115 New Skills for Children to Learn, Explore and Enjoy

Children learn about themselves and the world by trying new things. Whether they are developing a creative talent, learning a practical task, becoming more physically active or discovering a new interest, every new skill can help build confidence, independence and curiosity.

In his original article, Paul Brian shared 125 varied skills that people could explore, from photography and gardening to coding, storytelling and sailing. This child-friendly adaptation retains the central idea that learning does not have to be limited to school, and children do not need to become experts for the experience to be worthwhile.

Some activities in this revised list can be attempted independently, while others require the involvement of a parent, carer, teacher, qualified instructor or other responsible adult.

Why Learning New Skills Matters

Learning a new skill can help children:

• Discover their interests, strengths and abilities

• Develop confidence and self-efficacy

• Practise patience, persistence and problem-solving

• Become more independent and responsible

• Express their thoughts, ideas and emotions

• Connect with family members, friends and community groups

• Develop useful everyday life skills

• Spend their free time in positive and meaningful ways

• Learn that mistakes are a normal part of improvement

Children do not always need expensive equipment, formal lessons or large amounts of time. Many skills can be introduced through community programs, school activities, library resources, free tutorials or simple practice at home.

Creative and Artistic Skills

Creative activities give children opportunities to use their imaginations and express their ideas.

1. Take photographs

2. Learn basic graphic design

3. Paint with watercolours

4. Experiment with acrylic painting

5. Draw cartoons

6. Make a short film

7. Edit a video

8. Write a short story

9. Write a book

10. Create a comic or graphic novel

11. Write a poem

12. Make a wall mural with permission

13. Try pottery

14. Decorate pottery

15. Tie-dye fabric

16. Arrange flowers

17. Make fridge magnets

18. Sew by hand

19. Learn to knit

20. Learn to crochet

The aim is not to produce a perfect result. Creative activities can help children develop concentration, patience, emotional expression and flexible thinking.

Communication, Friendship and Performance Skills

Communication skills can help children express themselves clearly, form healthy relationships and feel more comfortable participating in groups.

21. Tell an interesting story

22. Learn to sing

23. Join a choir

24. Try acting

25. Participate in improvisation games

26. Practise child-friendly comedy

27. Create character voices

28. Start a supervised blog

29. Create a supervised video channel

30. Learn how to make new friends

31. Practise starting a conversation

32. Become a better listener

33. Learn a new language

34. Improve spelling

35. Practise public speaking

When children communicate online, adults should provide guidance about privacy, respectful behaviour, digital footprints and appropriate content.

Technology and Digital Skills

Technology can be used for creativity, problem-solving and learning when children have suitable guidance and boundaries.

36. Learn beginner coding

37. Design an app concept

38. Create a simple digital animation

39. Design a video game concept

40. Test an age-appropriate game and record feedback

41. Learn basic keyboard skills

42. Create a digital presentation

43. Edit photographs

44. Design a digital poster

45. Record and edit a podcast

46. Learn responsible digital content creation

47. Practise online research and fact-checking

Digital activities should include age-appropriate supervision, privacy settings, secure passwords, screen-time boundaries and guidance about safe online communication.

Practical Home and Repair Skills

Practical skills can help children become more capable, responsible and confident in everyday life.

48. Sew on a button

49. Repair a small tear in clothing

50. Organise a bedroom

51. Declutter toys and belongings

52. Sort clothes for washing

53. Fold and put away clothes

54. Learn basic hand-tool safety

55. Measure wood for a supervised project

56. Build a simple bird feeder with an adult

57. Help paint a small item

58. Learn basic bicycle maintenance

59. Help check bicycle tyres

60. Learn how household objects are repaired

61. Create a simple woodworking project with an adult

62. Help redesign or organise a study area

63. Make a hammock or simple fabric seat with adult assistance

Activities involving tools, machinery, electricity, sharp objects, ladders or building materials require close adult supervision.

Cooking and Food Skills

Preparing food can support independence, creativity, mathematics, planning and healthy decision-making.

64. Make a sandwich or wrap

65. Prepare a fruit salad

66. Bake biscuits

67. Bake a cake with an adult

68. Decorate cupcakes

69. Make a simple dessert

70. Prepare homemade pesto

71. Make a smoothie

72. Create a healthy snack plate

73. Grow and use fresh herbs

74. Learn safe food storage

Children should receive age-appropriate guidance when using knives, ovens, stovetops, electrical appliances or hot liquids.

