Mindfulness Activities & Resources for Kids

Mindfulness doesn't have to mean asking children to sit perfectly still and be quiet.

For kids, mindfulness can be active, playful, and practical. It's about helping children slow down long enough to notice what they're experiencing—their breath, bodies, senses, thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

This collection includes mindfulness activities and resources created specifically for children, including cards, printable activities, breathing exercises, movement activities, and other ready-to-use tools.

Designed for teachers, school counselors, pediatric therapists, kids yoga teachers, and families, these resources make it easier to incorporate short mindfulness moments into a child's day. Use them during morning meetings, transitions, brain breaks, calm-down time, counseling or therapy sessions, yoga classes, or quiet moments at home.

Activities may incorporate breathing, movement, sensory awareness, visualization, and reflection so children can experience mindfulness, rather than simply being told to "be mindful."

Whether you're introducing mindfulness for the first time or looking for fresh activities to add to an existing routine, these resources give you approachable ways to help children practice greater awareness and intentional pauses throughout their day.

FAQs

What is mindfulness for kids?
Mindfulness helps children practice paying attention to what's happening in the present moment. Activities can involve noticing the breath, body sensations, sounds, movement, thoughts, feelings, or the environment around them.

What are some mindfulness activities for children?
Kid-friendly mindfulness activities can include breathing exercises, mindful movement, sensory activities, guided visualization, listening exercises, yoga, and short moments of reflection.

How can mindfulness be used in the classroom?
Teachers can incorporate short mindfulness activities into morning meetings, transitions, brain breaks, calm-down periods, or SEL lessons. Even brief activities can give children an opportunity to pause and check in with themselves.