out into the vast space of India as one of the top 10 largest countries in the world.

On my India Travel bucket list are Jaipur, Shimla, Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, Mumbai, and a few others. We hope to take advantage of the Indian railway system and short flights to tour the beautiful terrain of India.

Do you have a favorite location in India to visit on your vacation? Share with me in the comments below…

It’s been quite a few years now since we’ve visited India. This Diwali season is reminding me of all the festivities that happen especially at the front gate of our family’s home in India.

Here is a typical family’s lifestyle in India at the front gate including a few special events of a lifetime.

The Front Gate in India

Growing up in the United States in a typical suburban neighborhood, I never knew what it would be like to live in a big city and to have a home that needed a front gate. Then, twelve years ago, I married my husband who just happens to be from India.

Since then I’ve had the chance to visit five times to stay with his family in New Delhi, India. Here’s a peek at my latest trip to India.

As I look through my pictures I noticed that, on my first trip to India, my son’s first visit, and my daughter’s first experience, there were lots of pictures of the front gate to our family home. I thought it might be fun to take you on an adventure through the daily life of India from the Front Gate in a typical middle-income home in New Delhi, India.

Welcome

For the first time, you visit a home, many times you will find that there are garlands or marigolds and banana leaves hanging to welcome visitors. You feel so honored to be welcomed in such a manner.

There is also a special sign at the entrance of some homes with blessings and who resides in the home.

Animals Visit

We were so excited to see that many days the cows and other stray animals would roam from gate to gate looking for food treasures of the day. Many homes keep their scrap foods for the animals that pass. It’s a simple way of having no waste and providing a blessing to those around you.

We were very surprised to hear the noises that would come around the neighborhood with the wild monkeys who would pass through You have to be cautious when they are present and generally most residents will go into their homes and shut the doors so that no unwanted visitors will enter.

Vendors Visit

Each morning you awake to the sounds of vendors passing by with the various items that they are selling from their carts. We would go out and buy any fresh produce we wanted for our meals that day or the next day. Here’s a picture of my daughter buying bananas with her Dadi Ji from the vendor.

You begin to recognize the specific calls of each vendor to listen for as they walk down the streets of the community.

Daily Cleaning

We were fortunate enough that there was a local resident who our family pays to come to the gate each day and ring the bell to come and clean the house. She would sweep and mop the floors, even the outdoor area. It’s very dusty in New Delhi, India.

My daughter was fascinated by the brooms that our housekeeper would use. She had fun practicing on her own by the front gate.

Festivals

Diwali is the festival of lights for Hindus.I had the chance to visit India during this occasion and see how absolutely beautiful the streets become as they are all lit by candlelight and lights. Here’s the view from our front porch.

For additional Diwali Activities {click Here}

Gardening

There were so many little gardens inside of each gate as we passed through streets of India. Many are marigold plants that were growing from seeds from the marigolds that had dried from the festivals and temple offerings. You will also at times find a special plant called “The Money Plant” growing too.

Indian Weddings

When there is a marriage in the house the tradition is to hang lights on the front of the house. I know technically it’s not the front gate but it is something you’ll see. It’s absolutely one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen as you travel at night.

Here’s a picture of our home covered with bridal lights and one tired little flower girl and my husband.

When a groom leaves their home for a wedding they will usually leave with a baraat. A baraat can become a large procession, with its own band, dancers, and fireworks. The groom and his horse are covered in finery and do not usually take part in the dancing and singing.

As a bride, the front gate also becomes the last place they stop before going to their new home, oftentimes the groom’s parent’s home. I’ve been through the process twice in India and the feelings are overwhelming from the bridal party as blessings are shared. When the car pulls away slowly, the bride’s brothers and cousins will push the car signifying that they have given her a push ahead as she begins her new life with her husband.

Here’s a picture of my sister-in-law as she leaves our home as a new bride.

Safety in India

Unfortunately, the front gate is there to keep families safe. As with any large city you have to be aware of others and protect your family. I think that it was an eye-opener to me the very first time I went to India how much EVERYTHING needed to be locked up.

