Below you’ll find an A to Z of kids playful breathing activities. A big list of all my favourite breathing exercises. Hopefully they can bring some joy, emotional regulation and mindfulness into your children’s daily routine.
You’ll find my fave balloon breathing, which lets kids imagine inflating balloons with their breath. In flower breathing, they pretend to smell beautiful flowers. Each exercise encourages creativity and offers a moment of calm. Bringing these playful techniques into the home or classroom, can help children to in still lifelong skills for regulating emotions.
Let’s Start the List of A to Z of Kids Playful Breathing Activities.
A – Breathing activities beginning with A.
Animal Breathing – is a playful and imaginative way to encourage deep breathing by mimicking different animals. Try roaring like a Lion, floating like a Butterfly or sniffing like a Bunny. . Try using an Alphabet Animal Affirmation alongside these breathing exercises.
B – Breathing activities beginning with B.
Balloon Breathing – is a fun and simple activity that helps kids practice deep breathing while visualising a a balloon. See more here: Balloon Breaths – Mindful Breathing Exercise for Children. You can also have a go at make these fun Sensory Balloon Eggs {DIY Stress Balls} alongside.
Bat Breathing – is simple and effective. It helps kids practice relaxation and have fun imagining themselves as a peaceful bat! See more here: 5 Halloween Breathing Exercises.
Birthday Cake Breathing – is a fun and creative breathing exercise for kids. It uses the concept of blowing out birthday candles. See more here: Birthday Cake Breaths: A Mindful Breathing Exercise for Children. You can also make a fun Birthday Cake Craft for Kids {with Scented Playdough} alongside this breathing activity.
Beach Ball Breathing – is a fun , summer themed way to teach kids deep breathing. Children have fun imagining the movement of the beach ball! See more here: Beach Ball Breathing + Free Printable. You could also play the Beach Ball Gratitude Game alongside this breathing activity and make it even more fun!
Broom Breathing – is a fun, creative way to teach kids the magic of breathing with a fun interactive activity. See more here: Breathe its Halloween. You could also make a DIY Halloween Nature Broom to whoosh alongside this fun breathing exercise.
Bubble Breathing – is an imaginative breathing exercise for kids. It uses blowing bubbles to help them practice deep, mindful breathing. See more here: Relax with Bubble Breaths + Free Guided Imagery Track. I also love making these Easy Paper Bubble Wands {+ Bubble Recipe} alongside for extra fun!
Bunny Breathing – is a fun and energetic breathing exercise for kids. It mimics the quick, rapid breaths of a bunny. See more here: Take a Bunny Breath and Improve Focus + Free Printables. These Calming Lavender Sock Bunny’s are also lovely breathing buddies to make alongside this activity.
Butterfly Breathing – is a gentle breathing exercise for kids that incorporates both breathing and movement. See more here: Calm Anxiety with Butterfly Breaths. These Paper Butterfly wands are also the perfect craft to make alongside.
Buzzy Bee Breathing – (also known as Bhramari Breathing) is a fun and calming breathing exercise for kids. It involves making a humming sound, similar to a bee buzzing. See more here: Buzzy Bee Breaths: A Mindful Breathing Exercise for Children.
C – Breathing activities beginning with C.
Christmas Tree Breathing – (also known as Triangle Breathing) is a festive breathing exercise for kids. It uses the image of a Christmas tree to help them practice mindful breathing. See more here: 9 Calming Christmas Activities for Kids
Cookie Breathing – this activity for kids is a fun and simple mindfulness technique that can help kids calm and focus. It’s a great way to teach children how to ground themselves in the moment. And it includes Cookies, so win win! Cookie Breathing Activity for Kids {+Free Printable}
D – Breathing activities beginning with D.
Digger Breathing – is an active breathing exercise that uses the imagery of a digger and incorporates movement. See more here: Build a Growth Mindset with Digger Breaths
Dragon Breathing – is a fiery and energetic breathing exercise for kids that combines deep breathing with imaginative visualisation. See more here: How to Use Dragon Breaths to Calm Angry feelings.
E – Breathing activities beginning with E.
Easter Egg Breathing – is an imaginative activity for kids. It uses the shape of Easter eggs to guide them through mindful breathing. See more here: 3 Easter Breathing Activities for Kids. Try making these Sensory Balloon Eggs {DIY Stress Balls} alongside this Easter themed exercise.
