Looking for activities for 7 year olds and 8 year olds that are both fun and educational? You’ve come to the right place! Whether your child is seven or eight, these hands-on activities for kids will keep them engaged, encourage learning, and make family time memorable. From simple science projects to creative building challenges, each idea is perfect for curious minds who love to explore.
Quick Materials Checklist
- General Supplies: Paper, pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, glue/tape, dice
- Recyclables: Cardboard boxes, egg cartons, paper tubes
- Art Supplies: Modeling clay, magazines/newspapers, construction paper
- Household Items: Large bowl or container of water, small objects (rock, spoon, cork), index cards
- Outdoor Tools: Printable scavenger hunt sheet, basket, or bag for collecting treasures
Table of Contents
- Fun Literacy Activity for 7 Year Olds: Story Dice
- Hands-On Science for 8 Year Olds: Sink or Float
- Creative Building: Recycled Architecture
- Outdoor Exploration: Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Math Fun: Dice Addition Games
- Fine Motor Skills: Mini Clay Sculptures
- Social-Emotional Learning: Kindness Cards
- Art & Expression: DIY Collage
- FAQs
- Conclusion & Next Steps
1. Fun Literacy Activity for 7 Year Olds: Story Dice
Why This Activity?
- Encourages storytelling and creative thinking
- Expands vocabulary and boosts reading skills
Materials Needed
- Blank dice or printable dice templates
- Pencil or markers
- Small container or bag (optional)
Steps to Follow
- Draw or write simple words or images on each side of the dice.
- Roll them and challenge your child to create a story that includes everything that appears.
- For an extra twist, roll again to introduce new characters or settings.
Skills Developed: Improves literacy and public speaking; fosters creative expression.
Why It’s Great for Parents: Minimal prep, ideal for waiting rooms or a quick brain boost at home.
2. Hands-On Science for 8 Year Olds: Sink or Float
This also works for seven-year-olds, making it one of the most educational activities for kids who are ready to explore science deeper.
Why This Activity?
- Sparks curiosity about density and buoyancy
- Promotes hypothesis-testing and observation
Materials Needed
- Large bowl or container of water
- Various small objects (rock, cork, spoon)
- Paper and pencil
- Towel (for spills)
Steps to Follow
- Fill a bowl with water.
- Predict which items will sink or float.
- Test each item and compare your results to the predictions.
- Discuss why certain objects sink while others float.
Skills Developed: Observation, analytical thinking, and scientific vocabulary.
Why It’s Great for Parents: Simple setup and encourages independent discovery.
3. Creative Building: Recycled Architecture
One of the best hands-on activities for kids who love to build and invent.
Why This Activity?
- Boosts problem-solving and spatial awareness
- Reinforces eco-friendly habits
Materials Needed
- Clean cardboard boxes, tubes, cartons
- Scissors, tape/glue
- Markers or paint (optional)
Steps to Follow
- Sort materials by size and shape.
- Plan a structure—tower, bridge, or mini city.
- Secure pieces, focusing on balance and stability.
- Decorate for added personality.
Skills Developed: Basic engineering concepts, fine motor skills, creativity.
Why It’s Great for Parents: Budget-friendly (uses recyclables) and keeps kids occupied longer.
4. Outdoor Exploration: Nature Scavenger Hunt
Among all the fun activities for kids, a scavenger hunt offers adventure and fresh air.
Why This Activity?
- Develops descriptive language and environmental awareness
- Encourages physical activity
Materials Needed
- Printable scavenger list (leaf, interesting rock, cloud shape)
- Pencil or crayon
- Bag or basket (optional)
Steps to Follow
- Print or create a list of items to find outdoors.
- Explore a backyard, park, or neighborhood.
- Check off each discovered item.
- Talk about colors, textures, or shapes.
Skills Developed: Teamwork, vocabulary building, attention to detail.
Why It’s Great for Parents: Gets kids off screens and can adapt to any outdoor space.
5. Math Fun: Dice Addition Games
Add a twist to learning activities for kids by introducing math through play.
