Easy Matariki 2025 Activities For Toddlers & Preschoolers (Montessori Friendly)
Embracing New Beginnings Together
Hello my angel,
There’s something about this time of year that feels… different. Like the air has shifted just slightly. A pause. A breath. A chance to start again.
As a new mama raising a little boy with Māori, Timorese, and Aussie roots, I’ve felt this deep pull to slow down and create moments that matter.
Matariki (the Māori New Year) was recently celebrated here in Australia and New Zealand, and in our tiny little home, it brought with it a sense of reflection, hope, and quiet excitement for the next chapter.
I’ll be honest—there’s a part of me that feels nervous sometimes… wondering if I’m doing these traditions justice, especially for Cloud. But then I remind myself: it’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. About trying. About making space for connection in the season we’re in.
That’s why today, I wanted to share some simple, low-prep Matariki activities for toddlers that we’ve loved doing at home.
Whether you’re Māori yourself, a multicultural family like ours, or just want to gently introduce your little one to the beauty of new beginnings and seasonal traditions… these ideas come straight from the heart—and from our messy, love-filled living room floor.
Let’s dive in 🌌✨
What is Matariki? (A Simple Explanation for Busy Parents)
For anyone new to Matariki… it marks the Māori New Year, celebrated when the Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades) becomes visible in the winter sky. Depending on which iwi (tribe) you’re from, there may be 7 or 9 stars in the cluster.
It’s a time to:
🌿 Remember those we’ve lost
🌿 Reflect on the year that’s passed
🌿 Reconnect with whānau (family)
🌿 Share kai (food)
🌿 Set hopes and intentions for the year ahead
So for our toddlers, it’s a beautiful invitation to pause and notice the world around them—whether that’s the stars in the sky, the feel of dirt between their fingers, or the warmth of family mealtime.
If you’d like to explore further:
👉 Dr Rangiānehu Mātāmua’s full Matariki video
👉 Short and simple overview of Matariki (YouTube)
5 Easy Matariki Activities for Toddlers That Filled Our Home with Joy
(And yes… with a little bit of toddler chaos too 😅)
⭐ 1. Starry Night Sensory Bin
What we used:
- Black rice
- Colourful star confetti
- Scoops and bowls (we just used what was available from the kitchen)
Set it up on a picnic blanket and let your toddler dive in! Cloud loved the different textures and the sparkle of the stars.
This is one of the easiest Matariki activities for toddlers—low effort, big sensory reward. We have even scooped up the rice and stars into a jar to reuse!
🌿 2. Nature Reflection Jar
We popped on jackets and went for a walk. Cloud collected leaves, sticks, and yes—tried to taste a rock 🤦🏽♀️🤣
Once home, we filled a recycled jar with his treasures and I said:
“These are the things we’re thankful for this year.”
He might not understand just yet, but it felt so special.
✨ 3. Matariki Star Sensory Exploration
You’ll need:
- 7 or 9 stars cut from cardboard or paper
- Different textures (sandpaper, foil, cotton balls, cling wrap etc.)
Place them on a dark blanket and let your little one explore by feel and sound. Use words like “soft,” “crinkly,” and “shiny” as you play.
It was a lovely sensory adventure that kept Cloud curious and engaged, while we shared a quiet moment celebrating Matariki together.
📚 4. Storytime + Songs
If you have a toddler-friendly book like Twinkle, Twinkle Matariki by Rebecca Larsen, this is the time to read it.
Purchase here – affiliate link. If you choose to purchase through this link, you’re kindly supporting my work at no extra cost to you—and I truly appreciate it!
If not—YouTube has some beautiful child-friendly Matariki story videos and waiata (songs).
Pro tip: Don’t shy away from using rich language, even with babies.
🍽️ 5. A Family Dinner Moment
We didn’t cook anything fancy—but before eating, I said aloud:
“This year, I’m grateful for our little family… for new beginnings… and for the chance to keep learning as a mum.”
It made the night feel special. It was just our usual quick weeknight meal with a little extra love sprinkled in.
Why Simple Matariki Activities for Toddlers Matter More Than Perfect Pinterest Moments
It’s so easy to scroll through Pinterest and suddenly feel like you’re not doing enough.
But celebrating Matariki with toddlers is about something deeper—slowing down, making memories, and embracing whatever works (rice explosions and all 😅).
Keeping It Montessori & Gentle Parenting-Aligned
If you’ve fallen into the Pinterest trap looking for the “perfect” Matariki craft… you’re not alone.
But here’s a gentle reminder:
Montessori and gentle parenting remind us to:
- Follow our child’s lead
- Offer sensory-rich, open-ended play
- Use real language—yes, even with babies
- Be present, not perfect
Even if your little one just wants cuddles or ends up covered in rice—it all counts as connection.
Final Thoughts: New Energy, Small Moments, Big Memories
You don’t need a picture-perfect setup to celebrate something meaningful.
As a new mama, I’ve realised connection doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. It’s often found in the small, everyday moments. It’s often the crinkled paper stars, muddy fingers, or sleepy cuddles that mean the most.
Matariki reminded me that gratitude, reflection, hope, and connection don’t need to stay tied to one season. We can weave them into daily life by:
🌱 Pausing at dinner to share something we’re thankful for
🌱 Going for little nature walks and collecting treasures
🌱 Singing together—mid nappy change, in the car, whenever
🌱 Setting up simple sensory play and following their lead
Matariki isn’t just a date—it’s an invitation to slow down, reflect, and create new beginnings… even in the middle of toddler chaos. So, whether you’re reading this on the lounge room floor, in the car during contact naps, or with a reheated coffee in hand—just know: you’re part of this community too.
Here’s to new beginnings, mama 💛
Want More Like This?
If you try any of these Matariki activities for toddlers, tag me on Instagram or Pinterest—I’d love to see how your whānau celebrates!
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Useful Resources
If you’re keen to learn more about Matariki or gather more family-friendly activity ideas, here are some resources I’ve personally found helpful:
🌟 Matariki Maramataka Calendar (English)
🌟 Dr Rangiānehu Mātāmua’s full Matariki video
🌟 Short and simple Matariki explainer (YouTube)
🌟 Twinkle, Twinkle Matariki – Rebecca Larsen (Affiliate)
🌟 Te Papa – Matariki Education Resources