60 fun questions to ask kids

As parents, asking questions is one of our most powerful tools. It fosters communication, boosts critical thinking skills, and strengthens your bond with your child. But what kind of questions should you ask? And how can you get genuine, thoughtful answers?

60 engaging questions

General conversation starters

1. What was the funniest thing that happened at school today?

2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

3. What's one thing you wish grown-ups knew about kids?

4. What's the most interesting fact you've learned recently?

5. What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

6. What's your favorite thing about school and why?

7. What’s your favorite word?

8. What’s the funniest word?

9. Make up a new word right now and tell me what it means. 

10. If you could be in the circus, what would be your act?

11. If you could drive a car, where would you go first?

12. What do you want to learn next and why?

13. Why is the sky blue?

Feelings 

1. What's one thing you're really good at that you think others might struggle with?

2. What's one thing that always makes you happy?

3. What's one thing that scares you the most?

4. If you could have three wishes, what would they be? (No wishing for more wishes!)

5. What makes you feel calm or safe?

6. What makes you laugh more than anything?

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Food

1. What’s your favorite food to put ketchup on? 

2. What’s the worst food you’ve ever eaten?

3. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

4. What’s your favorite restaurant?

5. What’s the best thing you’ve ever tasted?

6. If you could build the perfect pizza, what would be on it?

7. What’s your favorite dessert?

8. What would be on the world’s best ice cream sundae?

9. If you could only eat one type of vegetable every day of your life, which would you choose? 

10. If you could choose any 5 items at the grocery store, what would you pick? 

Friends and family

1. Who is your best friend, and what do you like most about them?

2. What's your favorite thing to do with the family?

3. Who is the funniest person in our family, and why?

4. What's your favorite memory from last summer?

5. If you could design a new toy, what would it be, and how would it work?

6. If you could create a new holiday, what would it be for, and how would we celebrate it?

7. What’s the weirdest thing grownups say or do?

8. If you could change one rule at home or school, what would it be and why?

Entertainment, stories, and characters

1. What's your favorite book and why?

2. Who is your favorite superhero, and why?

3. If you could be in any movie, which one would it be, and what character would you play?

4. What’s your favorite joke?

5. What’s the silliest face you can make?

Animals and pets

1. If you could be any animal, what would you choose to be?

2. What’s the weirdest animal you’ve ever seen?

3. If you could talk to any animal, which would you choose?

4. What do dogs think of humans?

5. When you grow up, how many pets will you have and what will they be?

6. What would you name your future pets? 

Future

1. If you could meet the president, what would you ask them?

2. If you become president, what would you do first?

Magical thinking

1. If you had a magic wand, what's the one thing you would change in the world?

2. If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would you choose and why?

3. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you?

4. If you could time travel, where and when would you go?

5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it?

6. Do you think your toys come to life when you’re away?

Would you rather …

1. Would you rather have 4 arms or 4 legs and why?

2. Would you rather fly or breathe underwater and why?

3. Would you rather share your bedroom with a pig or a goat?

4. Would you rather be a kid or a grownup? 

How to get great answers from kids

To get the most out of the conversation, you need more than just fun questions to ask kids. It's about how you ask and how you listen. Remember these tips before you kick-start the conversation:

• Be curious. Show genuine interest in your child's thoughts and opinions.

• Avoid leading or yes/no questions. Instead, ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to express themselves in their own words.

• Stay open-minded. Listen attentively: Make eye contact and actively listen to what your child has to say.

• Don't interrupt or correct. Allow your child to complete their thoughts before offering any input or corrections.

• Have a conversation, not an interrogation. Avoid bombarding your child with questions. Instead, engage them in a dialogue by sharing your thoughts and experiences.

When should you ask the questions? 

Timing is your best friend when connecting with kids. They might have completely different answers in a given day, hour, or moment. Whether you use the whole list for a fun family dinner or as a classroom icebreaker, aim for a time when they’re open and ready to share.   

• Ask a “question of the day” for kids or students. Use the questions at school for brain breaks or as conversation starters over dinner. 

• Make it an activity for a family game night or playdate. 

• Create a memory book. Have kids (or the whole family!) write answers in a keepsake journal. 

• Screen-free road trip! Keep a list of questions in the car for impromptu fun. 

• Strengthen family bonds – have your kids “interview” grandparents or other loved ones with a phone or recording device. 

Asking questions is a powerful way to build strong relationships, enhance kids' communication skills, and nurture curiosity. Next time you talk to your child, add some of these fun questions for kids.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.