Why This Activity?
- Reinforces arithmetic
- Builds quick mental math skills
Materials Needed
- 2–3 dice
- Paper, pencil
- Small counters (optional)
Steps to Follow
- Roll two dice and add the numbers.
- Record the sum.
- Keep rolling until reaching a certain target score, like 50.
Skills Developed: Number sense, problem-solving, logical thinking.
Why It’s Great for Parents: Low-prep, highly portable, and encourages friendly competition.
6. Fine Motor Skills: Mini Clay Sculptures
If you’re seeking hands-on activities for kids that strengthen finger muscles, clay is your best friend.
Why This Activity?
- Promotes creativity and spatial understanding
- Improves dexterity for handwriting
Materials Needed
- Non-toxic modeling clay
- Flat surface
- Toothpicks or popsicle sticks (optional)
Steps to Follow
- Pick a fun theme (animals, food, characters).
- Shape the clay into small figures.
- Air-dry or bake as per clay instructions.
Skills Developed: Fine motor coordination, artistic expression, color theory (if mixing clay).
Why It’s Great for Parents: Focused, calming, and each sculpture can be a keepsake.
7. Social-Emotional Learning: Kindness Cards
For educational activities for kids that foster empathy, this simple project works wonders.
Why This Activity?
- Teaches compassion and positive communication
- Builds self-awareness in expressing kind thoughts
Materials Needed
- Index cards or cardstock
- Markers, stickers
- Envelopes (optional)
Steps to Follow
- Brainstorm kind messages.
- Write and decorate each card.
- Deliver them in person or anonymously.
Skills Developed: Writing, social-emotional intelligence, community building.
Why It’s Great for Parents: Zero mess and instills core values in a fun way.
8. Art & Expression: DIY Collage
Tap into fun activities for kids that let them explore creativity with minimal rules.
Why This Activity?
- Encourages color coordination, design, and personal expression
- Uses cheap or recycled materials
Materials Needed
- Old magazines or newspapers
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Construction paper
Steps to Follow
- Cut out images or words that spark interest.
- Arrange them on a sheet to form a themed collage.
- Glue and add final details with markers or crayons.
Skills Developed: Fine motor skills, visual creativity, basic design sense.
Why It’s Great for Parents: Affordable, flexible, and fosters independence.
FAQs
- Can these activities for 7 year olds also work for 8 year olds?
Absolutely! Most of these learning activities for kids can be tweaked to suit different age ranges. Adjust the complexity to match your child’s level. - How do I keep my child engaged for longer?
Try short 15-minute blocks, then offer a “challenge mode” or let them pick the next activity. Hands-on activities for kids work best when children feel in control. - Do I need special materials?
Not really. Most items are common household or craft store finds. Feel free to substitute what you have on hand. - Are these educational activities for kids safe?
Yes, under adult supervision. For younger children, consider child-safe scissors and watch for small parts. - How often should I do these fun activities for kids?
Aim for 2–3 times a week, mixing literacy, science, math, and art to keep it fresh.
Conclusion & Next Steps
These activities for 7 year olds (and activities for 8 year olds) are perfect for families seeking fun activities for kids that also promote learning. By mixing hands-on activities for kids across subjects—science, art, math, and more—you can nurture key developmental skills and keep them excited about discovery.
Remember: the best learning activities for kids spark curiosity, allow creativity, and feel achievable. With consistent practice and plenty of encouragement, you’ll see their confidence soar.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Sign up to get our FREE printable checklist featuring all these educational activities for kids along with extra tips!
Share this post with friends or fellow parents—together, we can inspire more families to embrace hands-on learning at home!
Relevant Resources & Outbound Links
-
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
— Offers research-based articles and tips on early childhood development. -
Scholastic Parents
— Provides activities, book lists, and reading tips for children of all ages. -
CDC on Child Development
— Highlights milestones and parenting suggestions for school-age children. -
National Geographic Kids
— Features engaging science articles, videos, and activity ideas for curious explorers.