38 Wacky Wednesday Activities
Wacky Wednesday is a fun-filled day inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. This special day encourages children, as well as adults, to engage in playful and unconventional activities that, well, are a little wacky
Wacky Wednesday is traditionally celebrated in the first week of March, usually around the same time as Read Across America day (which was set for the Dr Suess’s birthday on March 2nd.
Below we have 38 Wacky Wednesday ideas for you to check out and try with your children and students.
If we cant make every day wacky, then lets make Wacky Wednesday extra special!
Quick note: We have but these in subject specific Wacky activities as well as a list of more general Wacky Wednesday activities, so feel free to jump on down if you want a subject related wacky activity.
- Wacky Wednesday Fun Activities
- Wacky Wednesday English Activities
- Wacky Wednesday Math Activities
- Wacky Wednesday Science Activities
- Wacky Wednesday Craft Activities
Wacky Wednesday Fun Activities
Get ready to wacky up the day with these 38 incredibly fun and slightly zany Wacky Wednesday ideas. Perfect for kids, parents and teachers who love a bit of mischief and creativity!
1. Backward Day
Imagine a day where everything is done backward. Wear clothes the wrong way around, have dinner for breakfast, walk backward, and even try reading a book from end to beginning. It’s a hilarious twist to the routine and a playful way to challenge normal perceptions and routines.
2. Silly Walk Parade
Host a parade where kids must walk in the silliest manner possible. Encourage them to invent their own funny walks – maybe a robot dance-walk or a hopping bunny move. This parade isn’t just entertaining; it also promotes physical activity and helps children shed any inhibitions about being goofy in a group.
3. Inside-Out Toy Day
Encourage the kids to turn all their toys inside out or upside down. This simple twist makes familiar toys seem new and peculiar. It’s an excellent opportunity for children to use their imagination, seeing their toys in a different light and perhaps inventing new ways to play with them.
4. Dessert First Meal
Surprise the kids by serving dessert before the main course. The excitement of eating their favorite sweet treats at the start of the meal will be a delightful twist. It’s not just about breaking rules for fun; it’s a way to teach kids about flexibility in life and enjoying the little surprises.
5. Funny Face Contest
Have a contest to see who can make the silliest face. Snap photos for a memorable laugh. This activity is a fantastic way to encourage children to be expressive and to show them that it’s okay to be silly and not take themselves too seriously.
6. Opposite Hand Day
Challenge the kids to use their opposite hand for various tasks throughout the day. From drawing to eating, using the non-dominant hand can be tricky but hilarious. This activity is not only fun but also improves motor skills and brain coordination, and it’s a great way to empathize with different abilities.
7. Pajama Day at Noon
Declare noon as the official time to change into pajamas. Spend the afternoon lounging, playing games, and watching movies in cozy comfort. This switch to pajamas is not only relaxing but also breaks the routine, giving children a sense of novelty and excitement in the middle of the day.
8. Backwards Movie Watching
Try watching a familiar movie from the end to the beginning. This bizarre experience offers plenty of laughs and can lead to interesting discussions about plot and character development. It’s a playful way to engage with media and understand storytelling in a new, unconventional format.
9. Invent a New Game
Challenge the kids to invent a completely new game, with their own rules and objectives. Whether it’s a board game, a physical game, or a word game, this activity fosters innovation and strategic thinking. It also encourages teamwork and cooperation as they work together to create and play the game.
10. Mismatched Shoe Adventure
Encourage children to wear mismatched shoes for the day. One sneaker and one sandal? Absolutely! This silly footwear choice is sure to incite giggles and can be a conversation starter about individuality and the fun in being different. It’s a light-hearted way to celebrate uniqueness and encourage children not to worry about always fitting in.
11. Picnic in the Living Room
Transform the living room into a picnic spot, complete with a blanket and basket of snacks. This indoor picnic breaks the monotony of regular mealtime routines and creates a special atmosphere. It’s an opportunity for family bonding and teaches children adaptability by enjoying everyday activities in new ways.