F – Breathing activities beginning with F.
Flower Breathing – is a gentle breathing exercise for kids. It uses the imagery of smelling a flower to guide them. .See more here: Flower Breaths Help Kids Bloom. Try doing this flower themed Rose, Thorn and Bud Check in after this activity.
Feather Breathing – is a calming, light breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of a soft feather floating in the air to encourage slow breaths. See more here: Feather Breathing with Children + Free Paper Feathers
G – Breathing activities beginning with G.
Ghost Breathing – is a fun a spooky breathing exercise that involves the imagery of a ghost. This playful exercise helps children practice deep, slow breathing while incorporating imagination and a bit of Halloween fun! See more here: 5 Halloween Breathing Exercises
Gift Breathing (aka Square Breathing) – is a grounding breathing exercise that combines deep breathing and gratitude. It uses the imagery of a square to guide kids through a rhythmic breathing pattern. See more here: Square Breathing Gratitude Activity for Kids
H – Breathing activities beginning with H.
Heart Breathing – is a gentle and soothing breathing exercise. It focuses on connecting the heart and feelings of love and kindness. See more here: Heart Breaths for Kids and make these cute Calm Hearts alongside.
Hot Chocolate Breathing – is a comforting and relaxing breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate to guide you through mindful breathing. See more here: Hot Chocolate Breaths – Playful Breathing for Kids.
I – Breathing activities beginning with I.
Ice Cream Breathing – is a cooling and fun summer themed breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of eating ice cream to help slow down and practice mindful breathing. See more here: Calming Summer Breathing Activities for Kids
J – Breathing activities beginning with J.
Jelly Fish Breathing – is a calming and visual breathing exercise for kids. It uses the imagery of a jellyfish floating gracefully in the water to help guide you through mindful breathing.
K – Breathing activities beginning with K.
Kite Breathing – is a fun and imaginative breathing exercise for kids. It uses the imagery of flying a kite and can also include movement too.
L – Breathing activities beginning with L.
Leaf Breathing – is a grounding, nature themed breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of leaves gently floating, as well as using the leaf shape as a way to trace the breath. See more here: Calming Leaf Breaths Activity for Kids
Lion Breathing – is a powerful and energising breathing exercise. It helps you to release tension,, while promoting a sense of strength and calmness. See more here: Lion Breaths for Kids
Pin A to Z of Kids Playful Breathing Activities for Later
A to Z of Kids Playful Breathing Activities
M – Breathing activities beginning with M.
Mountain Breathing (aka Triangle Breathing) – is a grounding breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of a mountain to help you feel centered and stable. It helps to feel grounded, just like a mountain that stands tall and strong. See more here: Mountain Breaths Breathing Exercise for Kids {Free Printable}
N – Breathing activities beginning with N.
Narwhal Breathing – is an imaginative breathing exercise for kids. It uses the imagery of a narwhal, the “unicorn of the sea,” to guide them through deep, calming breaths. (COMING SOON)
O – Breathing activities beginning with O.
Owl Breathing – is a heartwarming and gratitude-focused breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of an owl to guide them through deep breaths while fostering a sense of thankfulness. See more here: How to Practice Gratitude with Kids using Thankful Owl Breaths
P – Breathing activities beginning with P.
Pinwheel Breathing – is a fun, summer themed breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of a pinwheel to guide you through taking deep breaths. You can also incorporate using a real Pinwheel in this activity, which is lots of fun. See more here: Calming Summer Breathing Activities for Kids
Pirate Breathing – is an energizing breathing exercise. It engages the child’s imagination and encourages them to release tension while making the classic pirate “Arrrgh!” sound. See more here: Take a Pirate Breath and Feel Arrrrrmazing! and 9 Pirate Themed Wellbeing Activities for Kids.
Pizza Breathing – is a yummy, food themed breathing exercise. The idea is to imagine that you are smelling a hot, freshly baked pizza. See more here: Pizza Breaths. It’s even better when you use a real pizza, try making this easy Kids Pizza Dough + Free Recipe Cards.