My daughter was really obsessed with the locks while we were there and had fun pretending to open them.

The Real India Gate

At the center of New Delhi stands the 42 m high “Arc-de-Triomphe” like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan War of 1919.

Here are some Books about India.

Thank you so much for joining me on my reflections on the front gates of India.

The more time I spend with my husband’s family and the more time in India we visit I feel like I grow in knowledge all the time. As I learn every day more and more about India I share them onto our India Pinterest Board. Come follow along !

Follow The Educators’ Spin On It’s board India Culture and Hindi Language on Pinterest.

You may also enjoy these activities about India for kids…

My husband was born in India and I was born in the United States. We were brought up in two very different worlds and are trying out best to help our 3 children experience both worlds as an Interracial family.

Since we live here in the US, we take extra effort to ensure that encourage them to learn about India. On our site, we have shared a few ways to celebrate our cultures. (And honestly, many cultures around the world)

You will find a few kid’s activities focused on India here:

• Books About India
• Food from India
• Rangoli
• Diwali
• Holi
• Diya Crafts
• Indian Sweets
• Raksha Bandhan
• Durga Puja
• Navratri
• New Delhi

We’re excited that this is the start of festival seasons around the world, especially in India. August had a few fun activities for Indians and Hindus that I thought I’d share with you.

• India’s Independence Day on August 15, 2025
• Raksha Bandhan on August 9, 2025
• Krishna Janmashtami on August 16, 2025
• Ganesh Chaturthi on August 26, 2025

Tips for Raising a Multicultural Child

• Talk to your child about their heritage. Help them to understand and appreciate their cultures.
• Expose your child to different cultures. This can be done through travel, food, music, art, and other activities.
• Teach your child about the importance of tolerance and respect. Help them to understand that everyone is different and that’s okay.
• Encourage your child to be proud of their heritage. Help them to feel comfortable talking about their cultures and traditions.
• Celebrate your child’s culture. This can be done through special events, holidays, and other activities.
• Find a multicultural community. This can be a great way for your children to connect with other children from similar backgrounds.
• Be a role model. Show your children that it’s important to be open-minded and accepting of others.
• Be patient. Raising a multicultural child can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.

Raising a multicultural child can be a wonderful experience. By following these tips, you can help your child to grow up to be confident, well-rounded individuals who are proud of their heritage.

Explore local Cultural Events in Your Community with Your Child

Sharing a variety of cultures with a child is a true gift you can give to them as a parent.

Research your local resources and find out if there are cultural events for kids.

We were lucky to find a Museum Family Day that featured India this month too. The kids were so excited to make a craft and watch the Indian dancers at the event. We went and experienced the month before an event focused on the Chinese New Year.

We even had fun listening to Punjabi music and dancing at home during those afternoon meltdown times.

In the United States, almost all of us originated from somewhere else, really I’m not from the United States my ancestors immigrated here from Ireland and England (and other countries), where many generations ago my family moved here. My grandfather was into genealogy and was even been able to track one of my great great great grandfathers on the Mayflower!

I encourage you to explore your heritage with your kids and encourage them to become culturally aware.

Here are a few to get started…

• 9 Ways to Explore the World with Kids from your own Home!
• Activities for Kids About the World
• The Best Collection of Diverse Children’s Books
• Explore Schools Around the World as part of the Multicultural Kid Blogs Carnival!
• Exploring Cultures from Around the World with Kids
• One way we enjoy learning about other cultures is with Around the World in 12 Dishes Series.

Where is your family background from? Share with us ways you are teaching your child about it.

You may also enjoy these activity ideas for raising Global Kids…

Decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs with kids was a wonderful way to talk with our grade schooler about Ukraine this holiday season. They turn out absolutely beautiful and are the perfect holiday display.

Recommended for ages 9+ with adult supervision.

Affiliate Links to products in this article.

Decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs with Kids

Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It borders Russia and many Russians have Ukrainian heritage.  Many Russian families food, art, and traditions are influenced by this heritage.  My children’s great grandmother, their PraBabushka, was born in Ukraine. 

Read more about the history of Ukraine here and download our Ukraine Virtual Field Trip Guide.

The traditional Ukrainian method of dyeing Easter eggs consists of melting wax into patterns and pictures on a clean egg.  The designs are written on with wax, not painted in a wax resist method. The egg is then dipped into dye.  The color will not stick to any place where the wax is.

Many other European ethnic groups also use this wax resist method for dyeing Easter Eggs.

Ukranian Easter Eggs are fun to make – The layers make it like a surprise gift waiting to be opened.

Vocabulary:

Pysanky – The word for Ukrainian Easter Eggs

Kistka – The special writing tool used to draw on the egg with hot wax.

Dye – the coloring used to stain the egg

Materials Needed for Decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs with Kids

• Clean farm egg*
• Pencil
• Candle
• Natural Beeswax
• Dyes
• Kitska
• Tray and table coverings
• Plastic Spoons
• Design book
• Paper towel
• Small paintbrush
• White vinigar
• Distilled water
• Containers for dye (we used the plastic containers from sandwich meat)
• Homemade drying rack

For Egg Drying Rack

• 3 toothpicks per egg

Foam board (I just used one that came with a UPS delivery box)
*Note.  Store bought eggs are not recommended for decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs with kids because of the cleaning solvents used to wash them for the stores.  All of our backyard chickens lay brown and green eggs.  We asked every vender at our local farmers market, and their chickens all lay colored eggs too.  We finally found a friend with duck eggs.  These were harder to clean out, but way easier for the kids to hold and decorate using the kistka!

It is not recommended to use hard boiled eggs. We drilled holes in the top and bottom and blew out the contents, then rinsed the inside with water using a syringe. There are much fancier equipment to use but we were only dyeing a few eggs, so we used what we had on hand.

Basic Directions for Decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs with Kids

Using a clean white egg, draw the design you wish to create in pencil on your egg.

Warm the Kitska  in the candle and scoop a bit of natural beeswax into the reservoir.

Steadily draw with wax onto the egg on all the parts that you would like to keep white.

Dip the egg into dye when you have completed writing all the white parts of your design. The waxed parts will stay white. The unwaxed parts will take the color of the dye that you choose to dip it into.

Dye the egg a color. Start with the light color and work towards dark.  Some eggs we started with yellow (like the one pictured above) Some eggs we started with blue.  You can dip the whole egg in or dab portions in small areas. (This is where the Kids Guide to Decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs comes in handy! )

Here is a picture of our decorating Ukrainian Easter Egg space with the kids eggs in varying stages of completion.  The dyes WILL STAIN! Make sure to cover all table tops with a covering and wear paint clothes. 

Continue drawing on wax designs and dying the egg with colors.  Let your egg dry on an egg drying rack between each layer.

The egg will look very dark! (see below)

You will melt the wax off the egg by holding it close to the heat source. The design is then revealed. We used a paper towel to wipe off the wax as it was melted.

For eggs to stay longer, you may consider varnishing the egg

A kid’s guide to decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs

I am a creative person by nature, but this book provided us with an invaluable tool with decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs with kids.  The step-by-step instructions were easy for my daughter and I to follow. 

Additionally, the different designs and patterns gave us enough variety to experiment with, while still being of manageable levels. Author Natalie Perchyshyn definitely has experience teaching children how to decorate eggs.  

If you are interested in trying this method yourself, I highly recommend it. Get the book and kit here.

A recent facebook post shared this amazing postcard that features traditional regional pysanky from throughout Ukraine. Here’s more about this Pysanky map postcard which is now featured at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center (UECC) in Philadelphia.

You can see more Pysanky designs here and also in the book The Ukrainian Folk Pysanka by Vira Manko.

