10 Ways To Keep Older Kids Busy During Ramadan
I think we moms can sometimes make things more complicated than they need to be. When Ramadan comes, we often feel a strong desire to make it unforgettable for our children, and in that effort, it can quickly become stressful and time-consuming. But the aim of Ramadan was never to create hardship for ourselves or our families.
Ramadan is meant for our children to enjoy a few meaningful moments, learn more about their deen, remember Allah SWT more often, and grow in good deeds, generosity, and gratitude.
So let go of the complicated craft projects and the constant “I have to do this” or “I need to make that” mindset. Instead, enjoy Ramadan with your children, keep things simple, and focus on teaching them to give more than they receive. Below are some ideas that are practical, flexible, and easy to adapt to your family’s rhythm.
1. Ramadan Printables
Choose Ramadan activity pages for your children that don’t require too much time and that they can mostly do on their own. Don’t worry about perfection; the goal is for your kids to enjoy the activity and feel connected to Ramadan, not to create something flawless.
Once finished, children can mail their work to family members or even scan and email it.
Some readers have shared that they print extra copies, turn a few pages into a booklet, and hand them out to children at the masjid during tarawih. Alhamdulillah, what a lovely idea!
You can find my Ramadan printables available for free during Ramadan on my education website.
2. Arts and Crafts
Doing Ramadan crafts with your children is nice if you can make them meaningful by choosing projects your children can actually use. This helps avoid waste and teaches children that what they create can have purpose.
Useful crafts also allow them to make gifts for others that bring a smile, offer benefits, or carry spiritual meaning. Some simple ideas include making prayer beads, no-sew Qur’an covers using fabric glue, or friendship bracelets with letters spelling a pillar of Islam, to name just a few.
3. Stories and Nasheeds
Listening to stories and nasheeds is a gentle and effective way to keep children engaged while nourishing their iman. You can play audiobooks from Maryam Sinclair, such as The Bowing of the Stars, A Mercy to the World, or the Miraj Audio Collection, as well as others available on YouTube.
Your children can also enjoy poems and songs by Elizabeth Lymer, Zain Bhika, Yusuf Islam, and Dawud Wharnsby
Through stories and songs, children learn about Islam, strengthen their connection to their deen, and are naturally reminded of Allah SWT.
Alongside this, I usually focus on helping my children memorize duas they don’t yet know, learn the 99 Names of Allah, memorize short surahs, read short Hadith, and add new dhikr to their daily routine.
4. Islamic Media
My children love learning about the stories of the Prophets (peace be upon them) and the seerah. Many lectures have now been beautifully illustrated, making them more engaging for young viewers.
Some of our favorite YouTube playlists include:
Older children may also enjoy learning with humor through channels like The Chronicles of Faith, Ummah Films, and Smile to Jannah.
5. An Islamic Club
Try gathering as a family or forming a small group with friends a few times a month to recite the Qur’an, do a khatam, or study tafseer together for an hour or so. Children who cannot yet read can be taught by older siblings or parents who know Arabic.
Make it a special and consistent time by turning it into a small halaqa, with discussion, straight talk, and Q&A for older kids. Offering a small treat or reward when a child reaches a milestone can also be motivating and fun.
6. Letters and Notes
I created a printable to help my children write thank-you letters to people who help them in their daily lives. You can find this in our Ramadan freebies, or simply use paper and colored pens to create your own.
Children can mail these letters to those they know or hand them out to teachers, workers, or anyone who makes their lives a little easier. This activity builds gratitude and teaches children to recognize the kindness of others.
7. Quran and Hadith Copywork
Your children can copy verses from the Qur’an or Hadith to write into a book or on paper and turn it into a scrapbooking project by adding pictures. Decorating the pages of the copywork with colorful gel pens and stickers is often a favorite activity for my kids.
Children learn a great deal through this, and the finished work can be framed for their rooms or given as gifts. This also works well as an educational activity to practice handwriting, Arabic letter formation, cursive writing, or even as an art elective.
8. Masjid Volunteering
The masjid should feel like a second home for our children. Take them with you during Ramadan, even if you don’t stay for tarawih. Your older kids can help other moms keep their young children occupied by bringing quiet toys, coloring pages, or Ramadan books.
You can also bring small treat bags or simple puzzles to hand out, but it’s important not to make this burdensome for yourself, so keep it within budget and for weekends or special nights.
9. Emails or Text Messages
Older kids can send emails or text messages with cute icons, images, or designs to family and friends, not only to wish them Ramadan Mubarak but also to inspire them throughout the month.
Sharing short Qur’an verses, ahadith, or uplifting reminders can brighten someone’s day and remind them that they are remembered. This is especially meaningful for grandparents and for fathers who are at work during the day and would love to read a kind or inspiring word.
10. Ramadan Planner and Journal
My kids love to track their Ramadan progress using a Ramadan planner or chart. They also enjoy answering prompts in their journals on what they enjoyed about their Ramadan day and how they can improve in their ibadah. You can buy a Ramadan journal like the one I designed for my kids or simply use a notebook you already have to get them started.
Simple activities done with sincerity often leave the deepest impact. Through small efforts, children learn that Ramadan is a time of worship, generosity, gratitude, and connection with Allah SWT.
May Allah place barakah in our homes, our efforts, and our children, and allow Ramadan to be a source of positive growth for our families, ameen.
Suggested Ramadan Journals for Adults, Teens and Kids
Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe that making our homes a safe haven for our families, as well as being a wife and mother, brings us great blessings, contentment, and benefits to society as a whole. Since 2011, I've been dedicated to assisting Muslimas in finding tranquility in their roles, taking better care of themselves, and achieving inner peace. Our journey in this world is not an easy one, but I pray the tools and guidance I offer will help you face life's challenges with more gratitude and mindfulness. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! Read more about me here.
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