33+ Best Activities For 5th Grade

Finding engaging and educational activities for 5th graders can be a rewarding challenge. At this stage, children are curious and eager to learn, making it the perfect time to introduce them to a variety of activities that can stimulate their minds and bodies.

Activities such as critical thinking activities, science experiments, and art projects not only enhance their academic skills but also foster creativity and problem-solving abilities.

These activities are designed to be fun and engaging, ensuring that learning becomes an enjoyable experience for every 5th grader.

Activities For 5th Grade

Painting with Water Color

Painting with Water Color is a creative activity that allows kids to express themselves through art. This activity helps children develop fine motor skills, creativity, and an appreciation for colors and textures.

Materials: Watercolor paints, paintbrushes, thick paper, a cup of water, and a palette or mixing tray.

How to Do:

1. Set up a painting area with watercolors, brushes, paper, water cup, and palette.
2. Let your child choose colors and paint.
3. Teach color mixing on the palette.
4. Display the dry painting.

Mother’s Day Craft

Mother’s Day Craft is a heartfelt activity that allows kids to show their love and appreciation for their mothers. This activity helps children develop fine motor skills, creativity, and the joy of giving handmade gifts.

Materials: Paper plates, paints with paintbrushes, and markers.

How to Do:

1. Set up a crafting area with paper plates, paints, brushes, markers, and decorations.
2. Let your child paint the paper plate and let it dry.
3. Write a special message like “Best Mom Ever” with markers.

Clay Monsters Craft

“Clay Monsters Craft” is a fun activity that allows kids to create their own unique monster figures using clay. This activity helps children develop fine motor skills, creativity, and an appreciation for imaginative play.

Materials: Play dough, googly eyes, ear swabs, a marker, and small decorative items like pom-poms or beads.

How to Do:

1. Give your child a play dough.
2. Encourage molding the play dough into monster shapes with features.
3. Decorate with googly eyes and small items.

Make Adjective Chime

Make Adjective Chime is an educational activity that helps kids learn about adjectives while crafting a beautiful chime. This activity aids in language development, fine motor skills, and creativity.

Materials: Colored paper, scissors, markers, string or ribbon, and glue.

How to Do:

1. Cut star shapes from colored paper.
2. Write different adjectives on each star with markers.
3. Thread string or ribbon through each star.
4. Cut a crescent moon shape, write “Adjectives,” and attach stars to it. Hang the chime where your child can see it.

DIY Solar Oven

DIY Solar Oven is an exciting and that teaches kids about renewable energy and the science of solar power. This activity helps children develop an understanding of eco-friendly practices and basic engineering skills.

Materials: Cardboard box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, black construction paper, glue or tape, and scissors.

How to Do:

1. Cut a flap on the lid of a cardboard box.
2. Line the flap with aluminum foil to reflect sunlight.
3. Cut a square hole in the lid, cover it with plastic wrap, and secure it to create a window.
4. Line the inside of the box with black paper to absorb heat.
5. Use a stick to prop the flap open, angling it to reflect sunlight into the box.
6. Place food inside the box and position the oven in direct sunlight.
7. Adjust the flap to direct maximum sunlight, and let the food cook.

Dream Catcher Craft

“Dream Catcher Craft” is a beautiful activity that lets kids make their own dream catchers. This craft is fun and helps children develop fine motor skills and creativity while learning about cultural traditions.

Materials: A paper plate, paints and paintbrushes, yarn or string, feathers, beads, and scissors.

How to Do:

1. Cut out the center of a paper plate to form a ring.
2. Paint the ring and allow it to dry.
3. Cut paper into strips and glue them onto the ring to form a web.
4. Cut feathers from colored paper.
5. Attach feathers and beads to small pieces of yarn, then glue them to the plate to complete the dream catcher.

DIY Paper Weaving Bag

DIY Paper Weaving Bag” is a creative activity that teaches kids the art of weaving while making a useful and decorative bag. This activity helps children develop fine motor skills, patience, and creativity.

Materials: Colored construction paper, scissors, glue, a ruler, and a pencil.

How to Do:

1. Cut two sheets of paper into strips.
2. Weave the strips together in a checkerboard pattern.
3. Secure the woven pattern with tape or glue.
4. Fold another paper for the basket’s sides and base, then attach the woven sheet.
5. Cut and attach two paper strips as handles.

Skeleton Craft

The “Skeleton Craft” activity is a creative way for kids to learn about the human body. This craft helps children develop their fine motor skills while engaging in a spooky and educational project.

