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…

Which Indian recipe will you make first?

How to Cook Indian Food with Kids

Cooking is a great way to bond with your kids and teach them valuable life skills. It can also be a fun and educational experience, especially when you’re cooking Indian food.

My husband’s family is Punjabi from New Delhi located in Northern India and over the past 20+ years, I’ve spent many hours and had so much fun learning to cook Indian dishes with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. The variety of recipes and types of spices incorporated into the recipes made in Indian homes throughout the world are delicious.

It’s been fun watching these Indian kitchen skills passed on to our three children, my nieces and nephew. With generation-to-generation learning, one thing I observed is that many talented Indian home chefs don’t always use measurements, it’s also been a learning curve to get things just right in taste.

Benefits of Cooking Indian Recipes with Kids

Cooking with your kids has many benefits, including:

• Encourages healthy eating. Indian food is typically made with fresh, healthy ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. By cooking Indian food with your kids, you can help them develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
• Teaches kids about other cultures. Indian food is a great way to teach kids about other cultures. When you cook Indian food with your kids, you can talk about the history of India, its people, and its cuisine.
• Helps kids develop math and science skills. Cooking involves measuring ingredients, following instructions, and understanding how different ingredients interact with each other.
• Enhances family bonding. Cooking together is a great way to spend time with your kids and bond as a family. It’s a fun and relaxed activity that everyone can enjoy.

Here is our collection of 70+ Fun and Easy Recipes for Kids to Make

Tips for Cooking Indian Recipes with Kids

Here are a few tips for cooking Indian food with kids:

• Choose simple recipes. When you’re cooking with kids, it’s best to choose simple recipes that don’t require a lot of ingredients or steps. This will help keep the kids engaged and prevent them from getting frustrated.
• Prepare the ingredients ahead of time. This will help make the cooking process easier and more efficient.
• Let the kids help with the cooking. Kids love to help in the kitchen, so give them a chance to do so. Let them measure the ingredients, stir the pot, and taste the food.
• Take advantage of an instant pot. Many savory Indian dishes can be easily made more safely in an instant pot.
• Make it fun! Cooking Indian food should be a fun experience. Play some Indian music, dance around the kitchen, and enjoy each other’s company.

Kitchen Tools Recommended

Here are a few kitchen tools that I have found to make it easier to cook Indian recipes with my kids. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Onion chopper
• Garlic Mincer
• Bamboo Wooden Spoon Set
• Instant Pot
• Bamboo Wooden Cutting Board
• Morter and Pestle Set
• Kids Knife Set
• Skillet with Lid
• Glass Blender with Small To Go Option
• Cast Iron Round Griddle
• Chakla Belan and Polpat Belan
• Masala Spice Box for Kitchen

Once you’ve cooked your meal it can be fun to serve on a Thali Plate.

Easy Kid-Friendly Indian Recipes to Try

Here are a few easy and kid-friendly Indian recipes that you can try with your kids:

• Chicken Tikka Masala. This is a classic Indian dish that is sure to please kids. It is made with chicken that is marinated in a yogurt and spice mixture, then grilled or roasted.
• Dal Makhani. This is a hearty and comforting lentil dish that is pretty quick to make. It is made with black lentils that are simmered in a tomato and cream sauce.
• Aloo Gobi. This is a simple and flavorful dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. It is typically served with rice or flatbread.
• Naan. This is a soft and fluffy flatbread that is perfect for using to eat these delicious dishes.

One thing I’ve observed over the years is that there’s a difference between the foods you can get at your local Indian Restaurant or Buffet compared to what an average Indian family cooks for lunch or dinner. I wanted to share with you our family’s favorite Indian dishes that we eat every week.

In this guide, I’ve linked each recipe to the recipe and a how-to video. Something I wish I could have had access to 20+ years ago when I started learning how to make Indian recipes. This is truthfully for my children to use as they learn to make each of our family’s favorite Indian dishes. I hope you enjoy making them for your family with your children.

