Ramadan for kids is about learning, joy and small steps. Children do not have to fast until they reach puberty, but they can still take part in Ramadan through short practice fasts, simple duas, good deeds and giving. For families in the UK, Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February, during the school term, with fasts of about 11 to 13 hours. That makes it a gentle year for children to practise.
Children remember how Ramadan felt long before they remember its rules. A warm suhoor, a good deeds jar and the excitement of spotting the new moon on a cold February evening can stay with a child for life. This guide from Human Concern International UK shows you how to explain Ramadan to children, when they should start fasting, how to manage fasting at a UK school, which activities work at each age, and how to teach them the joy of giving.
Explain Ramadan as a special month when Muslims stop eating and drinking during the day to get closer to Allah, to say thank you for His blessings, and to feel how people without food feel. Keep it short, warm and positive.
You might say something like this:
“Ramadan is the most special month of the year. It is the month Allah sent the Quran. Adults don’t eat or drink from early morning until sunset, so they can remember Allah more and think about children who don’t have enough food. We pray more, we are extra kind, and we share with others. At the end, we celebrate Eid!”
For older children, you can add the Quran’s reason for fasting. Allah says fasting was prescribed “so that you may become righteous” (Al-Baqarah 2:183). Explain that righteous means being careful to do what pleases Allah, even when nobody is watching. Fasting is the best practice for that, because only Allah knows if you are truly fasting.
Children in UK schools are often asked about Ramadan by friends. Help your child with a simple answer: “It’s our holy month. We don’t eat or drink in the day, we pray more and we give to charity. At the end, we have Eid, which is like a big celebration.” Many children also enjoy sharing dates or a small Eid treat with their class.
Children must begin fasting when they reach puberty. Before that, fasting is not a duty, but parents are encouraged to help them practise so the full fast feels natural when the time comes.
The companions trained their children with care. Rubayyi bint Muawwidh (may Allah be pleased with her) said they used to make their young children fast, and gave them toys made of wool to play with when they cried for food, until it was time to break the fast (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). This shows two things. Children were encouraged to try, and parents made it gentle and kind.
Every child is different, so build up slowly. A child with a health condition should only practise fasting after advice from your GP.
| Age | A good Ramadan goal |
|---|---|
| Under 7 | Join suhoor or iftar, learn a short dua, try skipping one snack. |
| 7 to 10 | Try a half day fast, then build up to fasting until Dhuhr or Asr on weekends. |
| 10 and over | Try full fasts on weekends or in half term, with support. |
| Puberty | Fasting the full month becomes a duty. |
February half term is often the best time for a first full fast in the UK. In many parts of England, half term in 2027 falls in the week of 15 February, right in the first half of Ramadan, when fasts are under 12 hours. Check your own council or school calendar, as dates vary across England, Wales and Scotland.
On the day, make suhoor filling, with porridge, eggs, wholegrain toast, fruit and plenty of water. Keep the day calm with reading, crafts and rest. If your child feels unwell, dizzy or very weak, let them break the fast and praise their effort. Celebrate the first full fast with a special iftar, so the memory is a happy one.
Children who fast at school should tell their teacher, rest at lunchtime and take it easy in PE and afternoon activities. In February and early March 2027, iftar in most UK cities falls between 5pm and 6pm, so children are home well before it is time to eat.
Speak to your child’s school before Ramadan starts. Many UK schools offer a quiet room at lunchtime for fasting pupils, and teachers can plan around tests and sports days if they know in advance. Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must not treat pupils unfairly because of their religion. Younger children who are not fasting should eat lunch as normal, and parents can remind them that learning and play are part of a good Ramadan too.
Yes. In England, a day set aside for religious observance, such as Eid al-Fitr, is an authorised absence, which schools record under code R. Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March, a school day, so let the school know in writing before Ramadan ends. Because the date depends on the moon, tell them both possible days.
The best Ramadan activities for kids mix worship, kindness and fun. Here are ideas that work well for UK families:
For more ways to get the whole household ready, read our guide on how to prepare for Ramadan. For simple family meals, our iftar meal ideas include dishes children can help make.
Children can learn short duas for breaking the fast, for forgiveness and for good. One of the easiest is the dua the Prophet ﷺ said when he broke his fast:
Dhahaba al-zama’u wabtallatil-‘urooq, wa thabatal-ajru in sha Allah.
“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, graded hasan)
Teach one dua at a time and say it together at every iftar. Repetition is the best teacher. Our collection of Ramadan duas has more short supplications you can learn as a family.
Teach children charity by letting them give with their own hands. Let them choose a cause, count the coins in their Sadaqah jar, and see what their gift can do.
Ramadan is a natural time for this lesson because the Prophet ﷺ was at his most generous in Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari). Children also have a share in Zakat al-Fitr. Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said the Prophet ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr due on every Muslim, young and old (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Parents pay it for each child before the Eid prayer. With Human Concern International UK, Zakat al-Fitr for 2027 is expected to be around £5 to £7 per person, confirmed closer to Ramadan. Let your child hand over the money or press the button, and explain that it gives another family food for Eid. Our guide to Zakat al-Fitr has the latest amount and deadline.
The lessons a child learns in Ramadan stay with them for life. Patience, prayer, kindness and giving start small, with one practice fast, one dua and one coin in a jar.
Human Concern International UK, a registered charity (number 1206222) based in Manchester, helps UK families turn those small acts into real support for children in need, through food, clean water and education. Give your child’s Sadaqah jar a purpose this Ramadan, and give Sadaqah together as a family. If you are a UK taxpayer, tick Gift Aid to add 25% at no extra cost.
Do children have to fast in Ramadan?
No. Fasting becomes a duty at puberty. Before that, children can practise with short fasts.
Should my child fast on a school day?
Older children who are used to fasting can, with their teacher’s knowledge. For a first full fast, choose a weekend or half term.
Is it okay for a child to break a practice fast?
Yes. A practice fast is for learning. If your child feels unwell, let them eat and praise their effort.
How do I make Ramadan fun for toddlers?
Use lights, a countdown calendar, moon spotting, simple songs about Ramadan and small jobs at iftar time.
What can kids do on Eid?
Kids can wear new clothes, attend Eid prayer, recite the Takbeer and give gifts. Our Eid al-Fitr 2027 guide covers the expected UK date and traditions.
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