Kwanzaa Activities for Kids and Families

Kwanzaa runs from December 26 through January 1. The seven days give families time to explore one principle at a time. Write each principle on a folded card, say its name together and invite someone to pick an example from home or the neighborhood.

Holiday dates for planning

Kwanzaa begins date reference

Try one activity each day

For Umoja (unity), build one picture from everyone’s drawings. For Kujichagulia (self-determination), let each person choose words to introduce themselves. For Ujima (collective work and responsibility), tackle a shared task. For Ujamaa (cooperative economics), learn about a Black-owned business serving your community.

Carry the conversation forward

For Nia (purpose), name a family project and who it might help. For Kuumba (creativity), turn scraps into a decoration for the gathering. On the seventh day, discuss Imani (faith) by naming people and traditions your family believes in. Keep the cards together and return to one project after the holiday. The activity pages give children time to revisit the words at their own pace.

Explore the seven principles with the Smithsonian.

Printable activity sheets

Kwanzaa Activity Sheets costs $0.99 and includes five activities and an answer key. Choose a page for each guest or print the whole pack.

Optional supplies

As an Amazon Associate, Happy Holiday Hotspot earns from qualifying purchases. The following Amazon link is a paid link.

Crayola crayons give guests a choice of colors for the kinara page.