Top Group Activities for Children to Boost Wellbeing in 2025

Welcome to a guide dedicated to strengthening children's emotional wellbeing through the power of connection and play. In an age where social and academic pressures are ever-present, supporting children's mental health has never been more vital. Recent statistics paint a stark picture, with one in six children aged 7 to 16 in the UK having a probable mental health problem. The impact isn't just personal; poor mental health in the population costs UK businesses an estimated £56 billion a year through reduced productivity and increased healthcare needs. The relentless pressure of social media, with its curated ideals and potential for cyberbullying, only adds to the challenges young people face.

This article champions a proactive, positive approach. We will explore nine engaging group activities for children, meticulously designed not just for fun, but to build a robust foundation of emotional literacy, resilience, and social skills. These practical, hands-on ideas are tools to help children navigate their feelings, understand others, and build supportive relationships—skills that will last a lifetime. Addressing mental health early is crucial for preventing long-term difficulties and fostering a healthier, more productive future generation.

We'll provide a holistic toolkit for nurturing young minds, offering actionable strategies to help children thrive. While these activities are supportive, it is crucial to remember that I am not a mental health professional, and this article does not constitute professional medical advice. If you have concerns about a child's mental health, please seek guidance from a qualified doctor or mental health professional.

1. Cooperative Team Building Games: Fostering Unity and Empathy

Cooperative team-building games are structured activities where the entire group works towards a shared objective, shifting the focus from individual competition to collective success. Popularised by organisations like Outward Bound and Project Adventure, these group activities for children are designed to build trust, enhance communication, and foster a strong sense of unity. By removing the pressure of winning or losing against peers, children can practise empathy, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving in a low-stakes environment.

These games are particularly beneficial for developing emotional literacy. When a child contributes to a group goal, they learn to value others' contributions and see how their own actions impact the team. This shared experience helps build crucial social skills and can improve a child's overall wellbeing, a key focus for initiatives like Children's Mental Health Week 2025.

How to Implement Cooperative Games

Start with simple, non-threatening activities to build confidence before moving to more complex challenges. The "Human Knot" is a classic example: children stand in a circle, grab the hands of others across from them, and then work together to untangle the "knot" without letting go.

• Establish Clear Norms: Before starting, set expectations for respectful communication and participation.
• Rotate Leadership: Encourage different children to take the lead in various activities to build confidence and leadership skills across the group.
• Debrief Afterwards: After each game, facilitate a brief discussion. Ask questions like, "What was challenging about that?" or "What did our team do well?" to reinforce the learning.
• Match Complexity: Ensure the activity is appropriate for the group's age and developmental stage.

By fostering connection and teamwork, these games provide a powerful foundation for positive social interaction.

2. Scavenger Hunts and Treasure Hunts: Encouraging Exploration and Teamwork

Scavenger hunts and treasure hunts are organised quests where children, often in teams, search for specific items or solve clues within a designated area. Popularised by everything from summer camps to educational apps like GooseChase, these group activities for children are fantastic for combining physical movement with critical thinking and collaboration. The shared goal of finding the "treasure" encourages children to communicate, delegate tasks, and work together, turning a simple search into a powerful team-building exercise.

These activities are highly adaptable and promote problem-solving and resilience. When faced with a tricky clue or a hard-to-find item, children learn to persevere and think creatively as a team. This process builds confidence and shows them that challenges can be overcome through cooperation, which is a valuable lesson for managing life's everyday stresses and supports positive mental wellbeing.

How to Implement Scavenger Hunts

The key to a successful hunt is thoughtful planning and clear instructions. A nature-based hunt in a local park can be just as engaging as a high-tech photo scavenger hunt. For example, asking teams to find "something smooth," "something that makes a crunching sound," and "a leaf with more than one colour" encourages observation and sensory engagement.

• Set Clear Boundaries: Define the search area and establish firm safety rules before starting. Ensure adult supervision is present throughout the space.
• Create Balanced Clues: Include a mix of easy and challenging items or clues to keep all participants engaged and avoid frustration.
• Encourage Teamwork: Design clues or tasks that require more than one person to complete, such as forming a human pyramid for a photo or collecting a certain number of items together.
• Have a Backup Plan: Prepare an indoor version in case of bad weather to ensure the activity can go ahead regardless.