More Ideas for combining global learning and art, try these kids activities:

1. Chalk paintings of famous buildings
2. Kasimir Malevich inspired abstract art project
3. 7 Ways to Use Russian Nesting Dolls to Teach

Looking for more Easter egg ideas? Explore 40+ Easter Activities for Kids!

Are you ready to explore Ukraine?

As I sit in shock watching the news of the Russian military invading Ukraine, I feel incredibly helpless and filled with such sadness and fear for those impacted by this event. My heart is with those families, especially the children, trying to seek safety and protect their loved ones who live in these territories.

It can be hard at times to assure your child everything will be okay. There are some things to consider on how to talk to kids about tragic events.

In an effort to send positive energy to a country and region that needs our thoughts and prayers during this time of war, I thought it might be helpful for each of us to learn as much as we can with our children about this beautiful historic country and its Ukraine citizens.

I want my children to learn more about Ukraine.

I’ve put together a virtual field trip guide with a free printable field trip log for you and your child to do together. (Adults will learn a few new things too)

Are you ready for a virtual journey to Ukraine?

Fun Facts About Ukraine for Kids

Ukraine is an Eastern European country known for Kyiv’s churches, the port of Odessa & the Carpathian Mountains.

It is the second-largest country by area in Europe.

Ukraine also shares borders with Belarus to the north; Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; Romania and Moldova to the south.

It has a coastline along the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

The capital is Kyiv.

Ukraine has some of the world’s longest caves – the world’s longest caves in gypsum. These unusual caves have beautiful crystals, stalactites, and other cave formations.

It’s population is 43,302,531 (2022)

The Ukrainian flag consists of two horizontal bands of yellow and blue, the colors represent the wide blue skies and the yellow represents the wheat fields that characterize the country.

The national flower of Ukraine is the sunflower.

Ukraine proclaimed its independence on August 24, 1991.

The Ukrainian President is Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Virtual Field Trip of Ukraine for Kids

I’ve created a virtual guide to Ukraine for Kids. It includes famous landmarks, virtual tours, children’s books, and recipes from the Ukrainian culture.

Think of this as a virtual field trip to Ukraine. Are you ready to explore from your computer?

PLUS! You can track your virtual tours with our free Printable Ukraine Virtual Field Trip Log!

Popular Landmarks in Ukraine

Here are many popular landmarks in Ukraine. You’ll find many of our virtual tour videos of Ukraine feature these specific locations. There are many churches and castles to explore!

• Akkerman Fortress – historical and architectural monument of the 13th-14th centuries
• Dniester Canyon National Park – includes two of the longest caves in the world.
• Feofaniya Park – landscape art park-memorial of national importance
• Golden Gate – Reconstructed medieval city gate
• Independence Square – Historical hub for political rallies
• Kamianets Podilskyi Castle – Classic medieval fortress
• Kherson Cliffs – known as the grand canyon of Ukraine
• Khotyn Fortress – complex of fortifications on the hilly right bank of the Dniester
• Khreschatyk Street – Shopping & historic buildings
• Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – Landmark monastery & cave system
• Kyiv’s Founders Monument – erected to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of Kyiv
• Lutsk High Castle – one of the largest, oldest and best-preserved castles in Ukraine
• M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden
• Mariyinsky Palace – serves as the official ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine
• Mezhyhirya: Former Presidential Palace
• Motherland Monument – War museum & sword-bearing statue
• Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War
• National Art Museum of Ukraine
• National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine
• St. Andrew’s Church – Green onion-domed Orthodox church
• St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery – Lavish complex of Orthodox buildings
• St. Sophia’s Cathedral – 11th-century Orthodox church & museum
• St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral – 19th-centery mother cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
• State Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine
• Sudak Fortress – complex of the monuments of medieval archaeology and architecture of the 6th – 16th centuries
• Swallow’s Nest – decorative castle located at Gaspra

Take a look at the Seven Wonders of Ukraine that their experts voted for in 2007!

Here’s a look at the Best Castles in Ukraine.

