Welcome back to “Around The World in 12 Dishes”. We’ve arrived in French Polynesia on our journey around the world, (loosely) following in Phileas Fogg’s footsteps, exploring 12 different countries with our children, by cooking 12 dishes with them. One for each country visited.

Here’s where we’ve traveled so far on our Cooking Around the World.

Now we’re heading to the beautiful islands of French Polynesia! 

Learning about French Polynesia with Kids

We decided to make Coconut Bread for our Dish. It’s a moist and sweet bread with very few ingredients.  According to our research, coconut bread is popular at both breakfast and lunch in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. 

French Polynesia consists of 121 islands and atolls (75 inhabited) in the South Pacific Ocean. The total land area is 3,521 square kilometers. The population of 278,786

The capital is Tahiti. Some other important atolls, islands, and island groups in French Polynesia are: Ahē, Bora Bora, Hiva ‘Oa, Huahine, Mai’ao, Maupiti, Meheti’a, Mo’orea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Taha’a, Tetiaroa, Tupua’i and Tūpai.

Tahitian Island Cooking by Jean Galopin

The recipe we chose came from the cookbook Tahitian Island Cooking by Jean Galopin. We weren’t able to find the book but would love to get our hands on it one day to find more Tahitian recipes. 

Tahitian Coconut Bread Recipe

Cook Time:

35 minutes but you need to let the bread rise 3 hours first so plan ahead!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 and 1/2 cups of water
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 8 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons yeast
• 2 cups coconut milk

For the Recipe, we followed Click here. 
Here’s another version too!

My daughter was in charge of measuring all of the ingredients for this recipe. They were pretty simple and I was there to assist her if she needed help.

Here she is pouring the water, measuring the flour, and stirring the ingredients in both steps.

Then the fun part begins when it’s time to knead the bread. She had fun getting sticky and gooey and learned that flour does help the process. Although it might not be the most proper form of kneading, she really was starting to understand the process. Then we waited and watched how the dough changed because of the yeast in it.

We let it rise for 3 hours so we had some time for learning about the islands.

Next on our list to make is this moist and flavorful Coconut Cake topped with a sweet and creamy coconut buttercream frosting.

Learning How Foods Were Brought to the French Polynesian Islands

While our bread was rising we took some time to talk about where the French Polynesia Islands are located. We discovered how many islands there were. My daughter still remembers her cruise to the Western Caribbean from a few years ago so it was fun to talk with her about island hopping and all that there is to do and see on an island.

One of our day trips was focused on the foods of the islands, this was probably our favorite of all the islands we visited.

One thing that we talked about was how the food got to the island.  Since all the islands of French Polynesia are of volcanic origin, what created isolated and sparse islands, far away from any continent? Where could the food come from? 

We discovered there were so many plants but that most of the fruits and vegetables were imported and acclimated by people. There were two groups that sailed to the islands.

• Polynesian immigrants -who may have come from Southeast Asia- brought on their canoes the typical fruits of their region that they needed to survive during their long trip across the Pacific Ocean: banana trees, coconut trees, breadfruit trees… Those plants are considered today by many people as indigenous.

• European colonists then brought many species that they had gathered all around the world and acclimated them with success to the Polynesian climate. That is why we can find today in Polynesian gardens, orchards and mountains either European strawberries, African watermelons, Brazilian guava trees, or grapefruits from Borneo…  

Source: The Tahiti Traveler

We learned about the names of the Fruits and Vegetables that can be found on the islands. It was fun to see how many are also found in Florida and in India… all very close growing to a similar relation to the equator.

We checked on our globe the latitude of each place we have our family.

Becky at Kid Citizen World inspired us with her post about food and Maps, go check it out. See how much you can learn with cooking!

Once our bread was done rising we gently popped it into the oven for just 35 minutes. When it came out of the oven my daughter was so excited that it really looked like bread that she made on her own. We all had a taste test and it was so yummy.

I can imagine it with even some delicious island fruit on top for breakfast or lunch or perhaps with this Jam.   

We had so much fun making this bread together and learning about the islands of French Polynesia. We even checked out a few Tahitian videos online and read a few books about the Islands.