By turning exploration into a shared adventure, scavenger hunts offer a dynamic and enjoyable way for children to develop essential social and problem-solving skills.

3. Drama and Theatre Games: Building Confidence and Expression

Drama and theatre games are dynamic group activities for children that use creative expression to explore emotions, scenarios, and relationships. Popularised by pioneers like Viola Spolin, these exercises involve improvisation, role-playing, and collaborative storytelling to build confidence, empathy, and communication skills. Instead of focusing on performance, the process encourages children to step into another's shoes, navigate complex social situations, and express themselves in a safe, imaginative space.

These games are highly effective for developing emotional intelligence. By acting out different roles and reactions, children can practise identifying and managing feelings without personal risk. This creative outlet provides a constructive way to process experiences, reducing anxiety and strengthening their ability to connect with others, which is vital for positive mental health.

How to Implement Drama Games

Begin with simple warm-up exercises to ease children into the activity before introducing more structured scenarios. An improv game like "Yes, And..." is an excellent starting point, where each child adds to a story started by someone else, fostering acceptance and collaboration. A practical example could be creating short skits based on a feeling, like "showing what excitement looks like" without using words.

• Create a Safe Space: Establish a judgement-free zone where creativity is celebrated and there are no "wrong" answers.
• Use Props and Costumes: Simple items like hats, scarves, or wands can help children feel less self-conscious and fully immerse themselves in a role.
• Start with Movement: Incorporate physical exercises like mime or creating "statues" to engage kinesthetic learners and build group energy.
• End with Reflection: Conclude with a brief, positive chat. Ask questions like, "How did it feel to be that character?" or "What did you enjoy about creating our story together?"

By encouraging creative play, drama games help children understand themselves and others better. You can find more structured ways to explore feelings by trying this amazing emotions activity with your children.

4. Group Sports and Modified Games: Building Skills Through Inclusive Play

Group sports and modified games adapt traditional sports to maximise participation, minimise elimination, and ensure every child remains actively involved. Popularised by initiatives like the SPARK PE programme, these group activities for children prioritise skill development and teamwork over intense competition. By modifying rules, such as using multiple balls in football or softer equipment in volleyball, the focus shifts from winning to fostering effort, fair play, and personal improvement.

This approach is hugely beneficial for a child's mental wellbeing, as it reduces the anxiety often associated with competitive sports. When the pressure to outperform others is removed, children are more willing to try new skills and collaborate with teammates, building both physical confidence and social resilience. Beyond general free play, structured activities like beginner soccer drills can also play a vital role in skill development and teamwork for young players.

How to Implement Modified Games

Begin by adapting a familiar sport with one or two simple rule changes. For example, in basketball, create a cooperative challenge where the entire team must make a certain number of passes before anyone can shoot. This immediately changes the dynamic from individual glory to collective strategy.

• Focus on Personal Improvement: Emphasise effort and progress over winning. Give feedback that praises teamwork and persistence.
• Rotate Team Compositions: Regularly mix up the teams to give children the opportunity to work with different peers, preventing cliques from forming.
• Use Smaller Teams: Smaller groups increase each child's opportunity to touch the ball and participate meaningfully.
• Emphasise Fun and Fair Play: Establish clear expectations for sportsmanship and respectful interaction from the outset.

By making sports more accessible and less intimidating, these modified games offer a fantastic platform for children to develop physical skills and positive social habits simultaneously.

5. Art and Craft Collaboration Projects: Weaving Creativity Together

Art and craft collaboration projects are creative activities where children work together to produce a single, shared artistic work, combining their individual contributions into a collective masterpiece. Popularised by educational approaches like Reggio Emilia and community mural movements, these group activities for children prioritise shared creation over individual output. They teach participants to appreciate diverse artistic perspectives, negotiate ideas, and experience the satisfaction of contributing to something larger than themselves.

These projects are particularly effective for fostering emotional expression and social cohesion. When a child adds their piece to a group mural or quilt, they learn that their unique vision has value within a larger community framework. This process builds self-esteem and strengthens bonds, creating a visual representation of their collective effort and shared identity. Such creative outlets are crucial for children's wellbeing, providing a non-verbal means to process feelings and connect with others.