There are many ways to get the kids involved in these tasty recipes. Plus so many of them are made using whole foods like lentils and beans.

Disclosure: Please use all caution when cooking with your child. You know your child and their skills best to avoid accidents with heat or sharp objects. Many tasks are still adult-only tasks, use your discretion.

Vegetarian Indian Recipes for Kids

There’s a huge variety of vegetarian options for making Indian recipes with your child.

• Rajma Chawal (Kidney Beans with Rice) watch video
• Dal Makhani (Black Lentils with Rice) watch video
• Chole Chawal (Garbanzo Beans with Rice) watch video
• Chana Masala Bhatura (Garbanzo Beans with Fried Round Flat Bread) watch video
• Baingan Bharta (Eggplant) watch video
• Bhindi Masala (Okra) watch video
• Paneer Butter Masala (Paneer with Creamy Tomato Sauce) watch video
• Palak Paneer (Spinach with Paneer) watch video
• Kadhi Pakora (Onion Fritters in a spiced yogurt sauce) watch video
• Indian Sprout Salad (Sprouted Lentils and Garbonzo Beans) watch video
  – How to Sprout Lentils watch video
  – Benefits for Sprouts
• Vegan Rice Pilaf aka Pulao (every home makes it differently) watch video
  – Holy Cow Vegan
  – Delicious Magazine
  – Dassana Veg Recipes
  – BBC
• Boondi Raita (spiced yogurt side dish) watch video

The best part is that most of these start the same way with the base as you create these aromatic curries. This method creates that explosion of flavors we seek in Northern Indian food.

Children can measure the spices. Measuring out the beans, lentils, rice, or water can be a helpful task too. To make the base for many of these your child can help with using the Onion chopper or Garlic Mincer.

Sometimes you use a glass blender to blend curries, which kids love to push buttons.

We use our Instant Pot with many of our dishes which also helps with younger children and keeping them safe from hot pans.

Non-Vegetarian Indian Dishes to Make

Many kids are drawn to these traditional Indian chicken dishes. Mixing the marinade and blending the sauces are tasks the kids will enjoy.

• Butter Chicken (chicken in creamy sauce) watch video
• Tandoori Chicken (marinated chicken legs and thighs grilled) watch video
• Chicken Curry (chicken with curry) watch video
• Chicken Seekh Kebab (minced chicken on a skewer) watch video
• Biryani Chicken (One pot yogurt dark chicken with rice) watch video

Indian Flatbreads

Many Indian dishes are served with a flatbread. Traditional you would eat the food with this instead of a utensil. Kids love this feature!

• Naan (leavened, teardrop-shaped flatbread) watch video
• Chapati or Roti (whole wheat unleavened flatbread) watch video
• Paratha (stuffed Indian unleavened flatbread) watch video

Naan is a leavened bread (meaning it uses yeast), while roti is an unleavened bread (meaning it doesn’t). The different ingredients give a far different texture: naan is soft and chewy, while roti is dense and thin.

Indian Appetizers

Appetizers are probably my most favorite part of exploring Indian food! India is famous for it’s street food and these are my top picks for Indian Appetizers to make with your child.

• Samosas (pastry with a savory potato filling) watch video
• Golgappa (deep-fried, breaded ball filled with mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and a spicy mint-cilantro water and sweet chutney) watch video
• Pakoras (fried vegetables in a spiced batter) watch video
• Dahi Papdi Chaat (yogurt, crispy pooris, sev, and chutneys) watch video
• Aloo Tikki Chaat (crispy potato patties topped with yogurt and chutneys) watch video

We love products from Haldiram’s at the local Indian Grocery store for snacks to keep around the house with Chai.

Indian Drinks

• Indian Chai
• Mango Lassi
• Thandai
• Anar lassi

If you’re having appetizers, I’d suggest making Indian Chai for a warm drink. It’s a very common tradition of inviting guests for chai and snacks in India. Traditionally chai is made from black tea mixed with strong spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, black peppercorns, and milk. We use a chai masala from the store. You can watch the video to see how to prepare it.