12. Balloon Volleyball Inside
Set up a balloon volleyball game indoors. Using balloons makes it safe and suitable for indoor play. This game promotes physical activity and coordination while being gentle enough for a living room setting. It’s a great way for children to stay active and engaged, especially on rainy or cold days.
13. Cartoon Character Day
Let children dress up as their favorite cartoon characters for the day. They can imitate the characters’ voices and mannerisms, bringing an element of role-play and storytelling into their day. This activity encourages imaginative play and self-expression, allowing kids to step into the shoes of characters they admire.
14. Flashlight Tag at Dusk
As the sun sets, engage the kids in a game of flashlight tag. The thrill of playing in the dim light with flashlights adds an exciting twist to the classic game of tag. This activity not only is fun but also helps children develop their motor skills and spatial awareness in a different setting, enhancing their ability to adapt to varying environments.
15. Dinner with a Twist
Make mealtime unusual by eating under the table, using cooking utensils as cutlery, or having a themed dinner where everyone has to eat blindfolded. These unconventional dining experiences are not only amusing but also a great way to teach children about different ways to enjoy food and the importance of being open to new experiences.
16. Treasure Hunt with Silly Clues
Organize a treasure hunt with ridiculous and funny clues. The sillier the clues, the more laughter along the way. This activity is not just a fun adventure; it also helps develop problem-solving skills and encourages children to think critically as they decipher each clue to find the ‘treasure’.
Wacky Wednesday English Activities
Being an English teaching site we feel we have to aim some wacky activities at our subject!
17. Create Your Own Wacky Holiday
Challenge the kids to invent their own wacky holiday, complete with its own traditions, activities, and maybe even a special meal. This creative exercise allows children to use their imagination to the fullest, thinking about what makes a day special and how they can celebrate it in their own unique way.
18. Secret Code Messages
Spend the day communicating in a secret code or made-up language. Kids can write messages or speak in a code they invent. This activity is perfect for sparking creativity and interest in linguistics. It also enhances problem-solving skills as they decipher each other’s messages, adding an element of mystery and excitement to their communication.
19. Talking in Rhymes
Spend the day speaking only in rhymes. It’s a playful challenge that will have everyone laughing and thinking on their feet. This activity not only is fun but also enhances linguistic skills and encourages creative use of language, as children think about words and how they sound together.
29. Mixed-Up Storybook Reading:
Read a storybook but mix up the pages, creating a fun, nonsensical narrative. This activity encourages children to pay attention to story structure and use their imagination to make sense of the mixed-up tale.
21. Storytelling Backwards
Tell a familiar story, but start from the end and work backwards. This quirky twist to storytelling challenges children’s understanding of narrative structure and encourages them to think creatively.
It’s a fun way to engage with stories, encouraging kids to pay closer attention to plot details and sequencing. it also sounds a bit like Yoda from star wars!
22. Rhyme Time Game:
Have a game where children come up with as many rhyming words as possible in a set time. This activity boosts their vocabulary and understanding of phonetics, making it a playful way to explore language.
Wacky Wednesday Math Activities
Try out these Wacky Wednesday Math Activities with your little ones and students. Even wackiness can have a purpose!
23. Giant Board Game
Transform your floor into a giant board game, with the children as the playing pieces. Use tape to create the game path and write simple instructions on index cards for each spot. This larger-than-life game not only provides immense fun but also promotes physical activity and teaches children about following rules and taking turns.
24. Silly Shape Hunt:
Organize a hunt for objects of specific shapes around the house or classroom. This can include finding a certain number of items for each shape, combining shape recognition with counting skills.
25. Wacky Pattern Making:
Use everyday items (like socks, spoons, or leaves) to create and extend patterns. Children can identify, create, and predict what comes next in the pattern, enhancing their logical thinking and sequencing skills.
26. Wacky Measurement Quest:
Equip kids with measuring tapes or rulers and challenge them to find items of certain lengths around the house or classroom. For example, find something exactly 12 inches long. This activity encourages practical application of measurement skills and introduces concepts of length and height in a playful context.
27. Number Scramble Game:
Write numbers on pieces of paper and scatter them around. Kids must find the numbers and then put them in order, either ascending or descending. To add a twist, they could also group numbers by even and odd, or create simple math equations using the numbers they find. This game helps children with number recognition, sequencing, and basic arithmetic skills in a dynamic and fun way.
