In India, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14 each year to honor Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary. Fondly known as Chacha Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister was deeply dedicated to children’s welfare, believing they were the key to the nation’s future. The day is marked with cultural programs, games, and educational activities, celebrating children’s rights and emphasizing the importance of their growth and well-being.
For many adults, especially those from the 80s and 90s era, Children’s Day brings a wave of nostalgia. It recalls those carefree mornings when they would wake up early on holidays or race home from school just to play their favorite games. From hiding in treetops during hide-and-seek to playing lagori (or ‘seven tiles’) and building forts out of bedsheets, each game holds cherished memories and an unfiltered sense of joy.
Today, however, in our fast-paced world, we often get caught up in work, screens, and endless to-do lists, forgetting the simple joys of life. Children’s Day serves as a reminder not only for kids but also for adults to nurture that child within, to embrace small joys, and occasionally revisit those memories that bring us peace and happiness. Whether it’s a simple game or a quiet moment of play, this day is an invitation to reconnect with the essence of being young at heart. Therefore, this article helps you with some ideas for adults to revive their childhood days!
Nostalgic And Fun Ways For Adults To Celebrate Children’s Day
Relive Playground Days
Gather your school friends, neighbors, cousin’s and head to a nearby park. Swing on the swings, slide down the slides, or challenge each other to a good old game of tag or hide-and-seek. Let go of inhibitions and embrace the simple joy of being outdoors.
Retro Cartoon Marathon
Plan a marathon of classic cartoons or animated movies from your childhood. Grab some food, drinks and a cozy blankets, and spend the day watching your favorite shows. Bring out the Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, Thomas and Friends, Mr. Bean, Phineas and Ferb or whatever else takes you back to your childhood! Or you could watch your favorite olden days movies like the classic and timeless Malgudi Days, Bal Ganesh, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Aladdin, Beauty and the beast and so much more!
Have a Picnic at a nearby park
School picnics and even turning Sports Day into a mini picnic were childhood highlights! Relive that magic by gathering friends and packing a picnic filled with nostalgic treats like sandwiches, juice boxes, and candies you haven’t enjoyed in years. Head to a park, spread out a blanket, and reminisce about the “good old days” while recreating new memories. Or, take a trip to the zoo, aquarium, or amusement park to rekindle that childhood excitement. Explore exhibits, hop on a few rides, and finish it off with cotton candy or ice cream for the full experience!
Eat at Your Favorite Childhood Spot
Remember those days of one-rupee ice pops (the original “Pepsi cola”) or sneaking bites from each other’s tiffin at school? The tangy sour candies, the imlis, Kismi chocolates, gol gappa stalls, and the kulfi vendor rolling by with his cart—each memory filled with joy and laughter. Even a simple homemade meal shared from a single plate could make the day feel special, where love was served through each bite.
It is time you revisit a favorite childhood fast-food spot or local diner and order a dish you used to love. Tasting those familiar flavors is like a time machine, bringing back a flood of treasured memories.
Visit an Arcade or Play Classic Video Games
Spending an afternoon at an arcade or with these timeless games can transport you back to those carefree days spent with a joystick in hand. If you’re in Mumbai, you’re in luck—there are several retro-inspired play zones perfect for reliving those childhood gaming sessions. Timezone (with locations at Lower Parel, Kurla, and Malad) offers a great selection of arcade games, from racing simulators to claw machines. Smaaash (located in Kamala Mills, Lower Parel) combines classic and modern games, featuring everything from air hockey to VR experiences. Amoeba Entertainment (in Phoenix Market City, Kurla) is another favorite, with a range of arcade games and fun activities that will make you feel like a kid again. So, grab some friends, hit the arcades, and let the games take you down memory lane!
Build a Blanket Fort
Recreate the magic of a cozy blanket fort for the ultimate nostalgic escape! Use bedsheets, blankets, and plenty of cushions to create a snug little hideaway, and string up fairy lights or LED candles for a warm, magical glow. Fill the fort with extra pillows and maybe a stuffed animal or two to complete the vibe. Then, settle in with a favorite childhood movie or a beloved book, and snack on some classic treats like popcorn, candies, or hot cocoa. This simple setup is a comforting throwback to those carefree days when a blanket fort felt like the best place in the world, helping you unwind and reconnect with the joy of life’s simplest pleasures.
Read Classic Children’s Books
Oh do you recall those days, when schools used to take us to libraries or our parents used to get us a bunch of childrens story books. Well it’s time to pick up a book that meant a lot to you as a kid, whether it’s Tenali Raman, Akbar Birbal tales, The Chronicles of Narnia, Matilda, Harry Potter, or Dr. Seuss. Reading it again as an adult can bring back wonderful memories.
Snack Attack – Old School Edition
Treat yourself to childhood snacks and sweets you loved back then. Think about those colorful candies, homemade treats, or the street snacks that always made your day. Make a nostalgia-filled “picnic” of all the treats you’ve missed.
Game Night, Kids Edition
Dust off the board games! Play old-school favorites like Monopoly, Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, Scrabble or Uno. Or dive into video game classics with friends. The friendly competition and familiar games will take you back in no time.
Play Outdoor Sports
Spend the day reliving your childhood by playing classic games like kabaddi, kho kho, lagori, marbles, football, cricket, hide and seek, tug of war, and dodgeball. Enjoy the afternoon sun and the freedom of getting a little messy, just like those days when you’d come home covered in mud and receive playful scoldings from parents or grandparents. You could also revisit the thrill of riding a bike or roller skating—head to a local rink or bike path and soak up that carefree sense of freedom all over again.
Bedtime Story Hour
Revisit the magic of storytime by reading your favorite childhood book, whether it’s an Enid Blyton mystery, Dr. Seuss rhymes, or fairy tales. You could even read aloud to friends or family to recreate that bedtime story vibe.
Create a “Wish Jar”
Make a wish jar and fill it with simple, happy wishes—like the ones you might have made as a child. These wishes could be anything from “visit a fair” to “learn a magic trick.” Each time you accomplish one, it’ll be a playful nod to your inner child.
DIY Art and Craft Time
Set up a mini “arts and crafts” session with coloring books, markers, clay, and whatever else inspires you. Try drawing, painting, or folding paper planes—just like back in school. Embrace the freedom of creating without worrying about perfection; it’s all about the joy of making something with your hands. You could also try doodling, crafting friendship bracelets, exploring origami, or shaping creations out of clay. Let your creativity run free and enjoy the playful spirit of making things just for fun!
Journal Your Favorite Childhood Memories
At the end of the day, take a few quiet moments to journal about your favorite childhood memories. Write down funny stories, treasured moments, or things you loved most—it’s a great way to reconnect with your younger self. Reflecting on those simple joys, the priceless moments money couldn’t buy, and the little things that brought happiness can fill you with gratitude and warmth.
This Children’s Day, take a break from adult responsibilities, let go of self-consciousness, and indulge in the joyful, carefree activities that once lit up your childhood. Celebrate the magic, wonder, and freedom of being a kid—and carry a little of that spirit forward into your everyday life. After all, who says growing up means you can’t be young at heart?
