88 Speed Dating Questions for Kids (Free Printable)

Need some ice-breaker activity questions or want to play a get-to-know-you game at your next kids activity? Check out this free printable of 88 speed dating (also known as speed friending or speed friendshipping) questions that children can ask each other!

One of the most difficult things about the start of a new school year or moving to a new place is that you end up with a large group of children who don’t know each other well, or one child who needs to make friends.

This fun kids’ version of speed dating is a fantastic way to break the ice and help kids get acquainted. Called “Speed Friending,” this activity encourages children to learn interesting facts about each other, promoting a friendly and inclusive environment. It’s perfect for classrooms, summer camps, and group activities where children are meeting for the first time or just getting to know each other better.

How to Set Up Speed Dating for Kids:

Arrange the Seating:
- If you have access to a long table, arrange chairs on either side so that each child has a ‘date’ sitting directly across from them.
- Alternatively, you can set up two concentric circles of chairs. The inner circle should face outwards, and the outer circle should face inwards, so that each participant has a partner that they are facing.
Explain the Rules:
- Each pair will have a short amount of time – typically 2 to 3 minutes – to talk to each other before moving on to the next person.
- Use a timer and when it rings, one circle or one side of the table moves one seat down (ensure this direction is clear from the start to avoid confusion).
Conversation Starters:
- Provide a list of questions or topics on cards at each seating spot or have a common list visible to all. These prompts can include questions like:
  - “What’s your favorite movie/book and why?”
  - “Do you have any pets? Tell me about them.”
  - “What’s one place you would love to visit?”
  - “What hobbies do you enjoy?”
  - “What’s your favorite game to play outside?”
- Scroll to the bottom of this post for our free printable questions for speed dating with kids.
Begin the Activity:
- Start the timer and let the first round of Speed Friending begin. Once the timer goes off, instruct the designated circle or row to move to the next seat. Continue this process until everyone has had a chance to speak with each other.
Wrap-Up Discussion:
- After the final round, bring everyone together for a group discussion. Ask the children to share something interesting they learned about someone else. This helps to reinforce their new friendships and solidify the connections they’ve made.
Feedback and Fun:
- Encourage the children to write down names of new friends they made and one fact about each. This not only helps them remember their peers but also extends the friendship beyond the activity.

Benefits of Speed Dating for Kids:

Speed Friending is more than just a fun activity; it promotes essential social skills such as active listening, asking questions, and engaging in meaningful conversations. It can significantly boost the confidence of quieter children by providing a structured setting for interaction, and it also helps outgoing children learn to focus and listen to others.

Speed dating for kids can be adapted for various age groups by modifying the complexity of the questions and the duration of the discussions. It’s a dynamic and adaptable way to foster a friendly community atmosphere among children in any setting.