There are a few other drinks the kids may enjoy. Mango lassi is a huge favorite with kids and adults. (watch video)You can also make Thandai, a traditional Indian drink that is made with milk, nuts, seeds, spices, and saffron. (watch video)

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Indian Spices

To make your cooking easier, here are a few spices we keep on hand from our local Indian grocery store. You can also grab them on Amazon with the link provided.

• Garam Masala
• Turmeric Powder
• Red Chili Powder
• Dal Makhani 
• Chana Masala
• Rajma Masala
• Green Cardamom
• Black Cardamom 
• Cumin Seeds 
• Chat Masala
• Butter Chicken 
• Tandoori Chicken 
• Biryani Masala

Indian Recipes on Pinterest

I’ve shared with you my favorite North Indian Dishes, you may also want to explore these South Indian Dishes too. So many new dishes and spices to discover with your child as you explore the cuisine of all of India.

Here’s more in-depth information about Exploring Indian Culture Through Food.

Want more ideas for inspiration, take a look at the 17 Best Indian Cooking YouTube Channels To Follow.

So next time you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids, try cooking some Indian food. You might be surprised at how much you all enjoy it!

While your food is cooking, take a moment to do this fun India Virtual Field Trip with your child.

This India Virtual Field Trip Contains…

• Virtual Field Trip Journal Page 
• India Flag and Fun Facts Coloring Page
• India Map Coloring Page 
• Map of Asia Coloring Page 
• India Landmarks Fill in the Blank

We can’t wait to see which Indian Recipe you try first with your child!

You may also enjoy these kids’ activities…

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!

Affiliate Links Included in this article. I received a copy of the three Harvest books courtesy of Lee and Low Publishing. All of my thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. #LOVEdiverseBOOKS

Rainbow Stew Book and Sibling Activity

One of our favorite harvest books this month is Rainbow Stew. Rainbow Stew is a delightful tale about a group of children and their Grandpa harvesting colorful vegetables from the garden in the rain to make stew for supper. The illustrations are fun and the words make you want to be in the garden picking vegetables too!

Although this picture book is geared for kindergarten – 2nd graders, but my Preschooler and Toddler enjoyed it at well. Read more about the book here

Because I have THREE kids – ages 2, 5, and 8, I wanted a harvest activity that all three kids can do together. Making and playing with felt food is something all ages can do. (Even I enjoy it!!!!) The preschooler and grade schooler can cut and hand stitch the food together and they all can play in the pretend kitchen afterward.

We don’t usually use a tutorial when making felt food, rather make the shape of the vegetable and stitch it together on the outsides with a leaf or stem if needed. See the picture below of the ones that the kids and I have made.

Rainbow Stew Felt Food Tutorials and Inspiration from Around the Web

• Cucumbers – Blurt Blogger
• Peas – Bread and Buttons
• Kale (Just make this lettuce a little more frilly) – One Inch World
• Beans – Craftiness is Not Optional
• Spinach 
• Zucchini 

Yellow Peppers – Art Threads
Purple Cabbage 
Red Radish – Made While Wearing Heals
Red Tomatoes – One Inch World

Brown Potatoes – My felt Friends
Orange Carrots – Sun Shiny Days
Purple Eggplant – Made While Wearing Heals

After making some vegetables, then encourage your children to make a pretend rainbow stew with the felt food!

Use vocabulary such as: harvest, ingredients, simmer,  heaping, and serve.

“Peel, slice, chop, and dice, colors fill the pot.”

***Moms note: If you don’t have a little kitchen already, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Red Retro Kitchen and can’t speak highly enough about it!   It’s 8 years old and still in great shape!

