How to Make Family History Fun for Kids: Top Activities to Try

If you’re looking for fun and educational activities for kids that explore family history, then you’ve come to the right place. Family history can be a great way to connect with your children, teach them about their ancestry, and make memories that will last a lifetime. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing some of the top activities that will make exploring family history enjoyable and engaging for children of all ages. From taking family tree walks to creating scrapbooks, there are a variety of activities that you and your kids can do together to uncover your family’s story.

Family Tree Activities for Kids

One of the best ways to teach kids about their family history is by creating a family tree. Here are some easy and fun family tree activities that will keep your kids engaged:

1. Draw a family tree – Provide your kids with a large piece of paper and colored pencils and have them draw their family tree. Ask them to include their parents, grandparents, and other family members. Encourage them to draw their family members’ photos next to their names to make it more interesting.

2. Family tree photo frame – Create a family tree photo frame by printing out photos of your family members and attaching them to the branches of a small tree. Display it in your home as a keepsake.

Make Family Photos Into Postcards

One of the most creative ways to engage children in their family history is by transforming family photos into postcards. This activity allows kids to connect with their ancestors visually and brings history to life. To start, gather a selection of old family photos and scan them into a computer. With the help of photo restoration software, you can colorize them and remove scratches, creases, stains, tears. Then, print the scanned photos onto cardstock paper or use an online photo printing service to create high-quality postcards. Encourage kids to write a brief message on the back, such as a greeting to their ancestors or a description of the photo.

Interview Family Members

Another way to learn about family history is through oral history interviews with family members. It is a great way to not only learn about the family’s past, but to also bond with relatives. Kids will feel a sense of pride and identity when they learn about their ancestors and how they contributed to their family history.

To conduct an oral history interview, it is important to first do some research and prepare a list of questions. Some sample questions could be about where the family came from, how they got to where they are now, or about family traditions and stories. Kids can also come up with their own questions based on their interests or things they want to learn about.

Create a Memory Book

A DIY family memory book is a great way to involve kids in preserving family history. To make one, gather photos and mementos, such as postcards, letters, and family recipes. Next, choose a theme or time period, like “Grandma’s childhood in the 1950s” or “Our family vacations”. Then, let the kids get creative with designing and decorating the book. After that, encourage your child to add mementos such as old family letters, heirlooms, or souvenirs from family trips.

Make a Family Calendar

Making a family calendar is a fun and practical way to teach kids about their family history. Start by gathering important dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and special family events. Then, help your kids design a calendar using photos, drawings, or even family heirlooms. Each month can feature a different ancestor or a significant event in your family’s history. 

Play Games of Different Periods

One of the interesting ways to bring family history to life is by playing popular games from the time period of your ancestors. By doing so, you can not only learn about their culture and traditions but also bond as a family. Playing these games will give your kids a glimpse into the past and allow them to have fun while doing so. You can also encourage them to research the games further, finding out how they originated, and how they have evolved over time.

Learn About a Distant Relative’s Homeland

Learning about your ancestors’ homeland can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for the entire family. It gives kids a sense of history and a greater appreciation for their heritage. It also provides an opportunity to learn about different cultures and customs, which is a great way to broaden their horizons.

Start by identifying a distant relative from your family tree who came from a foreign country. Look for information about that country online, including its geography, culture, language, and history. You can also check out books from your local library or watch documentaries on the country.

Learn About The Traditions And Foods Eaten By Your Ancestors

Understanding the traditions and foods eaten by your ancestors can provide valuable insights into their culture and heritage. It’s an opportunity for kids to connect with their roots and learn about the customs and flavors that shaped their family history. Encourage children to research traditional recipes from their ancestors’ country or region, and then try making them together as a family. This hands-on experience not only introduces kids to new flavors and cooking techniques but also creates a deeper connection to their family’s past.

Use Technology to Enhance Family History Learning

In today’s digital age, technology can be a great tool to make family history learning even more engaging for kids. You can also use social media to connect with distant relatives and learn more about your family’s history and traditions. Additionally, there are interactive educational websites and games that can help children learn about history in a fun and engaging way. Using technology can help make family history learning a more interactive and enjoyable experience for kids.

Final Words

By trying some of these top family history activities for kids, you can make learning about your family’s past fun and engaging for your children. Connecting with their family’s history can help instill a sense of identity and pride, and encourage them to carry on family traditions for generations to come.