5 Fun Eid Activities for Kids

Eid is only a few weeks away; it is expected to be on March 19 or March 20 this year, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

And while our family doesn't celebrate Eid, learning about different cultures and religions is one way to help raise anti-racist children, as Britt Hawthorne explains in her book, Raising Antiracist Children.

For other families that don't celebrate, here are a few quick facts to help your family learn more about this holiday:

• Eid al‑Fitr (eed al‑fitr) is a joyful Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan, a special month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, pray, and focus on being kind and thankful. 
• Eid al‑Fitr means the “festival of breaking the fast” because it marks the first day that people are allowed to eat and drink during daylight again after a month of fasting.
• Eid usually begins when people see the new moon, so the exact date changes each year. In 2026, Eid al‑Fitr is expected to be on March 19 or March 20, depending on the moon sighting.
• On the morning of Eid, families and friends gather for a special prayer together, then visit each other, wear their best clothes, and share big festive meals with lots of sweet dishes. People greet one another by saying “Eid Mubarak,” which means a blessing of good wishes.
• Another important part of Eid is giving charity called Zakat al‑Fitr, where families give food or its equivalent before the Eid prayer so that everyone in the community can celebrate.
• Eid al‑Fitr is celebrated by Muslims all around the world with prayers, food, family, gifts, and kindness, showing thankfulness for being able to complete Ramadan and care for others.

Activity 1: Eid Lantern Jars

Version 1:

Age: 18 months – 3 years

Materials Needed:

• Transparent contact paper

• Tissue paper in assorted colours (pre-cut squares or small shapes)

• Glue stick or tape

• Scissors 

• Battery-operated tea light

Adult Preparation:

• Cut contact paper to a manageable size - I suggest approx. 20 cm × 25 cm or 8 inches × 10 inches. 

• Pre-cut tissue paper into small squares or shapes.

• Prepare the workspace by peeling the backing off the contact paper and placing it sticky side up on a tabletop, wall or window.  Use tape or sticky-tack on the corners. 

Instructions:

1. Invite the child to stick tissue paper pieces onto the sticky side.

2. Once decorated, an adult places another piece of contact paper over top to seal the tissue paper.

3. Roll the sealed contact paper into a cylinder shape and secure it with glue or tape.

4. Place a battery-operated tea light inside and watch the colours shine through.

Tips:

• By doing this activity on a window, the sun may shine through the colours, creating a glowing effect. It’s also a fun way for children to notice how light interacts with colour.

Version 2:

Activity 2: Language Cards

Ages: 18 months and up 

These cards can be used in different ways, depending on your child’s language development:

• For younger children (18 months +): to build and enrich vocabulary.
• For older children (3 years +): to build vocabulary and support early literacy skills.

We've also included information on the meaning behind each symbol to help make the cards more meaningful, as well as enhance the child’s knowledge of Eid.

Click here to download the Eid Language Cards

Activity 3: Eid Clothespin Cards

Ages: 3 years and up

In a Montessori classroom, an activity like this would be done with clothespins, where the child clips the clothespin over the correct number symbol.

This is a great way to add fine motor development into the activity.

You can also do the activity by simply having your child circle the number with a pencil or marker.

Click here to download the Eid Clothespin Cards

Activity 4: Eid Cutting Work

Ages: 3 years and up

These cutting sheets are great because they're less messy than cutting strips that leave lots of little bits of paper.

Children can cut along the dotted line until they reach the object.

Click here to download the Eid Cutting Work

Activity 5: Recipe - Stuffed Dates

Stuffed dates are often shared during Eid al-Fitr and are a simple, fun way to involve children in preparing a sweet treat.

Ingredients:

• Soft pitted dates

Choose one of these simple, delicious filling combinations:

• Cream cheese + drizzle of honey

• Cream cheese + chopped nuts

• Nut or seed butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower) + mini chocolate chips

• Nut or seed butter + shredded coconut

• Nut or seed butter + chopped nuts

Tools:

• Small spoon or butter knife

• Small bowl

• Plate

Instructions: 

1. Gently open each date with fingers.

2. Spoon a small amount of your chosen filling inside.

3. Add any topping from your combination.

4. Place on a plate and enjoy together.