Thanking the Moon

Tuning in to the moon can give kids the chance to slow down, look up and really connect with the wonder of the light that shines above us. In this activity, inspired by a story about the Chinese mid-Autumn moon festival, we share ways that kids can connect with and show gratitude for the light of the moon.

This activity is featured in our November calendar. If you do not yet have your free copy, get it here.

The Guide

Read a moon book: 

Read, watch or listen to Thanking the Moon by Grace Lin, a story about a Chinese American family celebrating the mid-Autumn moon festival. Talk about the moon and wonder together how you could thank the moon for the light it provides.

Go for a moon walk:  

Grab a lantern or flashlight (or make your own fall lantern) and head out for an evening walk in search of the moon. Since the world gets dark earlier in fall, it’s the perfect time to introduce kids to the moon, make memories, and still not miss bedtime by too much. As you behold the moon, share what you notice and appreciate about our moon. Read more about this activity here.

Serenade the moon: 

Pick a song (or two or three) to sing to the moon! We love to learn a few moon songs, then sing to the moon as we walk—or bring the phone and sing along under the night sky. Find some of our favorite moon songs here.

Moon picnic: 

Bundle up and pack a bag with blankets, snacks or warm tea and enjoy a picnic under the glowing moonlight. Take a moment to share thanks to the moon for providing its special glow for your nighttime feast.

Make mooncakes: 

In Grace Lin’s story, the family makes mooncakes, a sweet or savory snack made into a round shape to reflect the shape of the moon. Invite kids to make their own nature-inspired mooncakes out of mud or forest putty. Kids can press nature treasures into their round forest putty cakes to create patterns and designs. Kids can also shape their mooncakes into crescents and half-moon shapes to reflect the changing phases of the moon.


Color eggs: 

Eggs are often included in the moonlit picnic celebration during the Chinese mid-Autumn moon festival as they represent the roundness of the moon. Try out these ideas for dying eggs with ingredients found in nature.


Read here for more ideas on how to help kids connect with the moon and the changes we see in the world around us.

Why is this activity great for kids?

For kids, there is nothing more magical than the moon. The earlier darkness we experience in the fall is a perfect time to help kids fall in love with the moon and teach kids about change, transition and the natural world. Tuning in to the moon and the changes we see in the world around us is also a super way to bring kids into the present and feel centered and focused.

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