Pumpkin Breathing – is a calming breathing exercise that uses the imagery of a pumpkin. It’s a great activity for fall or Halloween-themed mindfulness sessions but can be enjoyed anytime. See more here: Peaceful Pumpkin Activities + Free Printables
Q – Breathing activities beginning with Q.
Quiet Mouse Breathing – is a gentle, animal themed breathing exercise for kids. It uses the imagery of a small, quiet mouse to help children practice slow, quiet breathing. (COMING SOON)
R – Breathing activities beginning with R.
Racetrack Breathing (aka Lazy 8 breathing) – is an engaging breathing exercise for kids. It combines breathing with the figure-eight shape, like a race track. See more here: Racetrack Breaths {Lazy 8 Breathing}
Rainbow Breathing – is a colorful breathing exercise, that uses the imagery of a rainbow. See more here: Relaxing Rainbow Breaths. Also try making these Easy Fruit Rainbow Bagels {with Free Printable Recipe Cards}.
Rocket Breathing – is an exciting and energetic breathing exercise for kids. It combines the concept of deep breathing with the imagery of a rocket taking off. See more here: Take a Rocket Breath and Feel Determined. Also try out this fun rocket themed breathing craft Firework Rocket Straws: Breathing Activity Craft for Kids.
S – Breathing activities beginning with S.
Snail Breathing – is a all about slowing down. It uses the imagery of a slow-moving snail to encourage deep and mindful breathing. See more here: Slow Snail Breathing Activity { + Free Printable}. Also try creating a Relaxing Playdough Snail Sanctuary alongside.
Snowflake Breathing – is a peaceful, winter themed breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of a soft, fluttering snowflake to encourage calm. See more here: Soothing Snowflake Breaths
Star Breathing – is an exercise that helps children focus on their breath and unique qualities. It uses the shape of a star to guide their inhales and exhales. See more here: Shine Bright with Star Breathing
Superhero Breathing – is a confidence building breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of a superhero to help them build confidence and focus. This activity combines breathing with movement, encouraging children to feel strong and powerful—just like their favourite superheroes. See more here: How to Build Confidence with Superhero Breaths {Free Posters}
T – Breathing activities beginning with T.
Teddy Bear Breathing – is a fun exercise for kids that involves using a teddy bear as a “breathing buddy.” This activity helps children connect with their breath interactively. They do this by placing a teddy bear on their tummy. Then using its movement to guide deep breathing. (Coming Soon)
U – Breathing activities beginning with U.
Unicorn Breaths – is a magical and imaginative breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of a unicorn and their magical horn to take magic, calming breaths. See more here: Magical Unicorn Breathing for Kids
V – Breathing activities beginning with V.
Volcano Breathing – is a powerful and visual breathing exercise designed to help children manage strong emotions, especially anger. It uses the imagery of a volcano to guide the breath. This method can help kids channel their energy. It also helps them calm down when they feel upset. (COMING SOON)
W – Breathing activities beginning with W.
Witch Hat Breathing – is a bewitching and spooky, Halloween breathing exercise. It combines deep breathing with the visual of tracing the shape of a witch’s hat. See more here: 5 Halloween Breathing Exercises
Wave Breathing – s a calming and rhythmic breathing exercise for children that uses the imagery of a wave to guide their breath. See more here: Calming Summer Breathing Activities for Kids
X – Breathing activities beginning with X.
X-Ray Breathing – is a fun breathing exercise that uses the imagery of an X-ray and skeleton. You will imagine their breath moving through your body, just like an X-ray going through a skeleton. It’s a great way to teach deep breathing and body awareness in a playful and engaging way. (COMING SOON)
Y – Breathing activities beginning with Y.
Yo Yo Breathing – is a playful breathing activity that uses the imagery of a yo-yo. This exercise encourages children to practice slow and steady breathing, mimicking the up-and-down movement of a yo-yo. (COMING SOON)
Z – Breathing activities beginning with Z.
Zebra Breathing – is a fun and energizing breathing exercise. It uses the imagery of a zebra’s stripes to guide their breath. (COMING SOON)
I hope you enjoy my A to Z list of kids playful breathing activities. Hopefully it can give children and families a variety of tools to improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and promote well-being.
These activities can be used to calm down, improve focus, or just have fun. They can become an essential part of any family’s daily routine. They offer both immediate relief and long-term benefits.
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