November 20 is National Child Day in Canada.
There are 8 million kids in Canada, and they all have something in common—their rights!
National Child Day 2025
Join us on November 20th, 2025, for National Child Day as we educate, inspire and empower children and youth in Canada and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to protecting kids’ rights.
This year’s theme, #OurRightsOurFuture, highlights that every child in Canada deserves to grow up safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Children and youth are not just tomorrow’s leaders, they are today’s innovators, changemakers, and voices of courage. When young people are empowered, they create a brighter, more inclusive Canada for us all.
National Child Day is part of the global World Children’s Day movement to honour global commitments to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Each year, nearly 40,000 students and 300 schools participate, and this year, we’re aiming even higher!
Register your classroom, school, or organization to join the celebrations, and explore our Activity Guide with fun and educational ways to get involved.
Let’s come together once again to celebrate children’s rights and build a future where every child can thrive.
#OurRightsOurFuture
Children and youth are not just tomorrow’s leaders—they are innovators, visionaries, and changemakers today. With courage, creativity, and conviction, they are shaping a Canada that is more just, inclusive, and compassionate. When their rights are upheld, young people have the power to transform our communities and our future, starting now.
Promoting Reconciliation
of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children – honouring
the past, acknowledging the present, and
igniting hope for the future. Check out
these great youth-led organizations that
are making a difference.
Share Your Event
Hosting an event for National Child Day? We want to hear about it! Submit your event and it will appear on our interactive map.
Show Your Support for Kids
When you buy our National Child Day T-shirt, 100% of the profits go towards Children First Canada’s programs to advocate for kids. Every child has the right to achieve their full potential!
Speaking up for Children’s Rights
How an Ottawa woman played a key role in establishing the first National Child Day in 1993.
Did You Know?
There are 4 groups of rights for children:
Survival
rights
Development rights
Protection
rights
Participation
rights
These groups of rights come from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Click here for a child-friendly version of the UNCRC.
Video Contest!
Speak up for your rights! You have the chance to be featured across Canada. Enter the video contest now!
Win a #8MillionRising T-Shirt!
2025 sponsors
2025 partners
