10 Peaceful Activities to Enjoy with Your Child Before Bed

Finding Calm in the Evening Rush

By the time bedtime rolls around, many parents are secretly counting the minutes until lights-out. And yet, bedtime can easily turn into the most stressful part of the day—especially if your child struggles with winding down, has school-related stress, or simply carries too much energy into the evening.

It’s not about “fixing” bedtime with a miracle routine. Instead, think of it as a gentle transition—creating a space where your child can let go of the day, feel safe, and reconnect with you. You don’t need elaborate rituals. Sometimes, the most peaceful moments come from the simplest activities, done with intention and love.

Here are ten quiet, grounding activities that can help your child move from the busy pace of the day into the calm of sleep, and foster emotional connection in the process.

1. Reading Together (Even if They Can Read Alone)

Reading aloud to children—even tweens—is not just for early learners. Sharing a book gives your child permission to relax, listen, and imagine. If they’re feeling overwhelmed from school or discouraged by homework, this can be a powerful reset. Find a cozy spot, dim the lights slightly, and let the story do the work.

For parents who don’t always have the energy to read aloud every night, consider introducing audio stories as part of the bedtime routine. The LISN Kids App offers an engaging library of original audiobooks and series for kids aged 3 to 12. You can explore it on iOS or Android, and let a soothing voice take over for a few minutes while you unwind nearby.

2. Drawing or Coloring Side by Side

No rules, no pressure—just paper, coloring pencils, and an invitation to unwind. Some children open up while they draw, processing their day in quiet ways. You don’t have to comment on their work. Just sharing the space and the silence can be deeply regulating.

Try non-messy options like twistable crayons or watercolor pencils, especially if you’re doing this close to bedtime. And if your child’s been tense or emotional, this kind of quiet creativity can offer a gentle release of stress. For more ideas like this, see our guide on calm and creative ways to keep kids busy at home.

3. Stretch it Out: Gentle Evening Movement

Not all children can flip the “calm switch” the moment they’re in pajamas. Many need to first release physical tension. A few minutes of stretching can prepare their bodies for rest and help prevent the bedtime stall tactics that come from feeling restless.

Try a short yoga video, or lead a few slow stretches yourself. No need for perfection—focus on breathing slowly and moving together.

4. Simple Guided Breathing

Breathing exercises don’t require equipment or expertise. One easy method for kids: breathe in through the nose for a count of four (“Smell the flower”), then out through the mouth for four (“Blow out the candle”). Pair it with a calm voice, a quiet room, and your own steady breathing—you’ll be amazed how effective it can be.

Want something more structured? Check out this article on soothing a restless child after a long day.

5. Memory Sharing: One Sweet Thing

Even children who seem closed off during the day often soften in the quiet of bedtime. Ask a simple and consistent question: “What was one thing you liked about today?” It gives them a chance to reflect, connect, and end their day on a positive note—even if the rest of the day was messy or hard.

And if they’re not ready to answer? That’s okay too. Just answering the question yourself creates a model.

6. Listening to Soft Music or Ambient Sounds

Music can be a powerful cue that it’s time to settle. Explore gentle instrumental lullabies, nature sounds, or soft soundtracks you both enjoy. Let this be a shared, intentional ritual—music playing as teeth are brushed, pajamas go on, and lights dim.

7. Tactile Comfort: Warmth and Weighted Objects

Some children benefit from the physical sensation of pressure or warmth. Warm a stuffed animal in the dryer for a few seconds or snuggle under a heavy quilt. Weighted blankets (used with guidance) can support kids who tend to feel anxious at night.

Be receptive to their sensory needs—what soothes one child may not help another. Start small and observe.

8. Storytelling from the Day

If your child isn’t chatty about their day, you can “narrate” it back to them. Something like, “Today we had cereal for breakfast, and you wore your favorite blue sweater. I remember you looked so proud of your art project.” This technique helps children make sense of their day and builds emotional language over time.

9. Drawing a Mental Picture

Help your child create a peaceful mental image. Try: “Close your eyes and picture a place where you feel really calm. Is it a beach? A treehouse? What do you hear? Smell? See?” This gentle visualization not only trains imagination but also offers a private “safe place” to return to whenever they need comfort.

This can be especially helpful if your child struggles with separation at bedtime, as explored in our piece on gentle solutions for kids who won’t sleep alone.

10. A Consistent, Predictable Routine

It’s not the activity alone, but the rhythm of it that matters. Children don’t need new ideas every night—they crave predictability. Whether it’s bath, book, and bed or a quieter sequence of yoga, drawing, and storytelling, think of your evening as a reliable pattern. And if you need help building one, our article on soothing bedtime routines offers a place to start.

The Power of Presence

In the end, no screen-free activity or bedtime story replaces what your child truly needs: your quiet presence. You don’t need to make bedtime perfect. You just need to make it gentle, consistent, and lovingly shared—even for a few calm minutes.

And on the nights when energy is low and patience runs thin, lean into what’s light, easy, and calming for both of you. Those little rituals matter more than you think.