Celebrating Songkran with Kids: Fun Family Activities and Traditions

What is Songkran?

Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year celebration, is a vibrant festival held annually in mid-April. It marks a time of joy, renewal, and togetherness in Thai culture. Rooted in the idea of saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new, it’s a symbolic fresh start for individuals, families, and communities.

Derived from the Sanskrit term “saṃkrānti,” meaning "astrological passage," Songkran signifies the sun’s movement into Aries in the zodiac. Though it falls during Thailand’s hottest season, the festival’s energy is refreshing and uplifting. It’s more than a New Year’s celebration—it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and strengthening family bonds.

For Thais, Songkran is far more than the water fights it’s known for today. It’s rich in tradition, celebrating respect for elders, family appreciation, and community unity. Symbolic cleansing rituals help wash away negativity and embrace a fresh start. Through these traditions, shared meals, and the lively atmosphere, Songkran embodies the warmth and togetherness central to Thai culture.

At AuPairCare, we believe learning about festivals like Songkran helps families and au pairs connect and grow through shared cultural experiences.

Origins and Significance of Songkran 

Songkran has deep historical roots tied to Thailand's rich cultural heritage. It originates from an ancient Hindu tradition, later blended with Buddhist customs as Thailand became predominantly Buddhist. The word "Songkran" comes from the Sanskrit "saṃkrānti," meaning the sun's transition between zodiac signs, marking the Thai solar new year—a time for renewal and fresh beginnings. 

Culturally, Songkran is a time for cleansing, both literally and spiritually, to wash away negativity and welcome a prosperous new year. Water plays a central role in the celebrations. Modern water fights, though playful, stem from sacred practices where water was gently poured over Buddha statues, family members, and elders to show respect and give blessings. This continues in the "Rod Nam Dum Hua" ritual, where younger generations pour scented water over elders' hands, seeking their blessings and guidance. 

Family and gratitude are also key to Songkran. Families gather to honor ancestors and strengthen bonds. Merit-making, such as offering food to monks or praying at temples, reflects Buddhist values of compassion and mindfulness.

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Fun and Educational Songkran Activities for Kids

Songkran is more than just a festive occasion; it’s a wonderful opportunity for families to bond and learn about Thai traditions together. Incorporating some fun and educational activities into your Songkran celebration can make it enjoyable for kids while introducing them to the values and customs behind the festival. Here are some engaging ideas to try with your family:

1. Family-Friendly Water Play

The lively water fights Songkran is known for are undeniably fun for kids! Set up a backyard water play session using water balloons, sprinklers, or small buckets to create a safe and child-friendly version of the traditional celebrations. You can make it extra special by explaining how water symbolizes purification and the washing away of negativity in Thai culture.

2. Make Songkran Crafts

Get creative with traditional Songkran-inspired crafts! Teach kids to make colorful floral garlands, a symbol of respect and good wishes in Thai culture, using fresh flowers or craft materials. Alternatively, decorate small bowls or pitchers, often used in traditional ceremonies, with paint and stickers. Crafting encourages hands-on learning and helps children appreciate the artistic side of Songkran.

3. Learn Thai Customs

Songkran is rich with meaningful traditions, and children can learn a lot about respect and gratitude through its customs. A great activity is practicing the "Rod Nam Dum Hua" ritual, where kids can respectfully pour scented water over the hands of their elders as a way to ask for blessings. This simple yet heartfelt gesture teaches kids about the importance of family and cultural appreciation.

4. Prepare Thai Dishes Together

Food plays a big role in Songkran, and cooking together is a fantastic way to introduce children to Thai cuisine. Try simple recipes like mango sticky rice (kha niew mamuang) or fresh fruit skewers dipped in sugar syrup. Older kids can help prepare som tum (papaya salad) or assemble spring rolls. Cooking together not only creates delicious family moments but also gives kids a taste of Thailand’s flavorful traditions.

5. Visit a Thai Temple (If Possible)

If there’s a Thai temple nearby, bring the kids along for a visit during Songkran to observe the rituals and practices up close. Watching merit-making ceremonies, such as giving offerings to monks or sprinkling water on Buddha statues, provides an authentic glimpse into the spiritual side of the festival. If visiting a temple isn’t an option, you can explain these traditions at home or watch videos to immerse kids in the cultural significance of Songkran.

By engaging in these activities, children can enjoy the excitement of Songkran while deepening their understanding of its cultural meaning. At AuPairCare, we believe cultural exchange is a powerful way to bring families closer. By celebrating traditions like Songkran together, families and au pairs can create joyful memories while fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity.

Traditional Songkran Foods and Drinks 

Food takes center stage during Songkran, bringing families together over flavorful, shared meals. Iconic Thai dishes like mango sticky rice (kha niew mamuang), pad Thai, and som tum (papaya salad) are enjoyed at festive gatherings, offering a delicious way to celebrate the holiday. Beyond indulging in these delights, food plays a deeper role in the traditions of Songkran. Families prepare meals as offerings to monks, embodying the spirit of gratitude and compassion at the heart of the festival. Sharing these dishes fosters a sense of unity and meaningful connection, which makes Songkran as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body. 

Explore Cultural Celebrations with AuPairCare 

At AuPairCare, we believe that exploring cultural traditions like Songkran is a meaningful way to bring families and au pairs closer together. Celebrating Songkran’s customs, whether through water-filled fun, delicious Thai meals, or creative crafts, provides a window into the rich values of renewal, gratitude, and unity. These shared experiences not only deepen cultural appreciation but also create joyful memories that last a lifetime. By engaging with a world of traditions, families can strengthen their bonds and find inspiration in the beauty of cultural diversity.