National Relaxation Day for Kids: Easy Mindfulness and Calming Activities for Preschoolers 

When you think of National Relaxation Day, you might imagine a day for adults involving a hammock, a good book, and maybe even a long, quiet nap. Our little ones may not be juggling emails or stuck in traffic, but their days are still full. Preschool is a busy mix of learning, playing, sharing, and growing, and that can be a lot for small bodies and big feelings. Even toddlers can experience stress, which can show up in subtle ways like clinginess, sudden meltdowns, or changes in appetite. That’s why every August 15th is a perfect chance to slow down together. National Relaxation Day began in 1985 when a ninth grader named Sean Moeller suggested that everyone take a break from the constant rush of life. His simple idea is still a good reminder today. Teaching children how to relax and recharge gives them skills they can use for the rest of their lives. 

Here are a few fun, science-backed ways to celebrate National Relaxation Day with your preschooler and help them enjoy the benefits of slowing down. 

Making Mindfulness Simple for Little Ones 

Mindfulness isn’t just for grownups. It’s the practice of using your five senses to pay attention to what’s happening around you (and inside of you) right now. For preschoolers, this can be as simple as slowing down and noticing the little things they might usually zoom past.  

One fun way to try it is with a “listening game.” Sit together, close your eyes, and see how many sounds you can hear. Maybe it’s a bird singing, a dog barking somewhere in the neighborhood, leaves swishing in the breeze, or even your own breathing. A “color walk” is another easy way to get started. Take a short walk together and look for things in five different colors. Suddenly you’re both spotting the red mailbox on the corner, the bright blue sky above, and the sunny yellow flowers you didn’t notice yesterday. Turning it into a game makes mindfulness feel fun instead of serious, and those little moments of paying attention can help kids (and us) feel calmer and more connected. 

Mindfulness for Parents on the Go 

As parents, we know that slowing down with our children is wonderful in theory, but sometimes the day just does not allow for it, even on National Relaxation Day.  

Mindfulness is really about being present, and that can happen even in the middle of your to-do list. You can turn everyday activities into moments of calm by practicing “active meditation.” Notice the warm water on your hands while washing dishes. Pay attention to the scent of your child’s shampoo at bath time. Take a deep breath and really feel your feet on the ground while waiting in line at the store. These small shifts can help you feel more centered and give your mind a little space to rest, even when the day is full. 

If you are curious about what this looks like in everyday life, check out this amazing TED Talk on Mindful Tasking for some inspiration. 

Teaching Children Deep Breathing the Fun Way 

Telling a preschooler to “take a deep breath” doesn’t always click. But turning it into a game? That works. One favorite is the “balloon breath.” Pretend you’re blowing up a big balloon in your belly. Take a slow, deep breath in as it gets bigger, then blow the air out slowly until it’s “empty.” Another fun one is “smell the flowers, blow out the candles.” Inhale like you’re smelling a flower, then exhale like you’re gently blowing out a birthday candle. A new study from Stanford found that when young children take just a few slow, deep breaths, their bodies start to feel calmer right away. 

You don’t need a quiet room or special setup for this. These games work just as well in the car, at the park, or while waiting in line at the grocery store. If you want a little extra inspiration, the book Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey is full of short, playful mindfulness exercises you can do anywhere.  

Creating Calm Spaces for Kids at Home 

It can be so helpful to have a cozy spot at home where your child can take a break. A corner with some soft pillows, a blanket, and a couple of favorite books is perfect. You might add a small basket with sensory toys, like a squishy ball or a smooth rock they can hold. 

It’s not a “time-out” spot. It’s a safe, comfortable place they can go when they need a moment (whether it’s National Relaxation Day or not). You can make this part of your daily rhythm. After preschool, you might have a few minutes in the calm corner before snack. At bedtime, dim the lights and read together to help your child’s body know it’s time to rest. 

Kids learn how to relax by watching us. If they see you taking a few slow breaths when you feel stressed or sitting for a moment before jumping into chores, they’ll notice. Sometimes it’s as simple as saying out loud, “I need a little break,” and letting them see you take it. 

Relaxation is Better Together at Creative World 

Relaxation doesn’t have to mean booking an expensive vacation or blocking off an entire afternoon. It can be as simple as sprinkling little moments of calm into an ordinary day. Maybe you sit down for five quiet minutes of coloring together, stretch out in the grass to watch clouds drift by, or put on some soft music after lunch. These tiny pauses can make a big difference. Over time, you may notice your child starting to choose these calming activities on their own, which is a beautiful sign they’re learning how to recharge when they need it. 

At Creative World School, we weave these moments of calm into every day. Our teachers use fun breathing games, quiet transitions, and mindful activities to help children reset between all the excitement of learning and playing. We believe these skills are just as important as ABCs and 123s. Schedule a tour at a Creative World preschool near you and see how we nurture curious, confident, and calm learners!