Plus we made a small bungalow craft and a little science lesson about coconuts while the dough was rising. Now it’s your turn to share with us!

How to join the fun!

• Cook a dish from French Polynesia: The goal is to explore this country through FOOD and activities if you wish. Make a typical dish (sweet or savory) from the country with the kids, take photos and have fun!

• Typical dishes: Poisson Cru, Poulet (Chicken) Fafa, Po’e, Pork Curry with Tarua (Taro), .

• Make a craft: you can make a country-related craft with the kids [optional!]

• Fun fact: Those things that look like mailboxes outside the homes of Tahitian residents are not for mail but for French bread delivery. Residents get a fresh loaf dropped off twice a day. But they must go to the post office to retrieve their mail!

Just in case you’re not quite ready for Summer to be over take one last peek at these beautiful islands of French Polynesia!

Want more ideas for cooking with kids? Try these kid-friendly recipes…

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!

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…

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…

Summer Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Summer is HERE! The kids are home from school! As much as we’d like to travel all summer long that’s not an option due to work and budgets. So the next best thing is to take tons of kid-friendly summer virtual field trips with your child!

We’ve packed this list full of fun summer adventures PLUS themed activities to go with them.

Are you ready to explore these summer adventures?

Oceans

• Virtual Tour – Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
• National Graphic Virtual Field Trip of Ocean
• 360° Underwater National Park – Buck Island Reef – America’s first protected marine monument.

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Host an Ocean Themed Playdate or Create a Writing in the Sand Sight Word Game.

Seashells

• Snorkeling for seashells in Navarre Beach, FL
• Seashells on the sand bar on Captiva Island
• Collecting Sanibel Beach Seashells
• What Do You Hear in a Seashell?

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Explore these Shell Themed Learning Activities, including how to make Rainbow Shells. You can also make your own Mermaid Necklace.

Coral Reefs

• Exploring the Coral Reef
• The Great Barrier Reef in Australia
• The Coral Kingdom with National Geographic Kids
• Who Lives on a Coral Reef

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Create Watercolor Puppets of Coral Reef Animals which includes a movement game.

Ocean Animals

• Ocean Animals for Kids
• Turtle Time with National Geographic
• The Brave Sea Turtle
• The Outrageous Octopus
• Humpback Whale
• Fish
• Crabs
• Shark Dive with National Geographic
• Discovering Dolphins with National Geographic
• Swimming with Giants in the Ocean with National Geographic
• Ocean View | Ready, Set, Zoom!
• Kids Sail and Snorkel in Kaua’i – See Dolphins, Turtles and Tropical Fish

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Get outdoors to with tips for Finding Shark Teeth with Kids or visit your local Aquarium. You can explore these Shark Themed Activities and books!

Boat Adventures

• Learn how to Sail: Step by Step Guide to Sailing
• Boats for Children with Blippi
• How Do Ships Float? | Things Explained: Buoyancy
• Why do ships float?
• National Maritime Museum Greenwich, London
• Australian National Maritime Museum
• Maritime Museum of San Diego, California
• Touring A Modern Day Cargo Ship

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Get ready to race with these Pool Noodle Sight Word Boats OR Explore water since with a creative Sink or Float Experiment.

Amusement Parks Rides

• Splash Mountain – Disney World
• Space Mountain – Disney World
• It’s a Small World – Disney World
• Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom
• Big Thunder Mountain Ride – Disney World
• Mako Roller Coaster – Sea World
• Kraken Roller Coaster – Sea World
• Manta Roller Coaster – Sea World
• Journey to Atlantis – Sea World
• Infinity Falls – Sea World

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Test your building skills with this Newspaper Engineering Challenge or Explore our favorite STEM Activities.

Rafting

• Extreme Kayaking in the Grand Canyon
• Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon

Rock Slides

• Sliding Down the Natural Waterslide at Slide Rock State Park – Sedona, Arizona
• Sliding Rock, North Carolina
• 8 Natural Water Slides of California

ACTIVITY IDEA: Get ready for snacktime with this Edible Sedimentary Rock Cycle Activity.