Make a loaf of this Ukrainian Babka Bread to enjoy while you’re watching the virtual field trips! Babka Bread is a Ukrainian sweet, leavened bread made with a rich dough (often containing golden raisins).

Ukraine Virtual Field Trip Videos

Discover the various popular sites to see in Ukraine by watching these kid-friendly videos of famous landmarks in Ukraine.

• The Most Beautiful Churches in Kyiv
• The Most Beautiful Places of Ukraine
• Virtual Tour of Ukraine
• Ukraine Country Tour | City Kiev, Odessa, Lviv, Carpathians
• Kyiv (Kiev)- The Capital of Ukraine
• Kyiv Pechersk Lavra , Monastery Of The Caves In Ukraine
• The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra | Kyiv’s Architecture: History And Myth
• St. Andrew’s Church Kiev, Ukraine
• St Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery
• The Story Behind Europe’s Tallest Statue: The Motherland Calls
• Taking a Tour of the Mother Motherland Statue
• Swallow’s Nest Castle, Ukraine
• St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral
• Dniester Canyon | Unexplored Ukraine
• Northern Bessarabia | Unexplored Ukraine
• Wild Polissya | Unexplored Ukraine
• Museum of Folk Architecture and Life in Ukraine
• Chernivtsi Museum of Folk Architecture and Life Shows Ukraine in the 19th Century
• M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden
• Travel To Kherson Ukraine – 6 Awesome Things To Do In Kherson
• Ukraine Trip – Kherson Region
• LIFE in the Ukrainian Village
• Ukrainian Seventh Wonder: The Askania Nova
• Dzharylhach from above – Ukraine
• Exploring the Carpathian Mountains – Ukraine
• Top 10 Places To Visit In Ukraine
• Ukraine: A Journey Back in Time
• Kyiv, Not Kiev. Why Ukrainians care so much about their capital’s spelling
• The Story Behind Europe’s Tallest Statue: The Motherland Calls | National Geographic
• HOPAK: Traditional Ukrainian Folk Dance
• Sunflower fields, Ukraine
• Ukrainian Dance: A Short Documentary
• Exploring Ukraine’s Secret Crystal Caves

For a little outdoor fun, you can recreate one of these famous Ukrainian landmarks with this Sidewalk chalk Art Project. Explore math and art as you create a unique masterpiece replicating an iconic building in Ukraine.

Use these Videos for our Ukraine Virtual Field Trip Log

• Monument to Duke de Richelieu
• Holy Dormition Cathedral Poltava, Ukraine
• Kyiv’s Founders Monument
• National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine
• Exploring Khotyn Fortress
• St. Sophia’s Cathedral
• Kyiv Golden Gate

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT : Ukraine Virtual Field Trip Log (FREE)

To help your child track their virtual adventure to Ukraine, you can download this printable unit. It includes pages with information about the Ukraine flag, Ukraine map, Historic Ukrainian landmarks, European map and virtual field trip logs to track each place they explore and share their favorite parts about them.

Google’s Authentic Ukraine Project

The Ukrainian government together with Google created the “Authentic Ukraine” project. A unique space in which you can find texts, descriptions, audio and video materials, illustrations, 3D images and virtual tours of Ukraine.

There is also a lot of visual information about the Ukrainian Identity – folk tales, songs, rituals, traditional crafts.

Here’s a fun project to do with your child, learn about how to decorate eggs the traditional Ukrainian way.

Current Events About Ukraine for Kids

Want to discuss with your child the recent events and history of Ukraine? Here are some age appropriate suggestions to consider from Dr. Laura Markham founder Aha! Parenting.

These videos are mom-approved and teacher-approved to view with your older child.

• Ukraine Russia Conflict Explained
• The Animated History of Ukraine
• Russia Invasion of Ukraine Explained
• Ukraine Geography
• War in Ukraine – TIME for Kids
• Russia-Ukraine War

Here are some additional tips for How to talk to children about war: An age-by-age guide.

