Ahhh, back to school season, new backpacks, sharpened pencils, fresh notebooks, and... total chaos if you’re a parent trying to get everyone back into the swing of things!

Whether your kids are excited, nervous, or already begging for the next school holiday, one thing’s for sure: a few fun back to school activities can make all the difference.

As a Mom who’s been through many first days of school (with a camera in one hand and a coffee in the other), I’ve gathered a big ol’ list of ideas to make the transition back to school smooth, special, and maybe even a little magical.

Fun Activities for Back to School Season

So here are tons of fun and simple back to school activities for kids, families, classrooms, and even teachers!

1. First Day of School Photos (With a Twist!)

We’ve all seen the classic “first day of school” sign, but let’s jazz it up a bit this year!

Fun photo ideas:

• Let kids design their own chalkboard sign or printable poster.

• Use props like books, apples, glasses, or a giant pencil.

• Have them hold up a sign saying what they want to be when they grow up.

• Take the same photo in the same spot every year for a super fun time-lapse collection!

Bonus idea: Do a “first day vs last day” photo challenge, you’ll love seeing how much they change!

2. Back to School Interview

Kick off the year with a cute “All About Me” interview! You can print one out or make your own with questions like:

• My favorite food is…

• I want to learn about…

• When I grow up, I want to be…

• I’m most excited about…

It’s fun to read them year after year, and it gives you a little peek into their world.

3. School Supply Scavenger Hunt

Instead of just handing over a pile of school supplies, make it a game! Hide everything around the house or yard and give your child a fun scavenger list.

Add extra fun by including:

• A “golden pencil” with a small prize

• A silly task at each location (like “do 5 jumping jacks before you get your erasers!”)

They’ll be giggling while they gear up!

4. DIY Homework Station

Okay, I know this sounds like organizing (bleh), but hear me out! Let your kids decorate and set up their own homework station. They can:

• Pick out a pencil holder

• Decorate folders with stickers

• Hang an inspiration board

• Choose their own “study buddy” plushie

Giving them some control over their space can make homework time a tiny bit less painful. Maybe.

5. Back to School Bingo

This one's a hit! Make a simple bingo board with fun goals like:

• “Made a new friend”

• “Ate lunch at school”

• “Used a new pencil”

• “Answered a question in class”

• “Read a book”

Mark off squares as the week goes on and give a small treat for completing a row or the whole board.

6. Read a Back to School Book

A cozy story is the perfect way to ease first-day jitters. Snuggle up and read together!

Some favorites:

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

• Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

• School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

Books help kids feel understood and seen, and sometimes, we moms need the story too!

7. Decorate a Back to School Cake

Who says cake is only for birthdays? Celebrate the new school year with a fun “Back to School” cake or cupcakes.

Ideas for decorations:

• Pencil or notebook toppers

• Frosting in school colors

• Edible alphabet letters

Let your kids help bake and decorate, it’s a sweet way to start the year!

8. Make a School Year Bucket List

Sit down as a family and make a list of fun goals for the school year. Think outside the academic box!

Ideas:

• Join a new club or sport

• Go on a field trip with friends

• Try something new at lunch

• Finish a fun book series

• Help someone in need

It helps kids focus on the exciting parts of the year, not just the homework.

9. Back to School Craft Day

Pull out the glue sticks and googly eyes, it’s craft time! Make some cute DIY school-themed crafts to decorate lockers, backpacks, or desks.

Craft ideas:

• Paper plate school buses

• DIY bookmarks

• Name signs for desks or cubbies

• Pencil toppers

Perfect for a rainy afternoon or playdate!

10. Morning Routine Chart

Back to school mornings can be rough. Creating a simple visual routine chart helps kids know what to expect.

Use pictures and words (or emojis!) to show:

• Brush teeth

• Get dressed

• Eat breakfast

• Pack bag

• Head out the door!

Add checkboxes or use Velcro so they can move things around. It adds a sense of independence (and helps YOU keep your sanity).

11. “Lunchbox Notes” Station

Set up a little basket or box with sweet lunchbox notes, jokes, or mini affirmations. Write a bunch ahead of time and stash them in envelopes or mini bags for easy grabbing.

You can even have your kids write a few for you, or for their siblings!

12. Create a School Year Time Capsule

Start a time capsule on the first day of school and open it on the last!

Fill it with:

• That “All About Me” sheet

• A favorite toy or drawing

• A school photo

• A note from you

• Predictions for the year

Seal it in a shoebox or jar and tuck it away. Opening it at the end of the year is so much fun.

13. Celebrate with a “Back to School Dinner”

Mark the end of summer with a fun family dinner. Let the kids pick the menu and set the table fancy-style with napkins and everything (even if it’s pizza night!).

Ideas:

• Talk about what everyone is excited for

• Make “school year wishes”

• Give a little gift (like a new book or cute erasers)

It’s a sweet tradition that makes the new year feel special.

14. Write a Letter to the Teacher

Help your child write a simple letter to introduce themselves to their new teacher! You can include:

• Their name and age

• Favorite things

• What they’re excited or nervous about

Teachers love getting to know their students, and it’s a great confidence boost for shy kiddos.

15. Make a Friendship Bracelet

Heading into a new grade (or a new school) can be scary. Making and gifting friendship bracelets is a sweet way to connect.

You can even make one together and say it’s for courage or kindness, whatever message your child needs to carry with them.

16. Brain Boosting Breakfast Challenge

Make breakfast extra special for the first week of school with a “brain food” challenge! Let your kids help plan meals packed with energy-boosting ingredients.

Some fun and healthy options:

• Fruit and yogurt parfaits

• Banana oat pancakes

• Smoothies with hidden spinach (shhh!)

• Toast with peanut butter and banana slices

Let them rate each breakfast with silly emoji stickers!

17. Make a School Countdown Calendar

If your kids are excited, a countdown calendar adds to the fun. If they’re nervous, it gives them time to mentally prepare.

Use a paper chain or printable calendar. Each day, they can tear off a link or cross off a day.

18. Create a “Bravery Bag”

This one is great for kids with first-day jitters. Fill a small pouch with comfort items like:

• A squishy toy

• A family photo

• A note from home

• A small worry stone

It’s like a little hug they can take with them.

19. Play “School” at Home

Especially for little ones heading to school for the first time, playing school at home can ease anxiety.

Let them be the teacher. Set up “centers.” Practice packing a backpack. This pretend play is a great confidence booster!

20. Celebrate the End of Week 1

When the first week is done, celebrate! Whether it went smoothly or was full of hiccups, your kid made it through a big transition.

Ideas for celebration:

• Ice cream party

• Backyard movie night

• A trip to the park

• A “you did it” certificate

Back to school isn’t just about notebooks and bells, it’s a big emotional moment for kids and parents. With a few simple and fun activities, you can turn those butterflies into excitement and help create memories that stick around longer than that glitter glue they spilled in the backpack.