Materials: Construction paper, drinking straws, scissors, glue, and a printable skull face template.

How to Do:

1. Cut the drinking straws into various lengths to represent the bones of the skeleton.
2. Arrange the straw pieces on a piece of construction paper to form the skeleton’s body, arms, legs, and ribs.
3. Glue the straw pieces in place to secure the skeleton shape.
4. Draw one skull face and glue it at the top of the skeleton’s body.
5. Let the glue dry completely before displaying your skeleton craft.

Figure Me Out Activity

The “Figure Me Out” activity is a fun way for kids to practice math skills while sharing interesting facts about themselves. It’s a great classroom activity that encourages both creativity and learning.

Materials: Markers, rulers, scissors, glue, and construction paper.

How to Do:

1. Draw or print a template with sections for personal facts and math problems.
2. Fill in each section with facts and corresponding math problems (e.g., “My Age: 5 x 2”).
3. Decorate the paper with drawings or pictures.
4. Share the activity with friends or family to solve the math problems.

Paper Cap Making Activity

The “Paper Cap Making” activity is a simple craft project perfect for kids. It allows them to design and personalize their own paper caps, making it a fun and engaging way to develop their crafting skills.

Materials: Colored paper, scissors, glue, and markers. You can also use decorative items like stickers and glitter.

How to Do:

1. Cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around your head for the visor’s band.
2. Cut out a semi-circle or curved shape from another piece of paper to form the visor’s brim.
3. Attach the brim to the middle of the paper strip using glue or tape.
4. Decorate the visor with markers, stickers, or other craft materials.
5. Fit the visor around your head and tape or glue the ends of the strip together to secure it.

DIY Cloth Hanger for Doll

The “DIY Cloth Hanger for Doll” activity is a lovely craft project for kids who love playing with dolls. This activity allows them to create a mini cloth hanger stand, enhancing their imaginative playtime.

Materials: Drinking straws, pipe cleaners, scissors, and glue. Also, have colored paper and markers.

How to Do:

1. Cut and assemble straws into an A-frame, securing them with glue.
2. Twist pipe cleaners into mini hangers.
3. Cut and decorate doll-sized clothes from colored paper.
4. Hang the paper clothes on the pipe cleaner hangers and place them on the stand.

Salt Painting Activity

The “Salt Painting Activity” is a creative project that combines art and science. Kids will enjoy making unique textured paintings using salt and watercolor paints.

Materials: Thick paper, glue, table salt, watercolor paints, and paintbrushes.

How to Do:

1. Draw a design on thick paper with a pencil.
2. Trace over the lines with glue.
3. Sprinkle table salt over the glue lines, covering them completely.
4. Shake off excess salt and let the glue dry.
5. Use watercolor paints on the salted lines, watching colors blend beautifully.

DIY Pop up Greeting Card

Creating a “DIY Pop-Up Greeting Card” is a lovely way to add a personal touch to any special occasion. Kids will love crafting these interactive cards that surprise and impress.

Materials: Colored cardstock, white paper, scissors, glue sticks, markers, googly eyes, and colored paper for the pop-up element.

How to Do:

1. Fold half of the colored paper to make the card base.
2. Draw and cut out the bunny’s head, arms, and legs from white paper. Glue the head and arms to the card.
3. Cut and fold multiple heart shapes from colored paper. Glue the folded hearts together to create a 3D pop-up heart and attach it to the bunny’s arms.
4. Add eyes, nose, and mouth to the bunny. Use a marker to add blush or other small details.
5. Write “Happy Birthday” on the inside of the card, and decorate as desired.
6. Let everything dry and fold the card neatly.

Wheel of Multiplication

The “Wheel of Multiplication” is a fun way for kids to practice their multiplication skills. This hands-on activity makes learning math more engaging and helps playfully reinforce multiplication facts.

Materials: Colored cardstock, scissors, brass fasteners (split pins), markers or pens, and a ruler.

How to Do:

1. Cut circles from colored cardstock in different sizes for wheels.
2. Write multiplication problems around the edge of each circle.
3. Create smaller inner circles with answers corresponding to the problems.
4. Attach inner circles to outer circles with brass fasteners for spinning.

Fingerprint Portrait

The “Fingerprint Portrait” is a unique activity that allows kids to combine art and personal expression. By using their own fingerprints, children can create a one-of-a-kind piece of art that reflects their individuality and creativity.

Materials: White paper, markers, pencil, and an eraser.

