14 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth With Kids

  1. Organize a Juneteenth history lesson: Teach your kids about the significance of Juneteenth and the history behind it. You can read books, watch videos, or explore online resources together.
  2. Attend a Juneteenth parade or festival: Look for local parades or festivals celebrating Juneteenth. This is a great opportunity for your kids to experience the joyful atmosphere and learn about the culture and traditions associated with Juneteenth.
  3. Cook traditional Juneteenth foods: Prepare a special meal with traditional Juneteenth dishes like red foods (symbolizing resilience and strength) such as watermelon, red velvet cake, and strawberry pie. Involve your kids in the cooking process to make it a fun and educational activity.
  4. Create Juneteenth crafts: Engage your kids in creative activities by making Juneteenth-themed crafts. You can create flags, and banners, or even design t-shirts with meaningful symbols associated with Juneteenth.
  5. Visit a historical site or museum: Take your kids to a museum or historical site dedicated to black history and the emancipation of slaves. This will provide them with a deeper understanding of the struggles and achievements of African Americans.
  6. Write Juneteenth poems or songs: Encourage your kids to express their thoughts and emotions through poetry or songwriting. They can create original pieces that reflect the spirit of Juneteenth and share them with friends and family.
  7. Watch educational movies or documentaries: Select age-appropriate movies or documentaries that shed light on the history of slavery, the civil rights movement, and the importance of Juneteenth. Discuss the themes and messages portrayed in these films with your kids.
  8. Host a Juneteenth game night: Plan a game night with Juneteenth-themed games and trivia. This will not only entertain your kids but also foster their knowledge about Juneteenth in a fun and interactive way.
  9. Volunteer for a community service project: Engage your kids in community service activities that promote equality and social justice. This could include participating in food drives, clothing donations, or organizing fundraisers for organizations supporting the African-American community.
  10. Read Juneteenth stories: Explore children’s books that specifically highlight the significance of Juneteenth. Read these stories aloud to your kids, sparking discussions and answering any questions they may have.
  11. Create a Juneteenth family tree: Help your kids trace their ancestry and create a family tree that discusses their history and heritage. This can be a bonding activity that encourages your kids to embrace and celebrate their roots.
  12. Attend virtual Juneteenth events: Due to the current circumstances, many Juneteenth celebrations have moved online. Look for virtual events, webinars, or workshops that your kids can participate in from the comfort of your home.
  13. Decorate your home with Juneteenth symbols: Decorate your home with Juneteenth-themed decorations like posters, flags, or artwork that symbolize freedom, unity, and resilience.
  14. Have conversations about racial equality: Engage your kids in meaningful discussions about racism, equality, and the importance of Juneteenth. Encourage them to ask questions, challenge stereotypes, and promote empathy and understanding.

Remember, celebrating and educating about Juneteenth is an ongoing process. Use these ideas asĀ 

a starting point, but continue to learn, grow, and explore ways to honor this important day with your kids.