I’ve found that when you combine play with learning, preschoolers get super excited about school & eagerly look forward to coming back. Whether it’s a simple yet fun game or some hands-on project, these Friday activities will help boost creativity, get them moving, and provide a chance for them to socialize all in one go, while experiencing the joy of exploring new activities. Open gym or sports park play offers preschoolers opportunities to jump, climb, and explore, making it a fantastic addition to these activities.
Introduction to Fun Friday
Fun Friday activities are a cracking way to wrap up the week with a proper burst of excitement and creativity. By mixing fun and learning together, these Friday activities give the kids something to look forward to and help create a brilliant classroom atmosphere. Whether you’re bringing in some classic board games, planning virtual field trips, or setting up hands-on projects, Fun Friday can be knocked up to fit any grade level and loads of different interests. The possibilities are dead simple endless really!
Not only do Fun Friday activities keep the little ones engaged, but they also help develop some proper important skills. From fine motor skills during arts and crafts to gross motor skills in active games, and even problem-solving skills through puzzles and teamwork challenges, every activity is a great chance for kids to learn and grow. Throughout the school year, these engaging experiences get the students to explore, play, and create, making learning feel like a right adventure. By making Fun Friday a regular part of your week, you’ll get your students to love learning and look forward to every Friday – its a brilliant way to end the week on a high note!
Get the Kids Outdoors and Moving
You can dedicate an hour each Friday to outdoor activities, making it a special part of your weekly routine. Getting out into the fresh air is always a winner. Space to run around & discover new things make outdoor time a big hit with the kids, filled with laughter, movement, and discovery. Outdoor nature hours may include stories, songs, and sensory play centered on nature, adding an educational and engaging twist to the fun.
- Nature WalksTake the gang on a short walk around the playground or a local park and get them to notice colours, shapes & sounds. Why not turn it into a scavenger hunt by asking them to find things like leaves, rocks or flowers? It’s a great way to build their observation & gross motor skills.
An occasional field trip to a local garden or nature center can be a special Friday treat.
- Scavenger HuntSet up a list of things for the kids to find outside – like a pinecone, a red leaf or something round. They love the challenge & working together to find the items on the list. It’s a fun way to get them thinking about problem-solving & teamwork.
- Outdoor GamesClassic games like tag, hide & seek or freeze dance get the kids moving & laughing. You can add hula hoops or jump ropes to make it even more fun & help with their coordination. Activities like cup stacking are a fun way for kids play to build teamwork and coordination.
- Just a Little More PlaytimeSometimes just giving the kids a bit more time for free play outside is all they need to blow off some steam & have a great time.
Indoor Activities to Keep Them Busy on Rainy Days
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, these indoor activities will keep the fun alive. These activities are great for the whole class to enjoy together and are especially fun for kindergarten students.
- Classic Board GamesGames like Candyland & Chutes and Ladders are perfect for teaching turn-taking & cooperation, plus they’re fun ways to practice counting & color recognition.
- Obstacle CourseSet up an obstacle course with cones, tunnels & cushions. The kids can crawl, jump & balance their way through. It’s a fun way to build their gross motor skills & keep their energy levels up. Encourage the class to plan their own obstacle course by brainstorming and designing the layout together.
- Get Creative with Arts & CraftsGive the kids paper, crayons, glue & scissors & let them create whatever they like. Drawing & crafting help develop their fine motor skills & self-expression. Provide themed coloring sheets for mindful coloring activities, which are perfect for classroom settings. You can also encourage the class to plan their own art project as a group.
- Cooking Together – A Fun Learning ExperienceSimple no-bake recipes like fruit kabobs or trail mix are great for teaching following directions & measuring. Plus, the kids love eating their creations! Cooking activities teach kids essential life skills while being enjoyable. You can also explore food-based science experiments as part of the activity for hands-on learning.
- Get Moving with Fun GamesGames like Simon Says, Red Light Green Light or Musical Chairs get the kids moving & listening closely to instructions.
Sneak Learning into Play
Educational activities don’t have to feel like homework. Here are some ideas that will sneak learning into the fun.
- Invite a Guest to TeachInvite a guest speaker to teach the class about a special topic, such as science, art, or a unique career.
