Eid ul-Fitr activities for kids: ideas for the big day

Eid ul-Fitr activities and sunnahs for children: getting ready, the Eid prayer, gifts, crafts and ways to make the day feel joyful and full of meaning.

5 minute read · SunnahPanda

Eid ul-Fitr comes at the end of Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal. After a month of fasting, praying and giving, it's a day of thanks to Allah and real celebration. Children should wake up feeling that this is the best day of the year, and with a little planning, it can be.

Getting ready in the last week of Ramadan

Make a countdown paper chain and tear off one link each evening.
Colour and write Eid cards for grandparents, teachers and neighbours.
Lay out Eid clothes the night before. Best clothes, not necessarily new ones.
Wrap small gifts together. Children love giving as much as receiving.
Pay zakat al-fitr as a family and explain who it helps. It should be given before the Eid prayer, and ideally a day or two earlier so it reaches people in time.

Free printable

Eid Gift Tags to Colour

Eight Eid Mubarak gift tags to colour, cut out and tie on the presents your children wrap.

Download free PDF ↓See both pages

The sunnahs of Eid morning

1
Bath and best clothes
Have a bath, put on your best clothes and a nice scent.
2
Eat something sweet
On Eid ul-Fitr the Prophet ﷺ would eat a few dates, an odd number, before going out to the prayer. Let the kids count them out.
3
Say the takbirat
On the way to the prayer, say "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd" together.
4
Go to the Eid prayer
The whole family can go, including women and young children. Many communities pray outdoors in a park, which kids love.
5
Take a different way home
The Prophet ﷺ would go to the Eid prayer by one route and come back by another. Make it a little adventure.
6
Greet everyone
Say "Eid Mubarak" or "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" (may Allah accept from us and from you).

The Eid prayer and the takbir

The schools differ on whether the Eid prayer is obligatory, a strongly recommended sunnah or a communal duty, and on the exact wording and timing of the takbirat. Follow the practice of your local masjid, and ask your imam if you're unsure.

Activities for the day itself

1
Eid treasure hunt
Hide small gifts or sweets around the house with clues to follow after the prayer.
2
Visit family
Visiting relatives on Eid is a big part of the day. Let children carry the gifts and say the greetings.
3
Eidi with a twist
When children receive money, suggest they set a little aside for charity before spending the rest.
4
Share food with neighbours
Take a plate of Eid treats to a neighbour, Muslim or not, and explain what Eid is.
5
Picnic or park
If the weather allows, get outdoors. Games, a picnic and space to run around after the prayer.
6
Thank-you notes
Older children can write a short thank-you to someone who gave them a gift.

Ideas by age

Toddlers: balloons, new clothes and one small gift are plenty. Keep the day calm and stick to nap times where you can.
Ages 4 to 7: crafts in the last week, the treasure hunt, and counting out dates on Eid morning.
Ages 8 and up: give them a job. Organise the zakat al-fitr, plan the treasure hunt for younger siblings, or help cook for the guests.

If Eid feels quiet

Not every family has a big house full of relatives. New Muslims, families living far from home and single parents can find Eid lonely, especially when it falls on a school or work day. A few things help:

Look for community Eid events at your masjid or a local Islamic centre. Many put on fairs, food and activities for children.
Invite another family, or a new Muslim or student who might be on their own, to join you for the day.
Ask your child's school if they can take the day off for Eid. Most UK schools allow it for religious festivals if you ask in advance.
Make your own traditions: the same breakfast, the same park, the same family photo every year.

SunnahPanda tip

Make the day after Eid gentle. Children are often tired and overexcited, and it's normal for things to fall apart a little. A quiet film and leftovers are allowed.