How to Implement Collaborative Art Projects

The key is to balance individual creativity with a cohesive group goal. A classic example is a "Chain Story Illustration," where each child adds a drawing to a long piece of paper to continue a story started by the previous participant, creating a unique narrative scroll.

• Establish a Shared Vision: Before starting, discuss the project's theme and goals as a group to ensure everyone feels invested and understands the desired outcome.
• Provide Individual Space: Structure the project so each child has a defined area or role, such as a specific section of a mural or a quilt square to design.
• Organise Materials and Space: Ensure you have enough workspace and that materials are organised and easily accessible to prevent frustration and promote a smooth creative flow.
• Celebrate the Process and Product: Document the creation process with photos and display the finished piece prominently. This validates the children's hard work and celebrates their successful collaboration.

By merging individual expression with a shared purpose, collaborative art projects build teamwork, creative problem-solving skills, and a powerful sense of community achievement.

6. Science Experiments and STEM Challenges: Building Curiosity and Resilience

Science experiments and STEM challenges are hands-on group activities for children where teams collaborate to solve problems, test hypotheses, and explore scientific principles. Popularised by initiatives like the FIRST LEGO League and hands-on science museums, these activities turn learning into a thrilling process of discovery. By working together on a tangible goal, children develop critical thinking, perseverance, and communication skills in a dynamic and engaging setting.

These challenges are particularly effective for building emotional resilience. When an experiment doesn't go as planned or a structure collapses, children learn to manage frustration and adapt their strategy. This process of trial and error in a supportive group environment teaches them that failure is not a final outcome but a valuable part of the learning journey, a crucial lesson for maintaining good mental health.

How to Implement STEM Challenges

Begin with challenges that have clear goals but open-ended solutions, like the classic "egg drop" protection design. Teams are given limited materials (e.g., straws, tape, paper) and must work together to create a device that protects a raw egg from a fall.

• Emphasise the Process: Make it clear that the goal is learning and trying new ideas, not just achieving a perfect result.
• Prioritise Safety: Before starting, provide clear safety instructions and ensure any necessary equipment, like goggles, is used correctly.
• Encourage Iteration: Allow groups multiple attempts to refine their designs. This normalises setbacks and fosters a growth mindset.
• Facilitate Discussion: After the challenge, ask teams to share their thought processes. Questions like, "What would you do differently next time?" and "What was the most successful part of your design?" encourage reflective thinking.

By combining scientific exploration with teamwork, these activities create a powerful environment for both intellectual and emotional development.

7. Music and Movement Activities: Building Harmony and Coordination

Music and movement activities use rhythm, melody, and physical expression to create engaging and collaborative group experiences for children. Popularised by educational approaches like Orff Schulwerk and early childhood programmes such as Music Together, these activities combine singing, dancing, and instrument playing to foster group coordination and creative expression. By focusing on shared musical creation, children learn to listen to each other, synchronise their actions, and contribute to a collective, harmonious output.

These group activities for children are powerful tools for emotional regulation and self-expression. Engaging with music can lower stress and anxiety, offering a healthy outlet for feelings that may be difficult to verbalise. This connection between rhythm and emotion helps build emotional literacy and can improve a child's sense of wellbeing, reinforcing the idea that expressing oneself is a positive and healthy practice.

How to Implement Music and Movement

Begin with simple, familiar rhythms and songs to ensure everyone feels comfortable participating. A group drum circle using percussion instruments is a fantastic starting point, allowing children to experiment with sound and rhythm in a non-judgmental setting.

• Offer Variety: Provide a range of simple instruments, like shakers, tambourines, and drums, to appeal to different preferences and sensory needs.
• Encourage Ownership: Allow children to suggest songs, create new dance moves, or lead clapping patterns to foster creativity and leadership.
• Create a Safe Space: Emphasise that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to move or make music. The goal is participation and enjoyment, not perfection.
• Explore Cultures: Introduce music and folk dances from various cultural backgrounds to broaden horizons and promote inclusivity.

By blending sound with action, these activities build social bonds and provide a joyful foundation for collaborative learning. For more resources on child development, you can explore the extensive library at the NSPCC Learning website.

