Did you know that April 10th is National Siblings Day? The holiday was founded by New York native Claudia Evart who lost her two siblings early in life in two separate accidents. She chose April 10^th in honor of her late sister Lisette’s birthday.  

According to the Siblings Day Foundation website: “Siblings Day follows the spirit of Mother’s and Father’s Day, an uplifting celebration honoring people who have helped in our development and who have shaped our values, beliefs and ideals.”

So take this opportunity to encourage and celebrate the unique bond your kids share. Whether your little ones are attached at the hip or constantly testing each other’s boundaries, organizing a special activity for Siblings Day strengthens relationships and creates memories they’ll treasure for years to come.

Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:

1. DIY Storytime:

Encourage your kids to create stories together. Provide them with paper, crayons, and any other craft materials to let their imaginations run wild. Once they’ve finished their masterpieces, have a family storytime session where each child can share their creation with the rest of the family. This activity not only promotes creativity but also encourages teamwork and collaboration between siblings.

2. Sibling Scavenger Hunt:

Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Create a list of items for your kids to find around the house or in your backyard. Make sure to include some items that require teamwork to locate! Divide your kids into teams (or pair them up if you have younger ones) and set them loose. The team that finds all the items first wins a special prize – maybe a homemade certificate declaring them the “Ultimate Sibling Scavenger Hunters.”

3. Family Movie Marathon:

Host a movie marathon featuring your kids’ favorite films or TV shows. Take a vote to decide on the lineup, or let each child choose a movie to add to the playlist. Make it extra special by building a cozy fort out of blankets and pillows where the whole family can snuggle up together. Don’t forget the popcorn and snacks!

4. Sibling Cook-Off:

Get your little Gordon Ramsay and Julia Child involved in the kitchen with a sibling cook-off. Choose a simple recipe that your kids can tackle with minimal supervision and let them go head-to-head to see who can whip up the tastiest dish. You can even turn it into a mini cooking competition with different categories like “Best Presentation” or “Most Creative Use of Ingredients”. The best part? Everyone gets to enjoy a tasty meal together at the end.

5. Family Talent Show:

Showcase your kids’ unique talents with a family talent show. Whether they love to sing, dance, act, tell jokes, or perform magic tricks, give each child a chance to shine in the spotlight. Create homemade tickets and programs to add to the excitement, and don’t forget to record the performances so you can cherish the memories for years to come.

6. Sibling Spa Day:

Treat your little ones to a day of pampering with a DIY spa day at home. Set up a “spa station” complete with face masks, nail polish, and massage oils, and let your kids take turns pampering each other. Not only is this a fun way for siblings to bond, but it also teaches them the importance of self-care and relaxation.

No matter which activity you choose, the most heartwarming aspect is celebrating the special bond and unique connection your children share. Siblings have an incredible capacity to learn from each other, support one another, and build memories that compound over a lifetime.

Bonus: Consider including your own siblings in the celebration, especially if they have kids the same age!

P.S. If you have one child, consider doing these activities together on National Only Child Day April 12th.

Want all the fun of crafting and none of the mess? Families in New York’s East End can always drop by the Shine Studio for a day of enriching activities.