10 Fun Children in Need Activities for Kids

Looking for Children in Need activities for kids to celebrate BBC Children in Need? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, nursery practitioner or children’s activity provider, there are plenty of exciting ways to get children involved while teaching them about kindness, generosity and helping others.

BBC Children in Need is a UK charity that raises money to support children and young people facing disadvantages and challenges. Every year, families, schools, nurseries and communities take part in fundraising events, dress-up days and creative activities to support this important cause.

From Pudsey Bear crafts and colourful baking to sponsored challenges and sensory play, we’ve put together 10 fun Children in Need activities for kids that are suitable for different ages and abilities.

At Club Hub UK, we love sharing creative, educational and exciting activities that help children learn, develop new skills and make a positive difference.

In this article:

When Is BBC Children in Need 2026?

BBC Children in Need’s annual appeal is traditionally held in November, with a special fundraising television programme and activities taking place across the UK.

For the latest confirmed event date, fundraising resources and information, visit the official BBC Children in Need website.

Schools, nurseries, children’s clubs and families can get involved by organising fundraising activities, dressing up, baking or taking part in fun challenges.

1. Make Pudsey Bear Paper Crafts

One of the most popular Children in Need crafts for kids is creating artwork inspired by Pudsey Bear, the charity’s famous yellow bear mascot.

Pudsey-themed crafts are perfect for nurseries, schools, after-school clubs and family activities.

You will need:

• Yellow paper or card.
• White paper.
• Colouring pens.
• Child-safe scissors.
• Glue.
• Colourful stickers or paper circles.

How to make a Pudsey-inspired bear:

1. Cut a large bear face shape from yellow card.
2. Add two rounded ears.
3. Cut out a white bandage shape.
4. Decorate the bandage with colourful spots.
5. Add eyes, a nose and a smile.
6. Display your finished artwork.

For younger children, adults can prepare the shapes in advance.

This activity encourages creativity, colour recognition and fine motor development.

If your child loves getting creative, discover more arts and crafts activities for kids on Club Hub UK.

2. Organise a Children in Need Dress-Up Day

A themed dress-up day is a fantastic way to get children involved in Children in Need fundraising activities.

Schools, nurseries and children’s activity providers can invite children to wear something colourful or spotty in exchange for an optional donation.

Fun dress-up ideas include:

• Wearing spotty clothes.
• Dressing in yellow.
• Wearing colourful accessories.
• Creating homemade Pudsey-inspired headbands.
• Wearing bright socks.
• Organising a colourful costume parade.

Encourage children to get creative with clothes they already own rather than purchasing something new.

A dress-up day can also provide an opportunity to explain how fundraising helps support other children.

Make participation inclusive so that every child can join in, regardless of whether their family can donate.

3. Bake Pudsey-Inspired Biscuits and Cupcakes

Baking is one of the most enjoyable Children in Need activities for kids, especially when children can decorate their creations with bright colours and spots.

Families, schools and children’s clubs can organise a baking session or fundraising bake sale.

Baking ideas include:

• Pudsey-inspired biscuits.
• Yellow cupcakes.
• Spotty cookies.
• Colourful fairy cakes.
• Teddy bear-shaped biscuits.
• Rainbow fruit skewers.

Children can help with mixing, measuring, decorating and arranging their finished treats.

Baking activities support maths skills, coordination, creativity and teamwork.

If you’re organising a bake sale, remember to follow appropriate food hygiene guidance and clearly communicate allergens.

For more hands-on experiences, explore children’s cooking and baking activities near you through Club Hub UK.

4. Create a Spotty Sensory Play Activity

Looking for Children in Need activities for toddlers and preschoolers? Spotty sensory play is a brilliant way to introduce little ones to the event.

Create a colourful sensory activity inspired by Pudsey’s famous spotty bandage.

Sensory play ideas include:

• Exploring colourful scarves.
• Sorting large, age-appropriate coloured objects.
• Playing with yellow playdough.
• Making spotty patterns using washable paint.
• Exploring colourful water with suitable toys.
• Creating sensory artwork using textured fabrics.

For babies and younger toddlers, avoid small loose materials that could present a choking hazard.

Sensory play encourages curiosity, colour recognition, coordination and early learning.

If you’re looking for more activities for little ones, discover baby and toddler classes near you on Club Hub UK.

5. Organise a Sponsored Dance Challenge

A sponsored dance challenge is a fantastic way to combine physical activity, music and fundraising.

Children can take part in a dance session, mini disco or sponsored movement challenge to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

Fun dance challenge ideas include:

• Dance for 20 minutes.
• Learn a new dance routine.
• Organise a mini disco.
• Take part in a dance-a-thon.
• Create a group performance.
• Host a spotty-themed dance party.

Children can ask family members or friends to sponsor their participation, with adult support.

Make the activity accessible by offering seated movements and other adaptations where needed.

Dance activities encourage confidence, coordination, teamwork and physical fitness.

For children who love performing, explore dance and performing arts classes for kids through Club Hub UK.

6. Make a Children in Need Kindness Tree

A kindness tree is a thoughtful activity that helps children understand the importance of supporting others.

This activity works particularly well in nurseries, primary schools and children’s clubs.

You will need:

• Large paper or cardboard.
• Coloured paper.
• Pens.
• Glue.
• Scissors.

