Fun and Easy Diwali Activities for Kids – Rangoli, Diyas & More

Diwali means the night of the festival. There is so much joy during those times. Homes sparkle with the light of diyas. Family members have sweet treats and new clothes. For children, fun awaits.

Diwali is not limited to decorations or gifts. Simple activities bring more joy to children during this festival. They learn, have fun, and understand the meaning of the traditions.

We are sharing with you some Diwali activities and crafts for children. All these ideas ensure that kids are having fun and feeling engaged. Such activities also help them to showcase their creative side. Children can have fun with their kids and can even get involved with them. 

Why Activities Are Good for Kids?

Kids love hands-on fun. When they are part of celebrations, they feel included. Doing crafts or games helps them learn new skills. It also teaches sharing and teamwork.

Here are some good reasons to plan Diwali activities for kids:

• They learn about culture and traditions.
• They develop creativity through art and craft.
• They practice patience and focus.
• They spend less time on screens.
• They build memories that last.

Small children can find genuine happiness in a very simple Diwali celebration that includes games and crafts done on a simple scale.

1. Rangoli Fun for Children

Rangoli is a special design made during Diwali. Children love colors, so this is perfect for them. You don’t need to make big or hard patterns. Small and simple designs work well.

Ideas for Diwali rangoli for children:

• Chalk outlines: Draw shapes like stars, circles, or flowers. Let kids fill them with color.
• Flower petals: Give them marigold petals or leaves. They can arrange them in a circle. It looks bright and natural.
• Rice or dal: Kids can use colored rice or dal to fill designs.
• Paper plate rangoli: Let them color and decorate a paper plate as their own rangoli.

This activity is colorful, safe, and fun. Children feel proud when their rangoli becomes part of home decoration.

2. Diya Decoration with Kids

Lighting diyas is the heart of Diwali. Children can make them look even more beautiful. Diwali diya decoration for kids is simple and exciting.

• Paint diyas: Give children plain clay diyas. They can use bright colors. Add glitter for shine.
• Party fun with stickers: Younger kids can decorate their diyas using stickers or shiny tape.
• Clay diyas: Toddlers and preschoolers can mold small diyas with clay or playdough. 
• LED diyas: For safe options, kids can decorate around the LED diyas.

Once the diyas are lit, the kids will enjoy proudly watching their work glow across the home.

3. Paper Lantern Craft

Lanterns are also part of Diwali fun. Children can make paper lanterns easily.

Steps for this easy Diwali fun idea:

• Use bright colored paper.
• Fold it and cut strips.
• Stick the paper into a lantern shape.
• Add ribbons, glitter, or stickers.
• Hang it in their room or classroom.

Kids love seeing their lanterns light up with a bulb or candle inside.

4. Fun Diwali Games for Preschool

Festivals mean playtime, too. Small games add laughter to celebrations. Here are some fun 

Diwali games for preschool:

• Musical diyas: Place paper diyas in a circle, like musical chairs. Kids walk around them with music. When music stops, they sit near a diya. Remove one each round.
• Pass the laddu: Use a soft toy or ball shaped like a sweet. Children pass it while music plays. The one holding it when the music stops says, “Happy Diwali.”
• Treasure hunt: Hide small items like paper diyas, sweets, or coins. Kids find them with clues.
• Lamp balancing: Children balance a paper diya on their head or hand and walk a short distance.

These games are safe, short, and fun for groups of kids.

5. Storytelling Time

Diwali has many stories. Kids love hearing them. Storytelling is also a way to teach values.

Some ideas:

• Tell the story of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya.
• Share tales of Goddess Lakshmi and why homes are lit with diyas.
• Read picture books about Diwali.
• Ask children to act out small parts of the story.

This makes children feel connected to the meaning behind the festival.

6. Sweet Treat Making

Sweets are the most distributed during Diwali. Kids can participate in small activities, just for the joy of it and to give them confidence.

• Let them roll laddus with help.
• Sprinkles can be used on cupcakes.
• Using cookie cutters, star- or diya-shaped biscuits can be made.
• For preschoolers, give plain sweets to be garnished with nuts or colorful bits.

It is a tasty way to join the celebration.

7. Greeting Cards

Handmade cards are always special. Children can make Diwali cards for family and friends.

• Use colored paper and crayons.
• Draw diyas, fireworks, or rangolis.
• Add glitter or stickers.
• Help them write “Happy Diwali” in big letters.

These cards bring smiles and make kids feel proud of their art.

8. Dress-Up and Role Play

Wearing costumes has always been an entertaining activity for kids. Wearing colorful outfits is most befitting during Diwali. So let it go down as an auspicious role play. 

• Boys and girls can dress up like little Ram, Sita, or Hanuman. 
• Preschoolers can be little carriers for the diyas or sweets inside baskets.

It really livens up the celebration!

9. Dance and Music

Diwali evenings are full of energy. Kids enjoy music and movement.

• Play simple Diwali songs.
• Teach them easy steps or let them dance freely.
• Plan a small dance show at home or school.
• Clap and cheer to encourage them.
• It gives them confidence and spreads cheer.

10. Eco-Friendly Fireworks

Many families avoid loud crackers. But children still want the fun. You can plan safe, eco-friendly alternatives.

• Use paper sparklers made from shiny craft paper.
• Give kids glow sticks or fairy lights to wave around.
• Organize a “light parade” with diyas and lanterns.
• Show them safe fireworks from a distance with adults in control.

This way they enjoy the lights without risk.

Tips for Parents and Teachers

• Always use safe materials for kids.
• For toddlers, avoid small beads or sharp tools.
• Be with them when lighting candles or diyas.
• Encourage your child’s efforts. 

Remember, the goal is joy and learning, not perfect art.

Conclusion

More than light and sweets, Diwali is a festival of love, laughter, and belonging for the kids. With these quick and easy Diwali fun ideas, you have an opportunity to create beautiful memories for the little ones. 

From children making Diwali rangoli to diya decoration- every tiny bit counts. A few fun-filled Diwali preschool games will definitely put smiles on their faces. 

Let children take center stage in the festivities this time round. Their little hands and big smiles will add an even bigger glow to the festival of lights.

Read Also : Diwali Safety Tips For Kids : A Parent’s Guide