This explanation shared by Yvette Dawson-Phillips of the current events in Ukraine provides a very kid-friendly version for younger elementary school children. It breaks it into a “playground version” that I just thought did a good job of trying to put to words what’s happening between Ukraine and Russia.

If your child asks, this is a map of where the Ukrainian refugees are heading and how many of them from ABCNews.com. Over 1 Million refugees have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion, according to the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to books on Amazon.

Ukraine Books for Kids

This is a collection of books written about Ukraine. Many include popular Ukrainian Folktales for you to enjoy.

The Mitten by Jan Brett (Listen to Read Aloud)

The Mitten: Coloring Book (Tales from Ukrainian Folklore) by Svitlana Yakovenko

The Mitten: A Classic Pop-Up Folktale by Jessica Southwick

The Sparrow and the Bush & The Little Straw Bull: Coloring Book by Svitlana Yakovenko

My Ukrainian American Story by Adrianna Oksana Bamber

Who Lives in the Wood?: An Illustrated Ukrainian-English Bilingual Story for Kids – by Chatty Parrot

A Christmas Spider’s Miracle by Trinka Hakes Noble (Listen to Read Aloud)

Secret of the Glass Mountain and Other Folktales from Ukraine by Maria Zemko Tetro

A kid’s guide to decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs by Natalie Perchyshyn

The Fabulous Lost & Found and the Little Ukrainian Mouse by Mark Pallis

Big Book of Ukrainian Alphabet for Kids: English-Ukrainian Book for Kids by Chatty Parrot

My First Ukrainian Book. Ukrainian-English Book for Bilingual Children by Anna Young

The Magic Egg and Other Tales from Ukraine by Barbara J. Suwyn

Ukraine: A Beautiful Travel Photography Coffee Table Picture Book by Dalili

Travel Dreams Ukraine – Social Studies Fun-Schooling Journal by Sarah Janisse Brown

Exploring Ukraine by Matthew Sorenson

Colors of Ukraine by Camille S Campbell

Finding Freedom: A Ukrainian Tale of Home by Maryna Kariuk

Sister Goat / Сестра коза by Antonina Novarese

A New Home for Leo/Новий дім для Лео by Olena Kalishuk

Our World: Ukraine by Kateryna Yehorushkina

Popular Ukrainian Recipes

This is a collection of popular recipes in Ukraine. Which one will you cook first?

• Borscht
• Paska (Easter Bread)
• Varenyky
• Holubtsi
• Deruni
• Olivier Potato Salad
• Holodets
• Kapusta
• Golubtsi
• Ukrainian Pierogies
• Chicken Keiv
• Okroshka
• Banush
• Nalesniki
• Walnut Stuffed Prunes
• Kutia
• Pampushky

Ukrainian Street Food in Odessa’s Oldest and Largest Market

Explore the world with food! For more ideas take a look at our Around the World in 12 Dishes Recipes.

Printable Ukraine Unit for Kids

Track your virtual tours with our free Printable Ukraine Virtual Field Trip Log!

Ways to Support Ukraine Refugees

• UNICEF
• Doctors Without Borders
• Project HOPE
• CARE International
• International Rescue Committee
• UN Crisis Relief
• Convoy of Hope
• Rescue.org
• National Bank of Ukraine
• Women Veterans Foundation
• Come Back Alive

And, to our foreign friends: We are no longer in the headlines every day, but please do not forget us. We need all of you ― not just your governments ― to do everything you can to help us secure our democracy and protect the West from Russia’s aggression. (Read More)

Maria Zavialova, Ukrainian journalist living temporarily in exile

Looking for how to help those affected by the Russian invasion? As with any crisis, women, children, and the poor will be those most affected.

The estimates are that the war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of 4.3 million children – more than half of the country’s estimated 7.5 million child population. This includes more than 1.8 million children who have crossed into neighboring countries as refugees and 2.5 million who are now internally displaced inside Ukraine. in the months since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, according to UNICEF data.