Hiking

• Redwood National Park
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Half Dome at Yosemite National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park – Rim to Rim
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Skyline Trail Mount Rainer
• Rocky Mountain National Park

Camping

• Blippi Visits a Camp Site
• Tobee Goes Camping

ACTIVITY IDEA: Play this Muffin Tin Camping Game to work on reading skills.

Fishing

• Fishing Virtual Field Trip
• How to Fish – Fishing Camp Field Trip
• How to Teach Kids to Fish

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Get counting with this fish themed math game OR make your own fish art!

Natural Springs

• Top 10 Springs in Florida
• Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
• Ponce De Leon Springs
• Ginnie Springs, Florida
• Wekiwa Springs State Park
• DEEP in Wekiwa Springs, Wekiva River, and Wekiva Island
• Rock Springs and Kelly Park
• Kelly Park Rock Springs Ariel View
• Blue Spring State Park Tour
• Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
• Blue Spring Florida Manatees State Park
• Blue Springs with Florida Travel

Ice Cream

• Easy Homemade Ice Cream
• How is Ice Cream Made?
• Make Your Own Ice Cream
• Learn How Ice Cream is Made With Scholastic News

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Here’s our Step by Step instructions for Kids for How to Make your Own Ice Cream.

Watermelon Farms

• Watermelon Farm Tour
• How to Grow Watermelons
• World’s Largest Watermelon Farm

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Explore these 30+ Gardening Activity for Kids

Printable Virtual Field Trip Log

There are so many fun ways to explore these summer virtual tours for kids! Once you’ve gone on your adventure be sure to grab our Virtual Field Trip Log to track your summer adventures.

Summer Virtual Tours for Kids

Which summer virtual tour will you pick first to take on an adventure this summer?

Tell us in the comments below which one was your favorite trip!

Summer Activity Ideas for Kids

• The Best Summer Books for Kids
• Tips for Making Summer Memories with Your Kids
• Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids
• Printable Summer Bucket List Planner
• The Best Summer Science Activities for Kids
• Screen Free Activities for Summer Fun
• Rainforest Virtual Field Trip
• First Day of Summer Vacation Interview

DOWNLOAD OUR SUMMER ACTIVITY CALENDAR BUNDLE

Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Looking for more Virtual Field Trips for Kids? Try these…

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…

I’ve found a special Holi book that your child will love for this festival too!

Learning about various traditions in other cultures is one thing I encourage all families to do with their children.  It helps us to grow and appreciate the diversity that exists in the world.  It gives our children knowledge and understanding that we are all different and similar in our own ways. One place special to our hearts is India.

This spring as we anticipate the arrival of spring blossoms and bulbs and warmer weather, there is one tradition that our family from India celebrates which is Holi.  It’s a Hindu celebration of color.

Holi Songs for Kids

Learning about a festival can be so much fun with songs.  I’ve previewed the following Holi songs for kids from youtube to show to your child.  They are each animated and are pretty short.  

The songs are perfect if you want to have a few friends over to learn about Holi and read the book Celebrate Holi With Me!  for a book playdate.

If you have a favorite Holi Song please share with me in the comment section below.  

Hindi Rhymes for Children on Holi festival

Happy Holi I Holi for kids | Jalebi Street

Holi Festival Mystery | Music Video | Mira, Royal Detective

GreenGoldKids – Holi Pichkari Party Special Song

Chhota Bheem – Rangon ki Bauchhaar | Holi Video

Holi Song on Shri Krishna

Happy Holi I Holi for kids | Jalebi Street

Holi Song For Children in Hindi

Holi Ki Masti | Bandar Mama

Rangbirangi Holi Song

Kids Holi Dance Tutorial

These holi songs for kids are featured from youtube and mom and teacher approved!

The Story of Holi for Kids

If you’re wanting a little bit more in terms of learning about Holi and the story behind it here is an animated video that shares the religious side of Holi.

What is Holi Festival? – Hindu Festival of Colour – Behind the News

Disclosure Affiliate links used to Amazon books.  

Holi Books for Kids

Explore this collection of adorable and colorful Holi Books for Kids.

Celebrate Holi With Me!  by Shoumi Sen

One thing I love to discover are songs and books about a festival.  This season I’ve found one special Holi book for kids that I want to tell you about. It’s called Celebrate Holi With Me!  

