Make a Meme - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Make a Meme!!

Create a funny, kind meme by taking or drawing a picture, adding a short caption, and learning about humor, expression, and respect.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a meme

What you need

Paper, pencil, eraser, colouring materials such as crayons markers or colored pencils, black pen or marker, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather your materials and put them on a clear workspace.

Step 2

Decide if you will draw your picture or use a photo you already have.

Step 3

If you chose to draw, sketch a simple scene or character with a pencil that shows a big expression.

Step 4

If you chose to use a photo, pick one that shows a clear and friendly expression.

Step 5

Darken the main lines with a black pen or marker so the picture looks bold.

Step 6

Colour your drawing or add stickers so the image looks happy and expressive.

Step 7

Think of a short caption of 1 to 6 words that is funny and kind.

Step 8

Make sure your caption does not make fun of anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings.

Step 9

Write the caption in big clear letters above or below the picture using the black marker.

Step 10

Add one small drawing or detail that connects the caption to the picture.

Step 11

Show your meme to a friend or adult.

Step 12

Ask them if it makes them smile and if it feels kind.

Step 13

Make any small change based on the feedback you receive.

Step 14

With an adult's help, post your finished meme on DIY.org so others can see your kind and funny creation.

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a black pen or camera for a photo?

If you don't have a black pen or marker, darken lines with a sharp dark pencil or black crayon, and if you lack a camera for a photo, choose to draw the picture instead or use a printed photo you already have.

My drawing looks faint or the caption is messy—how can I fix it?

Retrace the main lines with the black marker to make the picture bold, erase stray pencil marks before coloring, and rewrite the caption in big clear letters keeping it to 1–6 words so it reads easily.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, provide a simple face template and let an adult help write the 1–6 word caption and place stickers, while older kids can use a real photo, hand-letter their caption, or edit the meme digitally before posting on DIY.org with an adult.

What are fun ways to extend or personalize our meme after finishing it?

Make a mini series of memes using the same character with different expressions, add a colored border, include one small drawing that connects the caption to the picture, and with adult help post the set on DIY.org for friends to see.

Watch videos on how to make a meme

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Create VIDEO Memes for FREE | QUICK & EASY CapCut Tutorial

4 Videos

Facts about digital citizenship for kids

😂 The word "meme" was coined by biologist Richard Dawkins in 1976 to describe how ideas spread through culture.

🖼️ Image macros — photos with short top-and-bottom captions — became one of the most recognizable meme styles online.

📱 Anyone with a smartphone can snap or draw a picture, add a short caption, and turn it into a meme in minutes.

🎭 Memes use surprise, exaggeration, or timing for humor — kind memes use those tools to make people smile, not hurt them.

🤝 A thoughtful, friendly caption can make a meme a quick way to spread kindness and lift someone's day.

How do I make a kind, funny meme with my child?

To make a kind, funny meme with a child, start by choosing a photo or drawing a simple picture together. Brainstorm short, positive captions and pick one that’s clear and age-appropriate. Use a simple photo editor or a meme-generator app to add the caption in a readable font, or write the caption on a printed picture. Talk about why it’s funny and respectful, then save or print the final meme for sharing with family or a small group.

What materials do I need to make a meme with kids?

You only need a few items: a smartphone, tablet, or camera to take photos, or paper and markers if drawing. A simple meme-generator app, photo editor, or basic computer software lets you add captions. Optional: a printer for physical memes, scissors and glue for collage versions, and stickers for decoration. Parental supervision for online tools and an adult account for downloads can help keep the activity safe and kid-friendly.

What ages is making memes suitable for?

This activity suits a wide range: ages 4–7 can draw pictures and dictate or write short captions with adult help; ages 8–11 can take photos, choose captions, and learn basic editing with supervision; ages 12–16 can create digital memes, explore humor styles, and discuss online sharing rules. Always tailor tasks to the child's reading and typing skills, and supervise any online posting to protect privacy and teach respectful behavior.

What safety and respect rules should we follow when making memes?

When making memes, focus on kindness and safety: avoid targeting real people, private details, or mean jokes. Get permission before using someone’s photo, and blur identifying information. Discuss how humor can be misunderstood and encourage captions that are inclusive. If sharing online, check privacy settings, limit audience to family or friends, and supervise posts. Use this as an opportunity to teach digital citizenship and how to respond if a meme causes upset.

Ready to create?