How to Do:

1. Lightly draw a fingerprint outline on white paper with a pencil.
2. Have your child write about themselves with a pencil.
3. After writing, use colorful markers to trace over the sentences.

Division Flip Cards

Division flip cards make learning division fun. Kids can solve division problems by flipping the cards to reveal the answers.

Materials: Colored construction paper, scissors, and markers.

How to Do:

1. Cut colored paper into rectangular cards with lift-able flaps.
2. Write a division problem on the front of each card.
3. Write the answer under the flap.
4. Encourage solving by lifting the flaps to check answers.

Christmas Bookmark

Making Christmas bookmarks is a festive activity for kids. These cute bookmarks can be used as holiday gifts or to mark their favorite holiday stories.

Materials: Colored construction paper, markers, scissors, and string or ribbon.

How to Do:

1. Cut construction paper into bookmark-sized rectangles.
2. Decorate with Christmas designs using markers.
3. Punch a hole at the top of each and tie a ribbon for a tassel.
4. Let your child use them to mark their favorite holiday books.

Make an Excretory System Project

Creating an excretory system project is an educational way for kids to learn about how the human body removes waste. This project helps kids understand the structure and function of the excretory system.

Materials: A large white sheet of paper, colored markers, scissors, glue, and kidney beans.

How to Do:

1. Draw kidneys, ureters, and bladder on poster board with markers.
2. Glue kidney beans on the kidney and color the rest with markers.
3. Cut and label parts, glue labels next to drawing.
4. Add color and details, explain each part’s function as you review with your child.

Cool Cactus Craft

Making a cool cactus craft is a fun activity for kids. This project allows them to create their own cactus plants using simple materials, perfect for decorating their rooms or giving as gifts.

Materials: Green construction paper, small paper cups, scissors, glue, markers, googly eyes, and tissue paper.

How to Do:

1. Cut cactus shapes from green paper, varying shapes and sizes.
2. Decorate with markers, adding lines and spikes for realism.
3. Glue cactus shapes onto paper cups securely.
4. Add googly eyes and paper flowers for a fun finish.

DIY Personalized Calendar

Creating a DIY personalized calendar is a practical activity for kids. It helps them learn about dates, months, and days while allowing them to design their own unique calendar.

Materials: Colored construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers.

How to Do:

1. Cut construction paper into three sections with pockets.
2. Label sections “Date,” “Month,” and “Day” with markers.
3. Create cards for numbers, months, and days; decorate them.
4. Glue sections onto larger paper to assemble the calendar; decorate with stickers.

Origami Basket Ball

Origami basketball activity that combines the art of paper folding with the excitement of a mini-basketball game. Kids can enjoy crafting and playing with their own handmade basketball setup.

Materials: Colored origami paper, glue, markers, and small pom-poms.

How to Do:

1. Fold origami paper to create the basketball hoop and backboard.
2. Draw a basketball court on another piece of origami paper using markers.
3. Glue the basketball hoop onto the court securely.
4. Let your child shoot baskets by pressing and releasing the pom-pom into the hoop.

Classroom Rules Hanging

Creating classroom rules hanging is a great way to remind kids of important rules in a fun and decorative manner. This activity helps instill a sense of responsibility and respect among students.

Materials: Colored construction paper, markers, scissors, glue, and string.

How to Do:

1. Cut strips from construction paper for rules.
2. Write rules using markers or crayons.
3. Decorate strips with stickers or shapes.
4. Glue strips vertically on larger paper; attach string for hanging.

DIY Straw Necklace

Making a DIY straw necklace is a creative activity for kids. It allows them to design their own jewelry using simple materials, perfect for playtime or as a homemade gift.

Materials: Colorful drinking straws, string or yarn, scissors, and beads.

How to Do:

1. Cut colorful drinking straws into small pieces for the necklace.
2. Measure and cut string or yarn to the desired necklace length.
3. Thread straw pieces onto string, alternating with beads if desired.
4. Tie the ends of the string together to secure the necklace.

Brain Gym Exercise

Brain gym exercises are fun activities that help kids improve their focus, coordination, and cognitive skills. These exercises are simple yet effective ways to boost brain function through physical movement.

Materials: Colored balls, a large sheet of paper, markers, and a flat surface or table.

How to Do:

1. Draw shapes and patterns on paper with markers.
2. Place paper on a flat surface.
3. Your child traces shapes using colored balls, one in each hand.
4. Follow arrow directions and repeat patterns multiple times.