Companion Text for Siblings Harvest Theme Reading

Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué Rico!: America’s Sproutings was my 8 year olds favorite harvest book this month.  I love the way it combined a haiku with a short non-fiction text on the native to the Americas fruit, vegetable, or nut, making it the perfect literacy teaching tool for the month. It is a great text to read for a variety of purposes.  I would even encourage older children to try their creativity at selecting a harvest fruit or vegetable and writing their own haiku and illustrating it.  Read more about the book here.

Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnic is geared for middle to upper grade school children.  It is a book with longer text that tells the story of a Chinese family in Chicago finding a soy bean field and the start to their annual Soybean picnic. My kids like to read, so the older two enjoyed it, but it was WAY to long for the toddler! He climbed off my lap right away. I like that it told the story of another families start to a fantastic tradition.  Read more about the book here.

Rainbow Stew Felt Food Activity Extension:

Take a virtual field trip around the world to see diverse crops being harvested. Compare and contrast the methods for growing and harvesting.

Want more? Get our list of Colorful Rainbow Books for Kids.

You may also enjoy these activities with your child…

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Exploring Cultures from Around the World with Kids

One of the most meaningful lessons you can do with your child after school is to find local events that support other cultures within your community. These hands-on moments can be such a meaningful and memorable experience out of school. 

The Importance of Learning About Cultures Around the World are:

• It helps them develop empathy and understanding for people from different backgrounds.
• It can help them appreciate diversity and see the world from different perspectives.
• It can help them become more tolerant and open-minded.
• It can help them learn about different customs and traditions.
• It can help them learn about different languages and cultures.
• It can help them become more globally aware and prepared for the future.

Overall, learning about cultures around the world is a valuable experience for kids that can help them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Attend a local Event at Your Museum or Cultural Center

This past week we were so lucky to have our local art museum host a Chinese New Year Family Day.

We were welcomed with crafts for our children to make, handouts for our children to learn from, specific art pieces selected for our children to observe and most importantly local performers willing to share their Cultural heritage dances.

Taking time to teach our children about other cultures while they are young in such a valuable lesson. You will find that most members are really excited about sharing out their own culture and take such pride in it.

Finding resources really can be easy if you keep your eyes and ears open to your community events.

Attend a Class About a Skill Specific to a Region or Culture

For our specific event at the museum, we were provided materials to learn how to write in Chinese and to create their own Chinese Lantern. We explored many pieces of Asian art which will be inspiring us for the next Kids Get Arty with Red Ted Art.

Enjoy Dishes from Various Cultures and Regions

The next day a very close friend also invited us to her home for a play date. She planned traditional Chinese Dishes for the kids to try, a story, and a few crafts. It’s so much fun to learn about friends and their backgrounds. 

Take a look around you and find out where your friend’s family is from originally, you might be surprised how diverse they are.

Learn to Cook Dishes from Around the World

One of my main reasons we blog about our Around the World in 12 Dishes, is that I love learning about the foods from countries too! It’s fun to step out into your community and explore the local restaurants and stores of varying cultures. 

We try our best to explore Diverse Children’s Books in the library as we learn about various cultures.

Take a look at our Read Your World: Diverse Children’s Book Reviews for even more activity ideas.

Go on a Field Trip to Explore a Culture

We are lucky enough to live in Florida and can visit Epcot’s World Showcase. Each country in the World Showcase has something unique and there are tons of details you will miss if you don’t explore them!

Not everyone has Disney in their backyard, so here are 10 Ways to Explore the World with your Kids from your home or local attractions and community centers.

One of our passions is traveling with our kids to raise global citizens. You can take a look at the family-friendly places we’ve traveled to get inspired for your next family vacation as you explore our world.

Here are a few activities to explore cultures around the world

Learning About the Diversity of Cultures with Activities

Exploring other cultures can be as simple as finding…

• Books
• Crafts
• Play time
• Dress Up
• Food and more

that can transform you into any culture! Even Virtual Field Trips for Kids!  

