“Be kind” is a pretty big assignment to hand a little kid. “Would you put a fresh pencil on the desk where someone needs one?” is a job they can picture doing. On February 17, start with one small job and let the person doing it choose.
What is Random Acts of Kindness Day?
Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17. It encourages small, thoughtful actions that make someone’s ordinary day a little easier, without expecting a reward or an audience.
How a kindness movement grew
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation traces the movement through Anne Herbert’s 1982 phrase, a 1993 Conari Press book, and early local kindness days. Conari funded the first national celebration in February 1995, the year the foundation formed. The idea made everyday acts of consideration something people could intentionally practice. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s history.
A simple way to enjoy the day
Choose a small mission that suits the giver and the recipient: return a borrowed item, help with an agreed task, or leave a sincere note. The activity cards below make the idea concrete for children.
Holiday dates for planning
| Observance | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Random Acts of Kindness Day | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | Wednesday, February 17, 2027 | Thursday, February 17, 2028 | Saturday, February 17, 2029 | Sunday, February 17, 2030 |
Random Acts of Kindness Day date reference
Pick a mission that fits
Cut apart the home or classroom cards and lay them face up. Let each child choose one, change one, or invent their own. A child who hates speaking in front of the class might love quietly returning a stack of books. If the mission involves another person, ask first and take their answer seriously.
Spend ten minutes together
At home, try the table helper card while dinner is cooking. At school, offer the invitation card just before recess so there is a real game to join. For little ones, do the first step beside them. Let the recipient decide what would actually help.
Talk about what happened
At the end of the day, ask which small thing they noticed. A thanks is lovely, but a kind act still counts when nobody sees it. Use the last page to make a few cards in the children’s own words. Save one for a rainy Tuesday when February 17 is a distant memory.
Get the free printable set
Home and Classroom Kindness Missions includes three US Letter pages. Cut apart one set for the group and copy the blank cards for new missions.