Making a family tree with your children is more than just a craft project—it’s a chance to explore your roots, share stories, and spend quality time together. In a world where family connections can sometimes feel distant, creating a family tree helps children understand who they are, where they come from, and how everyone is connected. Plus, it’s a fun, hands-on activity that combines creativity with learning.
If you want to make a family tree at home, it’s easier than you might think. You don’t need any special skills, and children of almost any age can get involved, even in small ways.
Materials You’ll Need
To create a family tree, you’ll need a few simple materials:
- Large sheet of paper or poster board
- Pencils and erasers for sketching
- Markers, pens, or colored pencils for writing and decorating
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Family photos (optional but adds a personal touch)
- Stickers, washi tape, or other decorative elements
Having everything ready before you start makes the process smoother, especially with younger kids who can lose focus quickly.
Types of Paper Family Trees
When it comes to how to create a family tree on paper, there are several options:
- Actual tree with branches – A literal tree shape, where each branch represents a generation. This is visually appealing and works well for children because it’s intuitive and fun to colour.
- Genogram – A more schematic style with boxes and lines. Ideal for older kids or for those who want to track extra details like birthdates or important life events.
- Simple list or chart – For smaller families, a neat horizontal or vertical chart can be enough. Easy to create and read.
- Creative variations – Heart-shaped trees, balloon-themed charts, or even footprint trees can make the process playful for little ones.
For younger children, the tree-with-branches type is usually the most engaging, while older kids may enjoy a genogram or more detailed chart. The size and type of your family also influence the choice: bigger families may need a larger poster and a structured template, whereas small families can go for a simpler design.
What Information to Include
Decide what you want to include about each relative. Typical details:
- Full name
- Birth date and place
- Relationship to the child
- A small anecdote or favourite memory
- A photo or drawing of the person
Decorating each section creatively—using colours, little doodles, or stickers—makes the tree visually attractive and adds a personal touch.
Steps to Make a Family Tree
Here’s a step-by-step guide for crafting a family tree on paper with kids:
- Gather information about your relatives – Ask grandparents and other relatives for stories, birthdates, and family photos. Kids can help by taking notes or drawing small sketches.
- Prepare the materials – Lay out paper, pens, markers, glue, scissors, and photos. Having everything organized encourages smooth work.
- Choose the best moment – A relaxed weekend afternoon is ideal. Ensure children are well-rested and in a creative mood.
- Plan the layout – Decide if the tree will be vertical, horizontal, or shaped like an actual tree. Sketch lightly with pencil first.
- Start drawing – Begin with the child or yourself at the base and work upwards or outwards. Draw branches or lines connecting family members logically.
- Add names and details – Write names clearly, and add dates, photos, or small facts. Children can colour in the leaves, draw decorations, or paste photos.
- Decorate creatively – Encourage kids to add personal touches: hearts, stars, footprints, or small doodles. This is where the tree becomes unique.
Tips for Success
- Break the project into stages if children have short attention spans.
- Encourage storytelling as you go; let each family member tell a story about the person they’re adding.
- Use sticky notes for temporary placements so it’s easy to adjust.
- Don’t worry about perfection—the goal is engagement and fun.
- Consider laminating or framing the finished tree for display.
Using Your Family Tree
Once your family tree is complete, there are many ways to enjoy it:
- Display it in the living room or a child’s bedroom
- Present it during family gatherings or parties
- Turn it into a fun quiz or memory game for children
- Use it as part of a school project or history lesson
- Keep adding details over time, making it a living document of family stories
Creating a family tree can spark curiosity and conversations. Children often ask questions about relatives they never met, and this can be the perfect opportunity for parents to share memories, explain family traditions, and pass on stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we explained how to make a family tree on paper with your children, from choosing materials to decorating and displaying it. But a paper tree isn’t the only option. Discover more ways and tips on how to create a family tree using digital tools and interactive apps. Explore different methods and find the one that best suits your family, so that building your family history becomes an activity everyone enjoys.