10 Creative Writing Prompts to Spark Your Child’s Writing Imagination

Category

General & Topical

Date

January 9, 2025

Reading time

13 min read

Author

Bob Wood

Creative writing is a wonderful way for children to explore their imaginations, develop writing skills, and build confidence in storytelling. Here are 10 fun and inspiring writing prompts perfect for home or homeschool use.

1. The Secret Door

Your character finds a mysterious door in their house that wasn’t there before. Where does it lead? What adventures await them on the other side?

2. Animal Explorers

Imagine that animals can talk and have their own secret lives. Write about a dog and a cat teaming up to go on an epic treasure hunt.
Why it works: Children love animals! Encourage them to write dialogue and build excitement in their adventure.

3. If I Were Invisible for a Day

What would you do if you could turn invisible? Write a story about your day filled with surprises, challenges, or even a chance to help someone unnoticed.
Activity Add-on: Discuss what it means to use power responsibly—a great teaching moment!

4. The Time-Traveler’s Backpack

Your character discovers a magical backpack that allows them to travel back in time. Where do they go, and what happens when they change history?
WriteStories Bonus: Children can illustrate different time periods to match their story themes.

5. A World Without Gravity

Imagine waking up to discover that gravity no longer exists. Write about how daily life changes—at home, at school, and beyond.
Engagement Idea: Ask your child to think about the challenges and solutions their characters would face.

6. A Letter to the Future

Write a letter to yourself 10 years from now. What advice would you give? What dreams do you hope come true?
Heartwarming: This can double as a keepsake for parents to cherish in the future.

7. The Magical Bookstore

Your character visits a bookstore where every book they touch comes to life. What stories do they experience, and what lessons do they learn?
Interactive Fun: Pair this prompt with an actual trip to a library or bookstore for inspiration.

8. Holiday Heroes

A child discovers they have the power to save a holiday (like Christmas or Halloween). What challenges do they face? How do they keep the holiday spirit alive?
Seasonal Relevance: Tie this to upcoming holidays to make it timely and engaging.

9. The Robot Next Door

Your new neighbor is a robot, but no one else knows. What’s it like being their friend, and what secrets do they share?
STEM Connection: Use this story prompt to discuss basic concepts of robotics or technology.

10. A Picture Tells a Story

Look at a picture in a favorite picture book and cover the words. Write your own story based on the illustration.
Perfect for WriteStories: This activity mirrors how WriteStories allows children to create narratives inspired by visuals.