Here are some meaningful ways you can help Ukraine from Global Citizen.

You can print this and color a Stand with Ukraine Poster (free).

The flower became a symbol of peace for Ukrainians in the 1990s and still is today. You learn how to make sunflower coasters.

There are so many amazing locations to explore in Ukraine. Our hope is that this will be a resource for you to use to discover what makes this country so unique.

You can explore more countries and famous locations in our Virtual Field Trips for Kids.

Where do you want to travel next virtually?

Want to explore the world more? Try these popular Virtual Field Trips for Kids.

Ireland Recipes and Crafts for Kids

We are so excited to be traveling the world by cooking dishes from Around the World with our kids! We have set a new course for this season of Around with World in 12 Dishes that includes 12 new countries!

Come join us as we take our children on a trip around the world without ever leaving our homes, well maybe a little to grab a few groceries for cooking and a few books for learning about the world!

We’re traveling to Ireland: Grab a placemat

Print Paper Doll from Ireland

Background Info of Ireland

• Symbols of Ireland 
• Books about Ireland
• Folktales about Ireland

Let’s learn about Ireland by discovering a fact about the country through art and food!

Create a Celtic Knot

In many of the images from Ireland we noticed the patterns which are Celtic knots. We decided to learn what they were and how to make them. To make a Celtic Knot Cookie we practiced a little bit with play dough before we started so that we were familiar with the shapes and methods behind it.

This next week I hope to explore with my daughter how to draw them with some art lessons. They should appear that they have not beginning and no end so it will be quite a challenge and quite fun to learn how to do it.

Celtic Knot Patterns for Kids

There are a few tutorials online of how to create a Celtic knot that we’ll study first.

• Celtic Knot Patterns 
• Tutorial of How to Draw a Celtic Knot
• How to Draw a Celtic Knot 
• Video of how to draw Celtic Knot

Celtic Knot Cookie Recipe

Using a few simple ingredients we took an icon of Ireland and created our very own delicious cookie version of a Celtic Knot! We combined butter, sugar, vanilla and flour to create yummy shortbread cookie dough.

This was the first time I let my 6 year old use my big KitchenAid Stand Mixer all by herself with supervision, she was so excited. We followed this Shortbread recipe from allrecipes.com.  

Once our dough chilled a little bit we used a Cookie Press to create a line on dough that we were able to bend and form into a Celtic knot. You could also just roll the dough out into a snake shape then bend it into a Celtic Knot. 

Here’s the original recipe that inspired me to create our own Celtic Knot Cookie.

Celtic Music

While we were in the kitchen forming Celtic Knots we had such fun listening to Irish and Celtic music podcast. I love bringing music from other regions into our home and transforming us into other places! Here’s a few that were fun to listen to.

We even had a little afternoon fun trying to learn how to Irish Step Dancing! Here’s a beginning tutorial. And special post about Irish Dancing from ABC and 123.

And you can’t miss Murray learning about Irish Dancing on Sesame Street!

Then we created a few fun crafts about Ireland while we enjoyed our shortbread cookies in the shape of Celtic Knots.

Ireland Crafts

• Sheep Craft 
• Blarney Stone Activity & Craft 
• Irish Blessing Cards 
• St. Brigid’s Cross 
• Potato Stamping

Irish Recipes for Kids

• Irish Beef Stew From Adventures in Mommydom
• Shamrock Potato Prints from Creative Family Fun
• Apple Cake from Juggling with Kids,
• Traditional Irish Dinner from Kid World Citizen
• Guinness Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes from Kitchen Counter Chronicles
• Irish Flag from Mermaids’ Making
• Soda Bread from Mummymummymum

Take a look at our top picks for St. Patrick’s Day Books for kids for even more fun!

Celebrate Irish culture with these delicious Celtic Knot Cookies—perfect for family baking fun! Try them out and share your creations with us!

You may also enjoy these activities with your child…

Here is one activity that keeps my 2 youngest, ages 2 and 5, happy and busy for at least 15 minutes.