How to create a kindness tree:

1. Draw or create a large tree trunk.
2. Cut out colourful paper leaves.
3. Ask children to think of ways they can show kindness.
4. Write or draw one idea on each leaf.
5. Add the leaves to the tree.

Kindness ideas could include:

• Helping a friend.
• Sharing toys.
• Saying something kind.
• Helping at home.
• Including someone in a game.
• Making someone smile.

The finished tree can be displayed in a classroom, nursery or children’s activity centre.

This activity encourages empathy, emotional awareness and positive relationships.

7. Play Spotty Counting and Maths Games

Children in Need provides a fun opportunity to introduce educational games with a colourful theme.

Spotty counting activities are particularly suitable for preschoolers and younger primary school children.

Ideas include:

• Counting coloured spots.
• Matching numbers to groups of spots.
• Sorting spots by colour.
• Creating repeating patterns.
• Practising simple addition and subtraction.
• Comparing groups of different sizes.

You could create a large paper bear and ask children to add the correct number of spots to its bandage.

For younger children, focus on recognising numbers and colours.

Older children can explore more challenging number problems and patterns.

These activities make maths engaging while supporting early numeracy skills.

8. Hold a Children in Need Mini Sports Day

A mini sports day is an exciting way to bring children together for fundraising and physical activity.

Schools, nurseries, sports clubs and activity providers can organise age-appropriate games and challenges.

Fun sports day activities include:

• Beanbag balancing races.
• Obstacle courses.
• Teddy bear relay races.
• Spotty ball games.
• Mini football challenges.
• Team movement games.

You could invite families to make optional donations or sponsor the children taking part.

Encourage participation, teamwork and enjoyment rather than focusing only on winning.

For children with additional needs, adapt activities so everyone has an opportunity to participate.

If your child loves staying active, discover sports clubs and classes for kids on Club Hub UK.

9. Create Pudsey-Inspired Art and Colouring Pages

Colouring and painting are simple, affordable Children in Need activities for kids that can be enjoyed at home, in nurseries and in classrooms.

Children can create colourful artwork inspired by Pudsey Bear, spots and the charity’s yellow theme.

Creative ideas include:

• Colouring Pudsey-inspired bear pictures.
• Finger painting colourful spots.
• Creating spotty handprint artwork.
• Painting yellow teddy bears.
• Making colourful collages.
• Designing fundraising posters.

Older children could create posters explaining why they are raising money and how people can support their fundraising activities.

For younger children, provide simple outlines and large painting materials.

Creative activities encourage imagination, fine motor development and self-expression.

10. Organise a Children’s Fundraising Talent Show

A talent show is a wonderful way to bring children together while celebrating their interests and abilities.

Schools, nurseries and children’s activity providers can organise a small performance event to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

Talent show ideas include:

• Singing.
• Dancing.
• Acting.
• Playing musical instruments.
• Telling jokes.
• Performing magic tricks.
• Showing creative artwork.

Children can perform individually or in groups, depending on their confidence and preferences.

Families could be invited to attend and make optional donations.

Keep the event positive and inclusive, ensuring children feel supported whether or not they choose to perform.

Talent shows encourage confidence, communication, creativity and teamwork.

Children in Need Activities for Different Age Groups

Choosing age-appropriate activities helps children enjoy the event while learning about kindness and helping others.

Children in Need Activities for Toddlers (Ages 1–3)

Toddlers can enjoy spotty sensory play, finger painting, colourful scarves, music and simple creative activities. Focus on play, exploration and positive experiences.

Children in Need Activities for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

Preschool children may enjoy Pudsey-inspired crafts, spotty counting games, baking, dress-up days and kindness activities.

Children in Need Activities for Primary School Children (Ages 5–11)

Older children can take part in sponsored challenges, fundraising events, sports days, talent shows, baking activities and discussions about how charities help others.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children in Need Activities for Kids

What are the best Children in Need activities for kids?

Some of the best Children in Need activities for kids include Pudsey Bear crafts, spotty dress-up days, baking, sponsored dance challenges, sensory play, kindness activities and fundraising sports days.

What Children in Need crafts can toddlers make?

Toddlers can enjoy finger painting spots, decorating paper bears, exploring yellow playdough and creating simple collages with large, age-appropriate materials.

How can schools raise money for Children in Need?

Schools can organise optional-donation dress-up days, bake sales, sponsored challenges, talent shows, sports days and creative fundraising events. Activities should be inclusive and accessible to all children.

What can nurseries do for Children in Need?

Nurseries can organise spotty sensory play, simple Pudsey-inspired crafts, music sessions, colouring activities and kindness-themed group activities.

How can children learn about helping others through Children in Need?

Children can learn about helping others through age-appropriate conversations, kindness activities, fundraising projects and opportunities to work together towards a shared goal.

Discover More Children’s Activities with Club Hub UK

BBC Children in Need is a wonderful opportunity to bring families, schools and communities together while encouraging children to learn about kindness, generosity and helping others.

Whether you’re creating Pudsey Bear crafts, organising a sponsored challenge or hosting a fundraising event, there are plenty of exciting Children in Need activities for kids to enjoy.

At Club Hub UK, we’re passionate about helping families discover creative, educational and inspiring activities for children of all ages.

From arts and crafts workshops and sports clubs to dance classes, toddler groups and family days out, our directory helps parents find fantastic activities in their local area.

Looking for more exciting activities for your children?

Find Kids’ Activities Near Me on Club Hub UK