- Virtual Field TripUse videos or online tours to take the kids on a virtual field trip to a zoo, farm or museum without leaving the classroom. It’s a fun way to explore new places & spark their curiosity.
- Science Experiments – Get Hands OnSimple experiments like mixing colours or making slime engage the kids in hands-on learning about the world around them.
- Bingo and Memory GamesPlay bingo with letters, numbers or shapes to help the kids recognize & remember important concepts. During these games, children can provide the correct answer when prompted, making learning interactive.
- Storytime & WritingReading stories aloud & getting the kids to draw or talk about what they heard builds their language skills & imagination. Encourage children to write their own stories or responses to further develop their writing skills.
- Math GamesCounting games & simple puzzles help children practice numbers & problem-solving in a fun way.
Sensory Play & Exploration
Sensory activities are a hit because they let the kids use their hands & minds together.
- Sensory BinsUse bins filled with rice, beans or water beads & add small toys or tools. The kids love digging, pouring & feeling different textures.
- Playdough & SlimeThese materials are great for squeezing & shaping, which helps strengthen the kids’ little hands & sparks their creativity.
- Sand & Water PlayIf you have space, sand & water tables provide endless chances for exploration & learning about cause & effect.
- Sorting GamesSorting small items by colour or size helps with fine motor skills & early math concepts.
- Nature Walks – Get Them to ExploreTake a walk & encourage the kids to touch bark, smell flowers or listen to birds. It’s a simple way to connect with nature & practice mindfulness.
Each sensory activity gives children a special moment to shine and express themselves. Talent shows give students a chance to showcase their skills and build confidence, making them a wonderful addition to Fun Friday events.
Special Events to Make Fridays Extra Memorable
If you’re after making Fridays absolutely brilliant, try chucking in some special events to your Fun Friday activities. Organizing a scavenger hunt around the classroom or school is a dead-simple way to get the kids moving about, thinking hard, and working together like a proper team. Its a cracking example of how problem-solving skills and teamwork can be practiced in a right playful setting. Another absolute winner is a dance party—just turn up the music and let the little ones bring their best moves! Its a top way to celebrate the end of the week and get some energy out of their systems.
Flashlight Friday is always a proper favourite, where students bring round their own flashlights and enjoy reading or playing games in the dark. This dead-simple twist makes reading time feel like a real adventure and keeps everyone dead engaged. Virtual field trips are another brilliant option, letting students explore new places and cultures without ever leaving the classroom. These experiences really spark curiosity and make learning feel fresh and dead inspiring.
You can also chuck in activities like puzzles, drawing, and writing to help develop fine motor skills and creativity. Games such as bingo or charades are perfect for practicing problem-solving skills and encouraging teamwork. By rotating these special events throughout the school year, you’ll keep your Friday activities engaging and memorable, making sure that every student ends the week with a massive smile and a proper sense of accomplishment.
Even More Ideas to Keep Fridays Fresh
- Dance PartyPut on some music & let the kids dance the wiggles out. It’s a fun way to get moving & share some laughs. You can also use a dance party as a reward for the class after a great week.
- Flashlight FridayTurn the lights off & let the kids read or play with flashlights. It adds a cool twist to quiet time & keeps them engaged.
- Pajama DayLet the kids wear their PJs to school. Pair it with some cosy stories or quiet games for a relaxed, fun day.
- Guessing GamesPlay games where the kids guess objects by touch or sound. It’s a fun way to build their vocabulary & listening skills. Some guessing games let children compete to win small prizes, making them even more exciting. These games can also be used as a reward for the class.
- Themed DayChoose a theme that gets the kids excited – animals, colors, holidays, or even Halloween! Themes make it easy to come up with fun plans that keep the kids interested. Mindful coloring is a calming activity that can promote relaxation and focus, making it a great addition to themed days or quiet time.
Save a special activity for the last hour of the day to wrap up the week on a high note. These activities help everyone get ready for a relaxing weekend.
Wrapping Up The Week On A High Note
Fridays don’t have to be super complicated for preschoolers – the main thing is to keep it fun & let the kids be the stars. Whether you’re going on a nature ramble, having a dance party, or even just a game of bingo – these moments are what create lifelong happy memories & help ’em grow. I hope these ideas bring a big smile to your face & give you some inspiration for your Friday plans.
Have a fantastic Friday & enjoy letting your hair down with the kids.
