Easy Diwali Activities for Kids

Diwali has always been one of my favorite times of the year—not just for the lights and fireworks, but for the special memories it brings from my childhood. Now, as a mom, I love finding ways to make the festival just as exciting and meaningful for my little one, while creating new memories together. If you’re looking for fun and easy Diwali activities for kids, I’ve got you covered! These ideas are simple to pull off, and they’ll keep your little ones engaged while celebrating the spirit of Diwali.

Easy Diwali Activities for Kids

1. Rangoli Puzzle

While traditional Rangoli is done with colored powders or flower petals, I’ve discovered a more kid-friendly version that V loves—the Rangoli puzzle with glow-in-the-dark pebbles! We have a wooden Rangoli puzzle that can be used with colors, flowers, or even small objects. Instead of the usual powders, we opted for smooth, glow-in-the-dark pebbles, which are easy for little hands to arrange. It keeps things mess-free, and the glow adds a magical touch when the lights go off, making it a fun and exciting experience for kids!

Alternative Idea: These Jigsaw Rangoli puzzles are another fantastic, mess-free option that’s perfect for little hands! These puzzles come with pre-cut pieces that allow kids to create intricate Rangoli designs which can also make a pretty Diwali home decor. It’s a fun way to introduce them to the art of Rangoli while improving their fine motor skills and creativity. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them engaged during the festive season with minimal cleanup!

Shop The Material

Wooden Rangoli Puzzle | Glow in the dark pebbles |Rangalo Jigsaw Puzzle here and here

2. Diya Painting And Emblishelling

One of our favorite Diwali traditions is decorating diyas. It’s such a simple and fun craft for kids of all ages. I usually pick up plain clay diyas, paint them, and add glitter, and stickers to them. V, my 3-year-old, absolutely loves mixing the colors and adding his creative touch to each diya. It’s a great way to spend the evening after school or weekend mornings and the best part? We get to use those diyas around the house for the celebration.

Pro Tip: Opt for washable paints to make cleaning easy and glitter pens for mess-free application. (because, trust me, the paint and glitter get everywhere)

Shop The Material

Clay Diyas | Washable paint, tray, and brush set| Rhinestone Stickers | Glitter Pens

3. DIY Diwali Greeting- Perfect for Classroom craft

This year, I volunteered to talk about Diwali in V’s class and wanted to include a craft project the kids could take home to share with their parents. I decided on this simple yet fun DIY Diwali greeting card. I cut out diya shapes from craft paper—using pink for the base and gold glitter cardstock for the flame. The kids will stick these onto a piece of cardstock, and to make it extra special, I’ll help them write “Happy Diwali” along with their names on the card. It’s an easy, interactive craft that adds a personal touch to their Diwali celebration!

Pro tip: Use a brush for glue application or glue stick to make it easier for the kids to do it themselves. This method not only encourages independence but also keeps the process less messy, making cleanup a breeze!

Shop The Material

Craft Paper | Gold glitter cardstock | Glue

4. Diwali Storytime

Every year, we make sure to talk about Diwali with V ahead of time, by sharing stories from our childhood and how we celebrated back then. I especially love using books to explain the significance of this beautiful festival. For me, books are the best tool to prepare V for upcoming events, whether it’s a special holiday or an important milestone, as they make learning fun and simple with pictures!

Favorite Book: “Amma, Tell Me About Diwali” by Bhakti Mathur is a fantastic read for little ones, offering a detailed explanation of the festival. It’s a wonderful choice for young readers! A friend recently recommended a good introductory book for kids or as a read-aloud in the classroom. I also like this Diwali book for a quick read.