14 Fun Conversation Starters for Kids to Make Friends on the Playground
Trouble making new friends? Help kids become the life of the playground with these fun conversation starters.
For kids, starting a new school year is like opening a fresh box of crayons—full of possibilities and colors waiting to be explored. Meeting new friends can be one of the most exciting parts, but knowing how to start those first conversations can sometimes feel tricky. With the right conversation starters and a sprinkle of humor, kids can break the ice and make new friends in no time. Let’s dive into some fun ways to get the conversation flowing and create connections that’ll make school days even brighter.
Why Conversation Starters Work
Conversation starters are like the first domino in a chain—once they fall, they set off a fun and engaging interaction. Here’s why they’re so effective:
- They Ease the Awkwardness: It’s normal to feel a little nervous around new people. But having a good conversation starter at the ready can make it easier to break the ice and smooth out any initial awkwardness.
- They Help Kids Discover Common Interests: Asking questions or sharing a joke helps kids find out what they have in common. Shared hobbies, favorite shows, or even the same love for pineapple on pizza can be the spark of a new friendship.
- They Show Genuine Interest: Starting a conversation shows that you’re interested in getting to know the other person. It’s a friendly gesture that can make others feel valued and included.
What Makes a Good Conversation Starter?
Not all conversation starters are equal. Some can open the door to an engaging chat, while others might not go anywhere. Here’s what makes a good conversation starter:
- Open-Ended Questions: These are questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” They invite the other person to share more about themselves. For example, “What’s your favorite thing to do after school?” is much more engaging than “Do you like recess?”
- Relatable Topics: The best conversation starters touch on subjects most people can relate to, like school, hobbies, or food. This makes it easier for the other person to join in.
- Positivity: Kicking off with a positive question or statement sets a friendly and welcoming tone. Positive topics create an upbeat vibe that encourages sharing and laughter.
- Simple and Clear: Keep it simple, especially for kids. Complicated questions can be confusing, so stick to straightforward topics.
- Interest in the Other Person: Good conversation starters show that you’re curious about the other person, that you’re interested in their world.
- Room for Expansion: Choose topics that can lead to further discussion. For example, “What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited?” can lead to a discussion about travel, favorite places, and dream destinations.
Fun Conversation Starters for Kids
Ready to make some new friends? Here are some fun and friendly conversation starters:
The Basics
1. “What’s your favorite color, and why?”
This one is simple yet surprisingly revealing. Are they a classic blue fan? Or maybe they can’t choose!
2. “Do you have any pets?”
Pets are a great topic because who can resist sharing stories about their furry (or scaly) friends?
3. “What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?”
Movies are a great way to find common ground and might even lead to future movie nights.
Hobbies and Interests
4. “Do you play any sports or have a favorite hobby?”
This question can lead to discussions about soccer, drawing, video games, and more.
5. “Do you like to read? What’s your favorite book?”
For the bookworms out there, this is a perfect way to find fellow readers.
6. “What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekend?”
This opens up a wide range of possibilities and lets you know what the other person enjoys doing in their free time.
School and Fun
7. “What’s your favorite part of school?”
Whether it’s science, art, or lunchtime, this question can reveal a lot about someone.
8. “Have you ever played any cool games at recess?”
This can lead to sharing tips for fun games or planning new ones to try together.
9. “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
A fun and imaginative question that can lead to a lively discussion.
Jokes to Break the Ice
Laughter is a universal language and a great way to make new friends. Try using these jokes as conversation starters too!
10. “Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!”
A bit of science humor never hurts!
11. “What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing, it just waved!”
A classic that’s sure to bring a smile.
12. “Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!”
A food joke that’s always ripe for a laugh.
13. “What do you call a dinosaur that’s sleeping? A dino-snore!”
Perfect for the budding paleontologist.
14. “Why did the kid bring a ladder to school? Because he wanted to go to high school!”
A playful twist on school humor.
How to Break the Ice
Now that we’ve got the tools, here’s how kids can use them to make new friends:
1. Smile and Be Approachable
A warm smile can go a long way in making others feel welcome. It shows you’re friendly and open to conversation.
2. Start with a Compliment
Complimenting someone on their cool sneakers or a fun backpack is a great way to start a conversation and make them feel good.
3. Be Confident
It’s normal to feel a bit nervous, but confidence can help kids take the first step. Remember, everyone feels a bit shy at times!
4. Listen and Respond
Kids can show they’re listening by nodding or saying things like, “That’s awesome!” or “Really? Tell me more!” Listening is just as important as talking.
5. Keep It Light and Fun
Keep the conversation light-hearted and avoid serious topics. The goal is to have fun and get to know each other.
The Joy of Making New Friends
Making new friends can be one of the best parts of school. With these conversation starters and jokes, kids can feel more comfortable reaching out and connecting with others. Remember, the key is to be themselves and enjoy the process of meeting new people. Whether talking about favorite hobbies, sharing a laugh, or discovering a shared love for a particular snack, these moments can turn into lasting friendships.
Guide Kids through Friendship with These Books
Unicorn (and Horse)
BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)
Marvin’s Monster Diary 3: Trouble with Friends (But I Get By, Big Time)
Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in Editing and Publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.