DIY Travel Busy Bag for Writing Practice

Affiliate links included.

Materials Needed:

• Multipurpose Paper
• Construction Paper
• Heavy Duty Quart Freezer Bags
• Stapler
• Permanent Marker
• Low-Odor Dry Erase Marker

How to Make the Writing Practice Travel Busy Bag

1. Cut your multipurpose paper to fit inside your plastic bag.

2. Write letters, words, patterns, or shapes on the paper.

3. Stuff the paper inside the bag. 

4. Assemble a set of filled bags together with the tops facing up. Include 1-3 bags with the tops facing
down. These bags will hold your marker and eraser. The kids also like to make their own tracing sheets, so they can slide theirs into the bags that can open.  Staple one time to hold. 

5. Place the set of bags inside 2 pieces of construction paper. Staple shut at the top.

6. Cut the cover to look like a bag if you want or leave it rectangular.

How to Use the Writing Practice Travel Busy Bag

1. Sit down with your child and talk to them about the letters and the words.
2. Encourage them to trace, making sure to start at the top and using downward strokes.
3. When they are done, have them erase with a damp sock or white board eraser.

*** all baggies will work, but the heavy duty freezer bags tend to hold up better to erasing.

My 5 year old traced the letters and said them.
My 2 year old was excited to trace the circles.

Here are a few tips for the secrets to surviving a long flights with kids.

Busy Bags for Little Travelers

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Engineering Kits: Kids’ Travel Sized Stacking Cups // Lemon Lime Adventures

This activity is great for helping kids to hone in on their problem solving and building skills. Keep this activity kit in the back of your car for on-the-go engineering.

Colouring Page Airplane Scavenger Hunt // Mama.Papa.Bubba.

Print this scavenger hunt out if you are headed on an airplane trip this summer with your littles. Play this activity to encourage your little traveler to use their observation skills and record what they see.

My Busy Book for Travel // Powerful Mothering

Are we there yet? My oldest child likes to write, so having a notebook filled with little activities is the perfect way to keep her entertained and learning!

Tic Tac Toe Busy Bag // The Pleasantest Thing

Games are the perfect way to pass the time while you are waiting for your airplane to arrive. Try this updated version of the classic tic-tac-toe.

Color Road Sign Match Up Activity // Mommy Needs a Coffee Break

This busy bag is the perfect combination of math and fine motor skills.  Make sure to talk about colors and shapes. Introduce the concepts of sides and vertices too! It is amazing what little kids can learn.

Printable Road Trip Games for Kids // Lalymom

Print this packet of games, hole punch, and throw them in a 3 ring binder for easy traveling. Don’t forget to include a page of stickers in too. Encourage your child to give themselves a sticker after they complete each activity.

Free Airport Scavenger Hunt // Playdough to Plato

We always talk about expectations for behavior while at the airport. Print this sheet out before your trip and use some of the pictures to guide your discussion. Then, while you are in the airport, color in the items that you see.

Little Red Riding Hood Finger Puppets // Easy Peasy and Fun

Finger puppets are one of my go-to travel activities. They lend well to open ended play and my kids will spend at least 30 minutes creating their own stories. Print and make this set of finger puppets for a classic story-telling busy bag. Include a notebook in this busy bag for older kids to write their own spin on the story.

DIY White Board Busy Bag for Kids // Sugar Aunts

Practice building and writing words with this cute travel size white board busy bag.

Magnetic Buttons Busy Bag // Teach Me Mommy

Don’t worry about loosing your buttons on the floor of the plane (Oh, I have lost so many things on airplane floors including plastic dinosaurs). These ones have magnets on them. A great travel activity to do while you are sitting next to your child. Make sure to store the magnets out of the reach of little ones.

Transportation Memory Game // Itsy Bitsy Fun

There are many ways to get from place to place. Play a game of travel memory to pass the time while traveling with a preschooler.

You may also enjoy these activities for kids…