Wacky Wednesday Science Activities
we actually have a selection of science activities here on the site, which while perhaps not wacky are certainly cool and fun!
28. Shadow Puppet Show
End the day with a shadow puppet show. Using hands or paper cut-outs, children can create characters and stories projected on the wall. This activity is a delightful way to foster creativity and storytelling skills. It also introduces children to a simple form of visual art and performance, encouraging them to explore different ways of expressing themselves.
29. Bizarre Balancing Challenges:
Experiment with balancing different objects on one another. This activity teaches basic principles of physics like gravity and balance in a fun and hands-on way.
30. Crazy Color Mixing:
Mix different colors using water, paint, or food coloring. Explore how primary colors combine to make secondary colors, introducing basic concepts of color theory and chemistry in a playful manner.
31. Wacky Science Experiments
Conduct safe and simple science experiments using household items. You can create a baking soda volcano, make milk art with food coloring and dish soap, or build a homemade lava lamp. These experiments are not just entertaining; they are educational, sparking curiosity about science and the world around them.
Wacky Wednesday Craft Activities
Make those arts and crafts lessons and activities even better with a little wackiness added in.
32. Mismatched Outfit Day
Nothing says ‘wacky’ like a day of wearing mismatched outfits. Encourage the kids to dive into their wardrobes and mix things up. Polka dots with stripes, summer shorts with winter sweaters, the wilder, the better! It’s not just about the fun; it’s a great way for children to express their creativity and boost their confidence in making unique choices.
33. Upside-Down Art
Encourage the kids to create artwork with their paper turned upside down. This unique approach to drawing or painting challenges their usual perspective and encourages them to think differently about shapes and composition. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about seeing the world from a new angle and nurturing creative thinking.
34. Crazy Hairstyle Hour
Set aside an hour for the craziest hairdos. Provide safe, washable hair colors, hair gel, and ribbons, and let the kids sculpt their hair into spikes, rainbows, or even mimic their favorite cartoon character. This activity is not only about laughs; it also encourages kids to be imaginative and daring in their self-expression.
35. Dress Up Your Pet
If you have a pet, let the kids safely dress them up in a funny outfit for the day. It could be a homemade cape or a funky bandana. This activity is not just about giggles; it encourages children to be gentle and caring while they engage with their pets, fostering a sense of empathy and responsibility.
36. Wacky Tacky Crafts
Break out the craft supplies and add some unusual items like pasta, cotton balls, or old socks. Challenge the kids to create something using these materials. Could it be a pasta necklace or a sock puppet? This activity enhances creativity and problem-solving skills as kids think outside the box.
37. Funny Hat Parade
Have a day where everyone wears the funniest hats they can find or create. March around the house or classroom showcasing these humorous headpieces. This parade is a fantastic opportunity for self-expression and creativity, as children explore different materials and designs to make their unique hats.
38. Colorful Dinner
Prepare a dinner where every dish is a different color. Red tomatoes, green broccoli, yellow corn – the more vibrant, the better. This not only makes for an appealing meal but is also a subtle way to teach kids about different fruits and vegetables, encouraging healthy eating habits.
Conclusion
Wacky Wednesday is more than just a day of fun; it’s a valuable tool for nurturing various aspects of a child’s development, from cognitive and educational growth to emotional well-being and social skills.
It provides a unique opportunity to blend learning with play, ensuring that children gain important life skills in an enjoyable and memorable way.
and of course, its an excuse to be wacky with your kids and students, which is the most important reason to try some of these activities!
More ideas here
- https://www.teachmeimyours.com/30-easy-fun-ideas-wacky-wednesday/
- https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/wacky-wednesday-activity/
- https://www.kcedventures.com/enhancing-kids-creativity-dr-seuss-books-games-for-kids/
- https://theresjustonemommy.com/wacky-wednesday/
Making English Fun!
I have been a teacher of English for over 15 years, in that time i made hundreds and thousands of resources and learnt so much i think its worth sharing. Hopefully to help teachers and parents around the world.
