7 Ways to Celebrate Independence Day with Children at Home

Every year, on August 15th, India celebrates its Independence Day. This year (2025), marks 78 years since we won our independence. And the day should be celebrated as more than just a national holiday. Think of it as an opportunity to rekindle a sense of pride, celebrate our shared history, and help children learn how this diverse country stands strong in its unity. If you are looking for fun ways to celebrate August 15^th at home, here are 7 simple Independence Day ideas for children to instill the spirit of freedom from the comfort of your home.

Create a Freedom Jar Together  

Decorate a jar together and drop in one thing your child enjoys about being free each day like playing, choosing what to wear, or spending time with loved ones. For younger children, turn it into a short chat and help them draw or paste a picture. Older children can write or share their thoughts. This daily ritual builds gratitude and helps children connect emotionally with the idea of freedom to their everyday experiences in a way that they can understand.  

Attend a Flag Hoisting and Sing the National Anthem 

While it is a holiday, almost every local community, school, or society organizes flag hoisting on Independence Day. Take children to witness this wonderful ceremony where the tricolor is hoisted while the crowd sings the national anthem together with immense pride and joy. The national spirit that this evokes is unparalleled and helps children develop a strong emotional connection with their country. Remember to practice the anthem at home, so your child can actively participate in singing during the actual event. In addition, explain to them the significance of the colors and the Ashoka Chakra on our flag. 

Try Some DIY Crafts 

Hands-on activities are a wonderful way to keep children busy while helping them learn a new skill. Here are some ideas to engage creatively with your children, keeping in mind the special day. Make miniature paper flags by cutting out small rectangles of paper and coloring them in the colors of the Indian flag. Use double-sided tape, paper clips to secure it on a shirt, bag, or simply decorate it on your child’s study table or pin-up board. Encourage children to make enough, so they can distribute them among friends and neighbors to bring in the celebratory feel. 

Create a ‘My India’ Wall Together

This activity can be fun to promote self-expression and emotional connection. Encourage your child to express what they love about India through pictures, stickers, and drawings. This could include a favorite food, a monument, a bird, a language, or a festival. Stick everything on a wall or board at home and proudly name it “My India.” 

Share a Freedom Memory

Children love hearing stories especially from people they know. Invite grandparents or older relatives to a short video call or personal interaction and ask them to share what Independence Day meant to them as children. This nurtures intergenerational bonding and gives children a real, personal window into history, turning a concept like “freedom” into something they can feel and understand emotionally.

Story Circle with Freedom Fighters

Introduce your child to India’s heroes through simple bedtime stories using puppets, cut-outs, or picture books about Gandhi, Rani Lakshmibai, or Bhagat Singh. These stories build identity, courage, and cultural pride. Ask reflective questions like, “What would you do if you were like them?” Keep one story ready each night of the week leading up to Independence Day to make it fun. Two great picks:

• “India’s Freedom Fighters: 5 Minute Stories” (Ages 3–6) – Engaging and colorful short stories. 

• “My First Book of Indian Freedom Fighters” (Ages 2–5) – A toddler-friendly board book with bright visuals and simple text. 

Tricolor Food Parade Across India 

Food has always been central to celebrations in India. Pick simple dishes from North, South, East, and West India like idli, dhokla, laddoo, and paratha using natural tricolor ingredients like carrot, paneer, and mint. Involve children in collecting the ingredients and making the dishes to encourage food exploration and independence. Talk about where each dish comes from to highlight India’s diversity. Cooking together offers an opportunity to bond while allowing children to learn yet another essential skill, also blending culture, creativity, and celebration.

Nurturing Global Citizens with National Pride

Learning, fun, and national pride can all be experienced right from home through thoughtfully planned activities and learning experiences. Celebrate this Independence Day with intention by spending time with your child, bonding through shared activities, and immersing in the cultural richness of India’s past. 

At Dibber International Preschools, we are keen to develop confident individuals who are rooted in their cultural heritage while developing global perspectives. On India’s Independence Day, we proudly honor the values of freedom, patriotism, and gratitude that make this country extraordinary. Jai Hind!