8. Cooking and Food Preparation Groups: Mixing Teamwork and Taste

Cooking and food preparation groups are collaborative kitchen activities where children work together to plan, prepare, and share meals or snacks. Popularised by initiatives like the Kids Cook Monday campaign and farm-to-school movements, these group activities for children teach practical life skills while building teamwork, the ability to follow instructions, and an understanding of nutrition. The kitchen provides a natural setting for children to practise communication, division of labour, and patience as they work towards a delicious shared goal.

This hands-on activity is excellent for boosting self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. When a child contributes to making a meal that everyone enjoys, it validates their effort and skills. This process also subtly introduces concepts of mindfulness and sensory awareness, as children focus on the textures, smells, and flavours of the ingredients, which can be a calming and grounding experience.

How to Implement Cooking Groups

Begin with simple, no-bake recipes for younger children before progressing to more complex dishes that require heat. The goal is to create a safe, supportive, and fun environment. A "healthy snack assembly line," where each child has a station to add an ingredient like fruit to a kebab stick or yoghurt to a bowl, is a fantastic starting point.

• Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks: Give younger children jobs like washing vegetables or mixing ingredients, while older children can handle measuring or chopping with supervision.
• Prioritise Safety and Hygiene: Begin every session with a clear lesson on kitchen safety, including hand washing, safe knife handling, and rules around hot appliances.
• Plan for Inclusivity: Before choosing a recipe, always check for dietary restrictions and allergies within the group to ensure everyone can participate safely.
• Connect to Learning: Link recipes to cultural studies, science, or literature. For example, make a dish from a country the children are learning about in geography.

By transforming the kitchen into a classroom for collaboration, you nurture essential life skills and create positive, lasting memories. These shared culinary experiences reinforce the value of teamwork and the joy of creating something together.

9. Outdoor Adventure and Nature Exploration

Outdoor adventure and nature exploration activities connect children with the natural world, promoting both physical wellbeing and environmental consciousness. Popularised by initiatives like Forest Schools and Richard Louv's 'Last Child in the Woods' movement, these group activities for children encourage investigation and appreciation for the environment. By engaging in shared adventures, children learn teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving while developing a profound respect for nature.

These experiences are vital for mental health, as time in nature is proven to reduce stress and improve mood. A group setting adds a social dimension, allowing children to build bonds through shared discovery, whether identifying bird species or navigating a trail together. To understand the broader positive impacts, delve into the benefits of hiking with children and see how it boosts confidence and family connection.

How to Implement Nature Exploration

Start with local parks or nature reserves to make the outdoors accessible before planning more ambitious trips. A simple scavenger hunt for different leaf shapes or a project to create art from found materials can be a perfect entry point.

• Teach 'Leave No Trace': Before you begin, instil the principle of leaving the environment as you found it, fostering a sense of responsibility.
• Safety First: Always check weather conditions, bring first aid supplies, and ensure a reliable method of communication.
• Involve Children in Planning: Allow the group to help choose the location or activity. This gives them a sense of ownership and increases their engagement.
• Build Endurance Gradually: Begin with shorter, less demanding adventures and slowly increase the duration and difficulty as the children's confidence and stamina grow.

By fostering a love for the outdoors, we can help children build resilience and a deeper understanding of their world. You can further this learning by exploring our book, That's Earthmazing, which introduces environmental concepts in an accessible way.