The author Shoumi Sen sent me a copy to read and share with you.  I recently shared a post about her other book Celebrate Durga Puja With Me.

Celebrate Holi with Me Book Review

The story Celebrate Holi With Me! is written through the eyes of the main character Riya who takes you on a colorful journey of how her family and friends celebrate holi.  It provides both kids and adults the abilities to learn about the traditions in India of now to celebrate Holi.  

The fact that it’s written in rhyme makes it that much more fun to read with your child.  

The pages are colorful and tell the many layers of ways families celebrate the special day of Holi.

Plus the story Celebrate Holi With Me!  includes the background of the story of Holi while learning the story of Prahlad and why we celebrate Holi.

For those just learning about this festival, it provides clarity through a story.  Did you know that the holiday signifies good over evil?

Celebrate Holi With Me!  by Shoumi Sen

To learn more about Holi you can visit the Multicultural Kids Blog where several moms have shared their Holi traditions with crafts and activities to celebrate the fun.

Want to learn more about India?  Check out my post about our visits to India and what you might see happening at our front Gate in India. 

Plus you can take a peek at our Indian Samosa Recipe with Mint Chutney to cook with your child.  Snacks are a big part of the celebration of Holi Too.

Supplies for celebrating Holi

Here’s a few suggestions if you’re planning to celebrate your own Holi with kids. Grab some colored powers and water guns on Amazon. I’ve linked them up for you to buy online and have shipped to you easily.

Don’t forget to GRAB a copy of Celebrate Holi With Me!  by Shoumi Sen on Amazon to add to your bookcase.

Holi Activities for kids

Here’s a peek at how our family celebrates Holi 

You can extend these Holi songs by

• making a Rangoli
• make a Holi T-shirt
• cook Samosas
• sing Holi songs
• read more Holi Books for Kids

Want to learn more about India? Here’s a peek from our view at our front gate in India.

In recent years there have been so many more diverse children’s books published. One of the topics that have grown in options is these colorful Holi books for kids.

Holi Books for Kids

One of my favorite holidays to celebrate with my family is Holi. A playful day full of colorful fun as we welcome spring. Here are some adorable Holi books to go along with this Hindu Festival of Color.

What is Holi

Holi marks the beginning of spring after a long winter, symbolic of the triumph of good over evil.

Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the “Festival of Colours” and the “Festival of Spring”.

Holi is celebrated at the end of winter, on the last full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar month marking the spring, making the date vary with the lunar cycle.

Here’s a colorful collection of children’s books about Holi!

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Let’s Celebrate Holi! by Ajanta Chakraborty

Festival of Colors by Surishtha and Kabir Sehgal

Celebrate Holi With Me! by Shoumi Sen

Happy Holi!: Celebrating the Festival of Colors by Chitra Soundar

My Holi: Colors of Cheer by Priya Kumari

Simba’s First Holi: A Holiday Book for Kids by H R

We Throw Color on Each Other! by Kavita G. Sahai

Amma Tell Me About Holi! by Bhakti Mathur

Why do we celebrate HOLI by Anitha Rathod

Holi Colors by Rina Singh

Dev and Ollie: Colour Carnival by Mrs Shweta Aggarwal

Rani Celebrates Holi by Anita Badhwar

Holi (Festivals Around the World) by Grace Jones

Holi (Celebrations in My World (Library) by Lynn Peppas

Crayola ® Holi Colors by Robin Nelson

Holi Hai! by Chitra Soundar

Holi by Rebecca Pettiford

Holi Activities for Kids

You can use these Song for Holi for Kids to go along with these colorful children’s books about Holi!

You can extend these Holi books by

• making a Rangoli
• make a Holi T-shirt
• cook Samosas
• sing Holi songs

Want to learn more about India? Here’s a peek from our view at our front gate in India.

Explore more Hindu Books for Kids

• Diwali Books for Kids
• Navratri Books for Kids
• Rakhi Books for Kids
• Durga Puja Book
• Books About India for Kids

Here are some of our favorite ways to decorate when we celebrate with friends as we celebrate Holi.

Looking for Holi Activities? Try these…