How to Celebrate Pride with Kids: 16 Resources & Activities

Pride is more than just a parade, it’s a celebration of love, acceptance, and diversity. As parents and educators, we have the wonderful opportunity to instill these values in our children by celebrating Pride with them. If you’re wondering how to celebrate Pride with kids, we’ve gathered some fun and meaningful ways to do just that!

What Is Pride?

Pride is a celebration of love, acceptance, and diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. It originated from the Stonewall riots in 1969, where LGBTQ+ individuals stood up against discrimination and fought for their rights. Since then, Pride has grown into a global movement that honors the identities and experiences of LGBTQ+ people while advocating for equality and inclusion for all.

It’s a time for people to come together, celebrate their authentic selves, and show support for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride events often include parades, festivals, and gatherings where people can express themselves freely and proudly. Overall, Pride is a joyful affirmation of love, acceptance, and the right to live openly and authentically.

How to Celebrate Pride with Kids

1. Start with Education – Before diving into the festivities, take the time to educate your kids about what Pride means. Teach them about different gender identities, sexual orientations, and the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Books, documentaries, and age-appropriate online resources can all be valuable tools for starting these conversations.
2. Create a Safe Space – Make sure your home or classroom is a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ kids and families. Display pride flags, posters, and other symbols of LGBTQ+ pride to show your support. Let children know that they can be themselves and that they are loved unconditionally.
3. Attend LGBTQ+ Events – Take your kids to Pride parades, festivals, and other LGBTQ+ events in your community. These events are not only fun and colorful but also provide opportunities for kids to see diverse role models and learn about different identities in a positive and affirming way.
4. Support LGBTQ+ Causes – Get involved in activism and advocacy efforts to support LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Whether it’s volunteering at a local LGBTQ+ organization, participating in fundraising events, or advocating for LGBTQ+-inclusive policies, there are many ways to make a difference as a family.
5. Decorate – Get creative and decorate your home or classroom with rainbow-colored decorations, streamers, and balloons. Encourage kids to make their own Pride-themed crafts, such as rainbow friendship bracelets or posters celebrating love and equality.
6. Host a Pride Party – Organize a Pride-themed party for kids and their friends. Serve rainbow-colored snacks and drinks, play LGBTQ+-themed games, and dance to uplifting music. You can also set up a photo booth with props like rainbow wigs, sunglasses, and feather boas for some festive fun.
7. Learn About LGBTQ+ Heroes – Introduce kids to LGBTQ+ heroes and trailblazers who have made significant contributions to history and society. Whether it’s activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk or contemporary figures like Ellen DeGeneres and Laverne Cox, these role models can inspire kids to stand up for equality and acceptance.

5 Resources to Teach Kids about Pride

1. Children’s Books – There are numerous children’s books available that celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and families. Look for titles like “And Tango Makes Three,” “Heather Has Two Mommies,” and “Julián is a Mermaid ” to introduce kids to diverse family structures and gender expressions.
2. Online Resources – Websites like GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and the Human Rights Campaign offer resources and information for parents and educators on how to talk to kids about LGBTQ+ topics and create inclusive environments.
3. Local LGBTQ+ Organizations – Many communities have LGBTQ+ organizations that offer educational programs, support groups, and events for families and children. Reach out to these organizations to learn about resources and opportunities available in your area.
4. Documentaries and Films – There are also a variety of documentaries and films that explore LGBTQ+ themes and history in an accessible way for kids. Documentaries like “The Times of Harvey Milk” and family-friendly films like “Love, Simon” can spark meaningful conversations about LGBTQ+ issues.
5. Museums and Exhibits – Some museums and cultural institutions feature exhibits or programs focused on LGBTQ+ history and culture. These can be great educational resources for kids to learn about the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community in a tangible and engaging way. Check with local museums or search online for virtual exhibits that may be accessible from home.

11 Pride Activities for Kids

1. Rainbow Wand Craft | Tamara Camera Blog – Covered in rainbow sparkles, these wands are a great way for kids to spread a little joy.
2. Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookies | Eat the Love – These chocolate chip cookies scream Pride with all the colors of the rainbow.
3. Paper Heart Rainbow Craft | No Time for Flash Cards – This craft is a super simple way for little hands to celebrate the rainbow.
4. Easy Rainbow Mini Pinatas | Made with Happy – The perfect way to decorate for Pride month, these mini pinatas can be filled with rainbow candy.
5. Rainbow Shaving Cream Marble Art | Hello Wonderful – Kids can get hands on while celebrating Pride with this vibrant rainbow craft.
6. Rainbow Pride Pops | Food Network – Get everyone in on the celebration by making a batch of these rainbow Pride pops.
7. Painted Rainbow Leaf Craft | Grace Giggles and Naptime – Celebrate diversity in nature and our community with this rainbow leaf craft.
8. Rainbow Painted Rocks for Pride | Carla Schauer Studio – Fabulously colorful, these rocks can be made using easy-to-apply temporary tattoos.
9. Easy DIY Pride Flags | Hallmark – Get creative by making your very own Pride flag or banner with these step-by-step instructions.
10. Pride Bracelets | Two of Wands – Older kids will have fun creating one of these rainbow design Pride bracelets.
11. DIY Pride Ice Dye Rainbow Shirt | Kid Made Modern – Use this tie-dye technique to create pride flag-inspired shirts or bandanas, promoting self-expression.

Now that you know how to celebrate Pride with kids, you have a wonderful opportunity to teach them about love, acceptance, and diversity.

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