5 Fun Holi Activities for Kids

Holi is coming up soon; it usually takes place in March, on the last full moon of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna, and in 2026 it will be celebrated on March 4, with Holika Dahan the evening before, on March 3.

And while our family doesn't celebrate Holi, 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:

• Holi is a colourful Hindu holiday that celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
• One legend tells the story of Prahlad, a brave and kind boy, who was protected from the evil plans of Holika, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Holika Dahan bonfires remember the triumph of goodness over evil.
• Another story is about the god Krishna, who loved to play and splash colours with his friends. This part of the holiday highlights joy, friendship, and playful celebration.
• Holi usually takes place in March, on the last full moon of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna. In 2026, it will be celebrated on March 4, with Holika Dahan observed the evening before, on March 3.
• During Holi, families and friends throw bright coloured powders (gulal), splash coloured water, sing, and dance together.
• Each colour can have a special meaning: for example, red for love, blue for Krishna, and green for new beginnings.
• Holi is mainly celebrated by Hindus, especially in India and Nepal, but people of all backgrounds participate in the fun in many countries.
• Traditional foods and drinks enjoyed during Holi include sweet dumplings called gujiyas and a spiced milk drink called thandai.
• The colours, dancing, bonfires, and treats all help people celebrate joy, friendship, family, and new beginnings.

We also put together a fun craft, colouring pages, learning activities and an EASY child-friendly recipe.

Activity 1: Splatter Art 

Age: 2 years and up 

Materials Needed:

• Washable paints 

• Small cups or containers for paint

• Paintbrushes

• Thick paper or cardstock

• Protective covering for the table

• Straws (optional, for older children)

Adult Preparation: 

1. Cover the work surface with protective material.

2. Dilute the paints with water until they have a thin, watery consistency.

3. Pour the diluted paints into small cups or containers.

4. Place the paper flat on the covered work surface.

Instructions:

1. Demonstrate how to dip the paintbrush into the paint and flick the brush gently over the paper to create splatter patterns.

2. Invite the child to have a turn.  

3. Older children can dip a straw into paint and blow through it to splatter the paint onto the paper.

4. Let the artwork dry completely before displaying.

Tips: 

• This activity will likely get messy – Holi festival goers often end up covered in coloured powder and paint, so embrace it and have fun!

• If the weather is nice, take the activity outside.

• You could also do a version of this activity in the bath, splatter the paint on the wall instead of a piece of paper.  Makes for easy clean up. 

If you’re looking for an even easier activity, click here to download our Splatter Colouring Pages

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 Holi.

Click here to download the Holi Language Cards

Activity 3: Holi 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 Holi Clothespin Cards

Activity 4: Holi 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 Holi Cutting Work

Activity 5: Recipe -  Mango Lassi Popsicle

Ingredients:

• Mangos - you can use fresh or frozen

• Yogurt

• Milk

• Cardamom (optional)

• Saffron (optional)

Note: The amount needed of each ingredient will depend on the size of your popsicle mold and taste preference. 

Tools:

• Knife 

• Cutting Board

• Blender

• Popsicle Mold

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the mangos.  Tip:  Using frozen mango chunks eliminates this step! 

2. Add mango chunks, yogurt, milk, a pinch of cardamom and a pinch of saffron (optional) to the blender. 

3. Blend until smooth.

4. Taste.  Adjust as needed.

5. Pour mix into popsicle molds and put in freezer.

6. Enjoy once frozen!  

Tip:  If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can drink it as a smoothie.  It’s delicious both ways!