Organizing an open house event for preschool and kindergarten can feel overwhelming, but it’s also one of the best ways to welcome families, showcase your school’s strengths, and build a strong sense of community. These events go far beyond classroom tours; they offer opportunities to celebrate student achievements, foster connections, and set the tone for the school year.
If you’re looking to make your open house informative, fun, and memorable, we’ve got you covered! Below are creative and community-centered ideas for preschool and kindergarten open house to ensure your event is a resounding success—from setting the stage with thoughtful decor to engaging activities and meaningful conversations with parents.
Host a School Showcase Event
Let your students’ achievements shine! Combine classroom visits with a larger showcase celebrating your school and students’ talents. Encouraging students to take part in presenting their work boosts their confidence and makes parents proud!
- Decorate hallways with student artwork and school spirit items: Display a year’s worth of student creativity with colorful art exhibits (if your open house is in the spring). Personalized signs from Alphabet U can help label classrooms and activities while adding a professional touch.
- Highlight projects and talents: Feature science experiments, reading portfolios, art displays, and even music or theater performances.
- Create dedicated spaces for different age groups to give families a sense of the learning and growth opportunities offered across the board.
Set the Scene: Create a Welcoming Environment
First impressions matter! Ensure your open house feels warm, organized, and fun from the moment families arrive. You can do this by using friendly signage to direct families around campus; setting up info stations with brochures, campus maps, and schedules of the event activities; featuring tables displaying classroom projects and school achievements; and adding festive, welcoming touches, like balloons, banners, and themed decorations!
A visually appealing and organized environment will your event feel polished while setting a cheerful tone for families.
Plan Fun Activities for All Ages
Keep little hands busy and smiles on faces with family-friendly activities spread throughout the event! The key is to create plenty of opportunities for families to bond and enjoy themselves while introducing them to your school culture.
- Include fun activities, like face painting, a bean bag toss, storytelling, or even a dunk tank for extra laughs.
- Set up a craft station for preschoolers and kindergarteners to create themed keepsakes.
- For older siblings or adults, consider options like selfie stations or mini scavenger hunts.
Add Contests and Prizes
Boost excitement and attendance with small contests and giveaways! Adding a competitive element ensures families stay engaged and interact more with your event. Try some easy and fun ideas, like organizing simple guessing games or trivia contests that get families involved; setting up a raffle with exciting prizes like school gear (think custom bags or folders from Alphabet U) or gift cards; or using colorful, custom vinyl banners to mark contest zones and generate buzz. Announce winners throughout the evening to keep the energy going.
Offer Treats and Refreshments
Food is a universal crowd-pleaser and creates opportunities for families to mingle with staff in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
- Set up a food station offering kid-friendly snacks like ice cream, granola bars, and fruit.
- Create a “café corner” or patio area with coffee, tea, and light pastries for parents to enjoy while they chat.
- Add tables and seating to encourage casual conversations between families and teachers.
Informative Sessions for Parents
Engage parents in meaningful dialogue about your school’s curriculum, teaching philosophy, and overall approach to education. This will help build trust and instill confidence in your school’s mission. Schedule short presentations to discuss what makes your school’s programs unique; host Q&A sessions with the principal, teachers, and staff to address parent questions; and provide handouts and resource tables with information on academic calendars, volunteer opportunities, and school policies.
Themed Open House Ideas
Want to add a little extra magic to your event? Try picking a creative theme! Incorporate seasonal themes, like “Fall Festival” or “Spring Bloom” into décor, activities, and snacks.
You can also host a Diversity Night celebrating the variety of cultures in your community with multilingual signage, crafts, and food options. Another fun option is to plan mini-performances or group activities tied to your theme for a cohesive, memorable experience.
Incorporate Technology for a Modern Touch
Show parents that your school is tech-savvy by incorporating digital tools into your open house. A mix of in-person and digital engagement ensures inclusivity and keeps everyone up-to-date.
Offer a virtual tour for families unable to attend in person, create a digital slideshow featuring student activities and big moments from the year, use social media platforms to promote the event and share highlights after it’s over, and set up kiosks or QR codes linking to important school information.
Highlight Volunteer and Fundraising Opportunities
Encourage long-term family involvement by creating easy access to ways families can contribute. When parents feel actively involved, they’re more likely to become lifelong supporters of your school.
- Set up booths with sign-up sheets for volunteer programs or PTA memberships.
- Display fundraising initiatives, showcasing school-branded promotional goods for purchase (like magnets and t-shirts from Alphabet U).
- Offer incentives for early signups, such as small prizes or exclusive discount codes.
Community Involvement: Make It Bigger
Expand your reach by integrating your school into the broader community. Invite local businesses and organizations such as nearby libraries or pediatric clinics to set up booths or displays; coordinate sponsorships to support raffle prizes or activity costs; or offer families community resource guides that highlight local services.
Positioning your school as a hub for the community not only emphasizes its value but creates lasting goodwill.
Follow Up After the Event
The work doesn’t end when the open house does! Keep the momentum going for a stronger school-family connection. Send thank-you notes or emails to families who attended the event, and share highlights and photos on social media or your school’s website to celebrate the event’s success and generate excitement for future gatherings.
Gather honest feedback from parents on ways to improve next time. Following up shows thoughtfulness and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Make Your Next Open House Unforgettable!
Thoughtful planning, engaging activities, and personalized touches can transform your preschool or kindergarten open house into a meaningful experience that families will remember.
Want to take your event to the next level? Explore custom signs, banners, and school-branded items from Alphabet U to add a professional and cohesive feel while boosting school and community spirit.
Start planning today and create an open house that strengthens your school community and leaves families excited about the school year.