Group Activities for Children Comparison

Activity Type	Implementation Complexity (🔄)	Resource Requirements (⚡)	Expected Outcomes (📊)	Ideal Use Cases (💡)	Key Advantages (⭐)
Cooperative Team Building Games	Moderate: Needs skilled facilitation	Low to moderate: minimal equipment needed	Enhanced social skills, trust, leadership, group cohesion	Building teamwork, social-emotional learning	Inclusive, empathy-building, reduces competitive pressure
Scavenger Hunts and Treasure Hunts	High: significant prep and setup	Moderate to high: materials, location access	Improved observation, critical thinking, engagement	Outdoor/indoor exploration, educational quests	Motivating, adaptable themes, combines physical & mental tasks
Drama and Theatre Games	Moderate: requires managing dynamics	Low to moderate: props and open space	Increased confidence, creativity, communication skills	Creative expression, confidence-building	Supports shy children, encourages imagination, cultural learning
Group Sports and Modified Games	Moderate: rule adaptations & supervision	Moderate to high: space, equipment	Physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship	Inclusive physical activities, skill development	Active participation, kinaesthetic engagement, leadership growth
Art and Craft Collaboration Projects	Moderate: needs planning and material prep	Moderate to high: art supplies needed	Creative expression, collaboration, tangible artistic results	Collaborative art education, therapeutic activities	Diverse skill accommodation, peer teaching, lasting products
Science Experiments and STEM Challenges	High: specialised materials and prep	Moderate to high: lab and building materials	Critical thinking, teamwork, inquiry-based learning	STEM education, hands-on scientific exploration	Real-world problem solving, appeals to multiple learning styles
Music and Movement Activities	Low to moderate: needs musical facilitation	Moderate: instruments and space	Musical skills, coordination, cultural awareness	Rhythmic engagement, cultural exposure	Inclusive, joyful, improves auditory and motor skills
Cooking and Food Preparation Groups	Moderate to high: safety and kitchen access	High: ingredients, kitchen, safety equipment	Life skills, teamwork, nutrition knowledge	Practical skills teaching, cultural culinary exploration	Immediate results, integrates multiple subjects, hands-on
Outdoor Adventure and Nature Exploration	Moderate to high: outdoor logistics and safety	Moderate: outdoor gear and observation tools	Environmental awareness, physical fitness, scientific inquiry	Environmental education, nature connection	Builds stewardship, reduces screen time, promotes risk skills

Your Next Steps in Championing Children's Mental Wellbeing

Navigating the landscape of children's mental wellbeing can feel complex, but as we have explored, the solution often lies in the simple power of connection and play. The diverse range of group activities for children detailed in this article, from collaborative art projects to dynamic drama games and outdoor adventures, are more than just ways to pass the time. They are foundational tools for building a world where emotional literacy, teamwork, and resilience are second nature. Each activity serves as a practical, hands-on lesson in communication, empathy, and problem-solving, equipping children with the social skills they need to thrive.

The key takeaway is that fostering emotional intelligence doesn’t require grand gestures; it is built through consistent, small, and intentional actions. The goal is progress, not perfection. Start by introducing one or two activities that genuinely excite you and the children in your care. Observe their interactions, listen to their feedback, and adapt your approach. The simple act of participating alongside them creates a powerful message: their feelings are valid, their contributions are valued, and working together is a source of strength.

Practical Application and Continued Support

Integrating these practices into daily or weekly routines is where the real transformation happens. Consider how these activities can be adapted for different settings. For parents and caregivers looking for inspiration beyond the usual, exploring resources like a list of unforgettable birthday party entertainment ideas can provide fresh perspectives on engaging children in meaningful play that also builds social confidence. For educators, these group activities can be woven into the curriculum to support academic goals while nurturing social-emotional learning.

Remember to normalise conversations about mental health in everyday life. This can be as subtle as wearing mental health apparel that sparks positive dialogue or having a collection of insightful mental health books readily available for quiet moments. Introducing simple relaxation tips, such as a minute of deep belly breathing before starting a game or a "five senses" grounding exercise during a nature walk, can become invaluable self-regulation tools for children.

A Gentle Reminder on Professional Guidance

It is essential to create a supportive environment, but it is equally crucial to recognise the limits of our role. Please remember, I am not a mental health professional, and the activities shared here are intended to be supportive, not therapeutic. The mental health of children and young people is a serious matter, and statistics show that early intervention is key. If you have genuine concerns about a child's behaviour, mood, or overall mental wellbeing, the most important and responsible step is to seek professional advice. A discussion with your GP or a qualified child psychologist can provide the specialised support and guidance your child may need. Your proactive care, combined with expert help when necessary, creates the strongest possible safety net for their future.

By championing these group activities for children, you are not just organising fun; you are actively investing in a future generation of emotionally intelligent, compassionate, and resilient individuals.

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Ready to continue the journey? Discover a curated collection of books and resources designed to open up conversations about feelings and mental wellbeing at Little Fish Books. Our tools are crafted to complement the group activities you've learned about, helping you build a rich library of support for the children in your life. Explore our offerings at Little Fish Books today.