Here are 15 energizing activities that kids aged 7-13 can engage in to get to know each other:
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Name Tag Relay: Create paper name tags with fun facts about each child. They can run to a designated spot, pick a name tag, and find the person to share something about themselves.
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Human Bingo: Create bingo cards with different characteristics (e.g., "has a pet," "loves ice cream"). Kids mingle to find peers who match the statements and fill their cards.
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Team Building Obstacle Course: Set up a fun course with various physical challenges. Kids will work together as a team navigating the course.
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Two Truths and a Lie: Have each kid share two true statements and one false one about themselves. The others guess which one is the lie.
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Interest Posters: Provide art supplies for kids to create posters representing their hobbies and interests. They can present them to the group.
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Group Dance Party: Play some fun music and have a dance party. Kids can show off their moves and even teach each other some fun dance steps.
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Problem-Solving Challenges: Divide kids into small groups and give them a fun challenge to solve together (e.g., building a tower with limited materials).
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Story Circle: Sit in a circle and start a story with a sentence. Each child adds a sentence to continue the story, fostering creativity and teamwork.
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Friendship Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items or characteristics that kids must find in pairs or small groups, encouraging them to chat as they search.
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Art Collaboration: Set up a large canvas or paper for a group art project where kids contribute their own unique touches to a collective piece.
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Speed Meeting: Similar to speed dating, kids rotate and spend a few minutes with each peer asking fun questions to learn about each other.
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Nature Walk with Sharing: Take a walk outside, and at various stops, have kids share something interesting about themselves or something they observed.
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Charades: Play a game of charades where kids must act out hobbies, animals, or emotions while others guess what they are.
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Talent Show: Allow kids to sign up to showcase their unique talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, or magic tricks, fostering appreciation and camaraderie.
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Friendship Bracelets: Have kids craft friendship bracelets with beads or strings. They can exchange them once finished as a symbol of their new friendships.
These activities encourage interaction, teamwork, and fun, helping children to bond and get to know each other better.