Movement, Sport and Wellbeing Skills

Physical activities can help children develop coordination, strength, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

75. Learn to swim

76. Ride a bicycle

77. Practise yoga

78. Try child-friendly boxing fitness with an instructor

79. Learn indoor rock climbing

80. Try ten-pin bowling

81. Learn a dance style

82. Practise juggling

83. Learn to canoe with a qualified adult

84. Learn to kayak with a qualified adult

85. Try horse riding with an instructor

86. Learn basic sailing with a qualified instructor

87. Try a new team sport

88. Try a new individual sport

89. Learn a winter sport with an instructor

90. Create a simple home exercise routine

91. Improve flexibility through safe stretching

92. Practise child-friendly breathing exercises

93. Start a journal

94. Create a healthy bedtime routine

Water sports, climbing, horse riding, cycling, boxing and winter sports require appropriate equipment, safety instruction and responsible adult supervision.

Nature, Animals and Outdoor Skills

Outdoor activities can help children connect with nature, care for living things and understand their environment.

95. Start a garden

96. Grow vegetables

97. Grow an avocado plant

98. Create a small indoor plant garden

99. Learn to identify common birds

100. Make a bird feeder

101. Learn basic camping skills

102. Build a simple outdoor shelter with an adult

103. Learn to care for local wildlife safely

104. Help train and care for a family pet

Children should be taught to treat animals gently, respect natural environments and seek adult guidance before touching unfamiliar animals, plants or insects.

Personal Development and Everyday Life Skills

Some of the most valuable skills are the ones that help children manage their time, emotions, responsibilities and decisions.

105. Plan the week

106. Create a daily routine

107. Practise time management

108. Improve memory through games

109. Learn basic money management

110. Save towards a personal goal

111. Learn the difference between needs and wants

112. Volunteer with a family or trusted organisation

113. Help raise funds for an approved charity

114. Learn calming and relaxation strategies

115. Practise making thoughtful decisions

These skills can help children develop independence while recognising when they need advice or support from a trusted adult.

How to Choose a New Skill

A long list can be exciting, but children do not need to attempt everything at once. Help them choose something that matches their interests, age, abilities and available support.

They could ask:

• What have I always wanted to learn?

• What sounds enjoyable or interesting?

• What skill would make everyday life easier?

• Is there something I could learn with a family member or friend?

• What could I practise for 10 to 20 minutes each week?

• What materials, equipment or adult support will I need?

• Is this activity safe for me to try at my age?

Once a child chooses a skill, help them identify one manageable first step. This might involve borrowing a book, watching a suitable introductory video, joining a beginner’s class, gathering materials or asking someone experienced for guidance.

Learning Safely

Before beginning an activity, children and adults should consider:

• Whether the activity is suitable for the child’s age and development

• Whether adult supervision is required

• Whether a qualified instructor is needed

• What protective equipment should be used

• Whether the activity involves water, heights, heat, electricity, animals, tools or traffic

• Whether online privacy and communication risks need to be managed

• Whether the child understands how to stop and ask for help

Learning to recognise risk and seek assistance is an important life skill in itself.

Progress Matters More Than Perfection

Children may avoid new activities because they worry that they will make mistakes or will not be good at them immediately.

A first painting may look different from the original idea. A new song may sound uncertain. A sewing project may have uneven stitches. A plant may not grow as expected. A child may fall while learning a new sporting skill.

These experiences do not mean the learning has failed.

Each attempt provides information. Mistakes show children what they can adjust, while practice helps unfamiliar tasks become easier. Children benefit when adults focus on curiosity, learning and progress rather than comparison or perfection.

Begin With One Skill

Children do not need a new school year, expensive equipment or a perfect plan to begin learning.

Encourage them to select one skill that interests them, take a safe and manageable first step, and allow themselves to be a beginner.

They may discover a relaxing hobby, a hidden ability, a useful everyday skill, a new friendship or an interest that stays with them for life.

Most importantly, they can discover that they are capable of learning, improving and trying again.

Original inspiration and list concept: Paul Brian, “125 Awesome New Skills to Learn in 2023 (Complete List).” This child-friendly article has been adapted, reorganised and rewritten to remove adult, age-restricted and potentially unsafe activities and to include appropriate safety guidance.