20 Fun Goal-Setting Activities for Children (Updated 2024)

When it comes to goal setting, children have just as much potential as adults do. In fact, in many cases, their goals may be simpler and more achievable.

However, helping your child set and achieve goals can be a rewarding experience for both of you.

Here are 20 fun goal-setting activities for children:

1. Make a vision board with your child

A vision board is a great way to help your child visualise the things they want to achieve. 

Have your child cut out pictures from magazines or draw pictures of the things they want to accomplish, then hang the board in a place where they will see it every day.

2. Set some family goals

Working towards a goal as a family can be a great way to teach your child the importance of teamwork and cooperation.

Come up with a goal that you can all work towards together, such as saving money for a trip or getting fit together.

3. Let your child choose their own goal

If your child is old enough, let them choose their own goal to achieve. This could be anything from learning to ride a bike without training wheels to reading 10 books in a month.

4. Make a goal jar

This is a fun way for your child to track their progress towards their goals.

Have them write down their goals on small pieces of paper and put them in a jar.

Every time they achieve a goal, they can take a paper out of the jar.

5. Set goals for school

Helping your child set and achieve academic goals can be a great way to boost their confidence and help them succeed in school.

Come up with goals together that are specific to your child’s grade level and subjects they are struggling with.

6. Make a goal list for summer vacation

Summer is the perfect time for your child to achieve some fun goals, such as learning how to swim or visiting a new amusement park.

Sit down with your child and come up with a list of goals they would like to accomplish during the summer months.

7. Help your child make a goal chart

A goal chart is a great way to track your child’s progress and keep them motivated.

Have your child draw a large chart on poster board and divide it into sections, one for each goal they are working on.

Then, have them write down their current progress or draw pictures of what they have accomplished so far.

8. Set goals for physical activity

One of the best ways to help your child stay healthy is to set goals for physical activity.

Come up with a goal together that is challenging but achievable, such as running a 5k race or swimming 20 laps without stopping.

9. Help your child make a goal list for birthday presents

If your child is old enough, let them make a goal list for their birthday presents. This could include things like wanting a specific toy or game, or asking for money to save up for a bigger goal.

10. Help your child make a goal list for Christmas gifts

Just like with birthday presents, helping your child make a goal list for Christmas gifts can be a fun way to teach them the importance of saving up for what they want.

Have them write down all the things they would like to receive as gifts, and then help them come up with a plan to save up for them.

11. Make a goal board for New Year’s resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set goals for the coming year.

Help your child make a goal board that includes things like wanting to read more books, learn a new skill, or get better grades.

12. Make a goal list for the year ahead

Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, help your child make a goal list for the entire year.

This could include things like wanting to try a new sport, visit a new city, or read 10 books.

13. Help your child set career goals

Giving your child an idea of what they want to do for a career is a great way to help them focus on their future.

Come up with some careers that interest your child and help them come up with ways to achieve those goals.

14. Set financial goals

One of the most important things you can teach your child is how to handle money responsibly.

Help them set financial goals, such as wanting to save up for a new bike or to buy a new toy without using their allowance.

15. Help your child make goal lists for every season

Helping your child set seasonal goals is a great way to keep them motivated and excited about achieving their goals.

Come up with goal lists for each season, such as wanting to read more books in the summer, learning a new sport in the fall, or making more friends in the winter.

16. Make a goal board for long-term goals

If your child has some big goals they are working towards, help them make a goal board for them.

This could include things like wanting to go to college, becoming a doctor, or travelling to a new country.

17. Help your child make goal lists for each school subject

If your child is struggling in a certain subject at school, help them come up with a goal list for that subject.

This could include things like wanting to get all A’s in maths, wanting to read one book about science, or wanting to write five pages on history.

18. Help your child make goal lists for social activities

Helping your child set social goals is a great way to encourage them to be more active in their community.

Come up with goal lists for things like wanting to join a club at school, wanting to go out for lunch with friends every week, or wanting to go to a new park.

19. Help your child make goal lists for personal hygiene

If your child is having trouble keeping up with their personal hygiene, help them come up with goal lists for that.

This could include things like wanting to shower every day, wanting to brush their teeth twice a day, or wanting to wear clean clothes every day.

20. Help your child make goal lists for anything they want

The great thing about goal setting is that there are no rules.

If your child comes up with a goal that you don’t think is appropriate, help them come up with a plan to achieve it in a way that is safe and responsible.

Goal setting should be about helping your child achieve their dreams, no matter what they may be.

Wrapping Up

Goal setting can be a great way to teach children about responsibility and working towards a goal.

Helping your child make goal lists for different areas of their life, such as school, social activities, or personal hygiene, can help them stay focused and motivated.

If you are struggling to come up with ideas for goals, the 20 fun goal-setting activities we’ve provided should give you some inspiration.