Watering Plants

Watering plants is a rewarding activity for kids. It helps them learn about plant care and the importance of hydration for plant growth while also enjoying time outdoors.

Materials: A watering can or spray bottle for applying water to the garden or potted plants.

How to Do:

1. Fill the watering can or spray bottle with water.
2. Demonstrate gentle watering, reaching plant bases.
3. Explain the importance of not overwatering and signs of plant needs.
4. Encourage regular watering and observe plant growth.

Nature Walk Activity

A nature walk is a wonderful way for kids to explore the outdoors, learn about the environment, and get some fresh air and exercise. This activity encourages observation and curiosity about the natural world.

Materials: Comfortable walking shoes.

How to Do:

1. Pick a safe nature trail or park for the walk.
2. Dress your child in comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
3. Bring a water bottle for hydration.
4. Encourage observation of plants and animals, noting or drawing in a notebook.

Gardening Activity

Gardening is a wonderful activity for kids that teaches them about nature, responsibility, and the joy of nurturing plants. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors and learn about the environment.

Materials: Garden soil, seeds or young plants, a watering can, and gardening tools such as a small shovel and rake.

How to Do:

1. Select a garden spot or use pots for planting.
2. Loosen soil with a shovel or rake.
3. Plant seeds or young plants with your child, following instructions.
4. Water gently with a watering can; keep soil moist.

Sack Race Activity

A sack race is an energetic outdoor activity that kids love. It encourages physical exercise, coordination, and friendly competition, making it perfect for parties, picnics, or playdates.

Materials: Burlap sacks and open outdoor space.

How to Do:

1. Get burlap sacks for each participant.
2. Mark starting and finish lines in an outdoor area.
3. Children step into sacks, pull them to waist, hold edges.
4. Hop to finish line; first child across wins.

Football Play

Playing football is a great way for kids to stay active, learn teamwork, and have fun. It’s a sport that promotes physical fitness, coordination, and strategic thinking.

Materials: Football, protective gear such as helmets, shoulder pads, and knee pads, cleats, and access to an open field or football field.

How to Do:

1. Prepare protective gear for each player.
2. Divide kids into two teams and assign positions.
3. Explain football rules: scoring, teamwork, safety.
4. Start game with kickoff, encourage fair play and fun participation.

Fishing Activity

Fishing is an enjoyable outdoor activity for kids. It teaches patience, concentration, and a love for nature while providing a fun and memorable experience.

Materials: Fishing rods, bait such as worms or artificial lures, fishing line with hooks, life jackets for safety, and a bucket or cooler for caught fish.

How to Do:

1. Pick a safe fishing spot like a lake, river, or pond.
2. Give each child a rod and bait, ensuring life jackets near water.
3. Demonstrate baiting hooks and casting lines.
4. Teach patience and how to reel in a fish; store caught fish in a bucket or cooler.

Laundry Activity

Doing laundry can be a fun activity for kids. It teaches them about responsibility, organization, and the importance of cleanliness in everyday life.

Materials: Laundry detergent, dirty clothes, a washing machine, and a dryer or drying rack, along with a laundry basket.

How to Do:

1. Sort dirty clothes by color and fabric type.
2. Teach your child to measure and add detergent.
3. Load clothes into the washing machine and choose the cycle.
4. Transfer clothes to dryer or drying rack after washing.

Dish Washing Activity

Washing dishes is a great activity for kids to learn about cleanliness and responsibility. It’s an essential life skill that helps them contribute to household chores and understand the importance of keeping things tidy.

Materials: Dish soap, sponge or dishcloth, dirty dishes, and a dish rack or drying mat, all used with a sink filled with warm water.

How to Do:

1. Fill the sink with warm, soapy water.
2. Demonstrate scrubbing dishes, starting with cleaner items.
3. Rinse dishes well with clean water.
4. Air dry on rack or mat; put away once dry.

Reading Comic Book

Reading comic books is an enjoyable activity for kids. It helps improve their reading skills, stimulates their imagination, and introduces them to different stories and characters in a fun way.

Materials: Comic books, creating a comfortable reading space.

How to Do:

1. Select an age-appropriate comic book your child likes.
2. Find a quiet, comfortable spot for reading.
3. Encourage them to read dialogue and follow the story.
4. Discuss characters and story for better understanding.

conclusion

Fifth-grade activities should balance fun and education, keeping students engaged while reinforcing key skills. Hands-on projects, such as simple science experiments and art projects, can make learning interactive and enjoyable.

Additionally, group activities foster teamwork and communication, essential skills for this age group.