5 Gratitude Activities to Raise Thankful Kids

Gratitude isn’t just about good manners - it’s about mindset. When kids learn to focus on what they have (instead of what they don’t), they become more positive, empathetic and emotionally resilient. The best part? Gratitude is a skill you can teach - starting right at home.

Here are 5 simple and fun gratitude activities to help your child grow into a more thankful, joyful human.

What You’ll Need: A notebook or printable gratitude journal

Ask your child to write or draw 3 things they’re thankful for each day. Younger kids can illustrate their answers. Try prompts like:

• “Something that made me smile today…”

• “A person I’m thankful for is…”

• “Today I loved…”

Why it works: It trains their brain to look for the good and builds a daily habit of appreciation.

What You’ll Need: An empty jar, small slips of paper and a pen

Each day or week, have your child write down something they’re thankful for and drop it in the jar. Read a few out loud during family time or when someone is having a tough day.

Why it works: It creates a visual reminder of all the positives in their life.

Take a short walk and ask your child to notice and name things they’re grateful for - a blooming flower, a sunny sky, a friendly dog.

Why it works: Combines movement and mindfulness, grounding your child in the present and helping them find beauty in everyday things.

Encourage your child to write or draw a thank you note for someone - a teacher, friend, sibling or even a pet!

Why it works: It teaches kids how to express appreciation to others and strengthens emotional connections.

Tip: Keep blank thank-you cards or printable note templates in a box for easy access.

Create a scavenger hunt with prompts like:

• Find something that makes you happy

• Find something someone gave you

• Find something you love to smell

• Find something that helps you

Why it works: Turns gratitude into a playful, engaging activity that gets kids thinking and moving.

Gratitude doesn’t happen overnight - it grows through simple, consistent moments. By weaving these activities into your daily routine, you’re helping your child build a lifelong habit of focusing on what really matters.

Want a done-for-you toolkit?

Download our Happy Hearts Printable Activities filled with reflection journals, scavenger hunts and gratitude activities to help your child express and explore thankfulness in fun, age-appropriate ways.