We encourage you to follow our Bilingual Babies and World Geography Board. It can make coming up with ideas so much easier, we’re always searching for resources to teach our children about the world.

Our Favorites Chinese New Year Posts for School Ages

Here are some of our favorites.

• Chinese New Year Activities for School Ages
• Chinese New Year Books for Kids
• Chinese New Year Sensory Bins
• Chinese New Year Activities for Preschool

Exploring the world with kids through activities can be a memorable way to learn about the world with your child. It’s an important life skill for them to learn about diversity and what makes each region similar and different from where they live.

Make time to explore with your child.

You may also enjoy these global activities for kids with your child…

Here’s how to explain harvest to preschoolers. 

At 8:00 this morning, my kids were outside in the garden. It’s HARVEST time!!! Our garden is tiny, but we still have herbs and vegetables to harvest. I want my preschooler to understand what it means to harvest the food that he planted from seed.

And then, I want to help him make connections to what the harvest theme means for people around the world!

Take your Kids on a Virtual Harvest Theme Field Trip:

I am a HUGE fan of gardening with kids. In fact, we even have an entire label on our sidebar dedicated to gardening with kids. Children can learn SOOOOO much in a garden. From math, science, history, geography, art and real life skills such as patience, hard work and persistence.

Here are some of my favorite articles here At The Educators’ Spin On It:

• Best Herbs to Grow with Kids 
• Best Flowers to Grow with Kids 
• Best Vegetables to Grow with Kids 

HARVEST isn’t just the act of picking a vegetable from the vine, it is a season for collecting the crops and celebrating the plentiful gifts our garden has brought to us.

People all around the world plant and harvest crops to feed their families. They plant fruits, vegetables and wheat that match their soil type and temperatures. Many countries plant similar crops such as potatoes and root vegetables.

Often times when we look at the world through a global lens, we come to the realization that we are more alike than different.

LEARN: Harvest Preschool Activities for Social Studies:

• Watch a few videos together. Look at the pictures.
• Discuss. See if you can see any similarities and differences in these harvests around the world.
• Open your fridge and see where the produce you bought was grown.
• Grab a map and find those places in the world.

This activity will combine SOCIAL STUDIES AND TECHNOLOGY!

NOTE: I have previewed MANY harvest videos and selected the most appropriate. Most contain advertisements in the beginning and music in the background. They would all work well muted and you can click, skip ad after a few seconds.

Potatoes from Egypt

This is a really cool informative video about growing potatoes in Egypt. I was amazed, but it may be a little bit over a preschoolers understanding. You can skip to 7 minutes to see the harvest of potatoes in the desert.

Midwest U.S.A. At Grandma and Grandpa’s garden:

Tomato Harvest – Mostly Heirloom

Onion Harvest

The grandkids helping pick the vegetables.

At a Wheat Farm in North Carolina

Different views of a wheat harvest set to music

South, U.S.A our tiny garden:

Red Potato Harvest

Broccoli Harvest

Papaya Golden from Brasil – FARM

They live in Izhevsk, a city East of Moscow. See if you can find it on a map!

Squash Harvest

Big Beets in Russia

Japan Rice Harvest

Now – don’t let your Harvest Preschool Activities stop with the virtual field trip, bring your learning back to the couch and snuggle in with a good harvest theme book.  

Then, craft, explore, and make even more Harvest Preschool Activities.

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HARVEST Themed Books for Preschoolers

For every thematic unit we do at home, I like to gather the books in my home that relate to the theme.  We also check out books from the library and purchase books to build themes. I like to display these books on an open bookshelf with the covers facing out.  My preschooler tends to read these more than if they are tucked in the depths of my bookshelves.  Setting them in a basket near the couch or reading chair would work as well.  Here are some that I would include on our bookshelf for this unit.

Apples for Everyone (Picture the Seasons)
This book is a National Geographic reader with stunning pictures to show the seasons. A perfect literacy connection to a harvest trip to an apple orchard!
Read the Full Book Description

Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie (Picture the Seasons)
This book is the companion to Apples for Everyone.  Vibrant pictures show the transition of pumpkins from seed to harvest. A perfect literacy connection to a harvest trip to a pumpkin patch.
Read the Full Book Description

Kids’ Pumpkin Projects: Planting & Harvest Fun (Williamson Good Times Books)
Crafts and projects are interwoven with pumpkin stories. Although geared for Kindergarten to 3rd grade, preschoolers could do most of these projects with adult support.
Read the Full Book Description

Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden
This is the story of the life cycle on a pumpkin and how it is all connected in a big garden circle.
Read the Full Book Description

Rainbow Stew
Children harvest vegetables from Grandpa’s garden in this delightful tale.
Read the Full Book Description

Yum! Mmmm! Que Rico! Americas’ Sproutings
From chili peppers to papaya, this book highlights an enormous variety of fruits and vegetables that are found in the Americas.  A non-fiction text accompanies each Haiku for an enriched learning experience.
Read the Full Book Description

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Make: HARVEST Activities for Learning

Plan your PRESCHOOL Harvest Theme Learning Week with Activities from the Playful Preschool Education Team:

Learning with Gourds: Comparing, Sorting, and Labeling for Fall by Still Playing School
Corny Science: Will it sink or float? by Capri + 3
Harvesting in the Carrot Patch by Powerful Mothering
Preschool Math: Measuring Pumpkins by Mom Inspired Life
Making Bread by Rainy Day Mum
Alphabet Activities: Letter Harvest by Growing Book by Book
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves Sequencing Cards & Power Point by The Preschool Toolbox Blog
Go Global: Harvests Around the World by The Educators’ Spin On It
Harvest Time: Jamaican Style Music by Learning 2 Walk
Little Red Hen Activity – Retelling through Sensory Play by Fun-A-Day
Pumpkin Play and Learning by Little Bins for Little Hands

PLAY: Harvest Play Ideas for Preschoolers

I have come to the realization that after teaching many years in the kindergarten classroom, I REALLY like harvest and farm toys.  They are so versatile and lend well to incorporating many important ideas and academics into play.

Small World Toys Living – Peel ‘N’ Play Velcro Play Set

I make most of my own playfood with felt and hand sewing. We do have several wooden food items too. This plastic peel set is a hit with my kids though because you can take the pieces apart and put them together again.

Fisher-Price Little People Fun Sounds Farm

 Yes it is plastic.  If you like wood better, there are many great products. I happen to have an older model of this farm and my kids use it often.  We set it up on our train table and they take the train to the farm.  We set up an apple orchard and they pretend to harvest apples.  In all, it has seen MANY hours of use.

Farm Animals, 12 piece

 So, this is more farmy than harvesty, but I made my kids a really cute set of playmats with fields of plants and the animals naturally fall in with the harvest unit.

String A Farm Beads

 Ok – so this one is more farmy too. BUT, I have looked for vegetable beads to no avail.  Beading is so good for fine motor. And YES, these are in with my wooden beads. Didn’t I tell you I had a ton of farm and harvest toys!

Ertl Big Farm 24 Pack Of Small Square Bales

 Last, but not least, doesn’t every kid need a pack of hay bales.  So, I do not OWN these, but trust me, if I did, I would SOOOO use them.

GO: Making the Most of Harvest Photographs

If you do not have a garden, I strongly urge to you head to a u-pick farm or pumpkin patch and let your children experience the word HARVEST with their own two hands.

AND for those of you who always post super cute pictures of your kids harvesting apples, or pumpkins, I’d like to end on these pictures.

Here is a picture of my preschooler sitting nicely near a pumpkin, smiling for a photo…. NOT, but you take what you can get! LOL.

Don’t miss our other POPULAR posts in the #PLAYfulpreschool Series:

•  Apple Theme Preschool Activities
• Farm Theme Preschool Activities
• Family Theme Preschool Activities

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