National Find a Rainbow Day
Go on a rainbow-hunt, make some rainbow crafts, or simply read about the science and discovery of the beautiful arc that represents so many different things.
Capitalize on April's rainbow-hunt and craft-making momentum to drive seasonal sales of food coloring, baking supplies, craft materials, and colorful party goods targeting families and kids.
- DIY Rainbow Treat Recipes: Share easy, colorful baking ideas using food coloring and natural fruit powders
- Rainbow Party Planning Guide: Host-friendly tips for decorating, coordinating outfits, and photo ops
- Craft & Activity Ideas: Simple to advanced rainbow craft projects for all ages
- Rainbow Snack Inspiration: Healthy fruit trays and candy options for family gatherings
The science behind rainbows was recorded in 1693. This is when scientists realized that rainbows are caused by light from the sun bending in such a way from the raindrops that it causes a rainbow.
Throughout human history, rainbows have often been a sign of hope and wellness. And, of course, many people know the legend that if one is ever able to find the bottom of the rainbow, they might also find a leprechaun’s pot of gold waiting for them!
This legend originates from Ireland and stories of leprechauns have been around since as far back as the 8th century.
While finding the bottom of a rainbow might not actually be possible in terms of science, it’s still a fun legend and story for kids, as well as adults who are kids-at-heart. And a great way to celebrate Find a Rainbow Day!
Host a Rainbow Themed Party
Have some friends over to make rainbow crafts and treats, or decorate the house with all things rainbow-like. Don’t forget to serve rainbow-themed foods. If baking rainbow foods at home isn’t appealing, then colorful candy-like M&M’s or Skittles can be a great snack. On the healthier side, a rainbow-colored tray of fruits and veggies can be a simple, tasty treat that guests will love. To make a rainbow-themed party even better, have every friend dress in clothes of a different color of the rainbow. Then, line up in color order and take an instant photo that everyone can use to remember the party with!
Make a Rainbow Treat in the Kitchen
Many people enjoy cooking colorful foods on this day; treats such as jello and cookies might be some of the most common items. When it comes to rainbows and baking, food coloring can be a great friend. When baking foods like cookies or cakes, food coloring is the easiest way to bring bright, rainbow colors to the baked dessert. Some other options for making rainbow-themed foods come from more natural ways to color baked goods. Many powdered forms of fruits or vegetables can be purchased at health food stores (like powdered carrot for orange, or strawberry for pink). However, unlike using commercial food coloring, it is important to note that these types of coloring can change the flavor slightly.
Make Projects with Rainbows
Making crafts related to rainbows can be simple or complicated, depending on the type of project chosen. Use some colored paper to cut out and glue together the pieces of a rainbow. Or grab some colored markers to draw fun and easy rainbows on white paper. Stained glass window kits can be purchased at craft stores for making a rainbow to hang in the sunshine. Or, for those who are really invested in the day, knitting or crocheting a rainbow scarf or socks with many colors of yarn can also be a clever way to bring rainbows into the day!
Watch Reading Rainbow
A classic show for children of the 80’s and 90’s, Reading Rainbow aired new shows on public television in the United States from 1983 until 1999. Plus, the old episodes were then shown as reruns for another ten years. Now, they can easily be located through various sources online. This show, hosted by LeVar Burton, was meant to encourage children to read. Every episode focused on a specific topic from a chosen children’s book for that episode, and also recommended new books for children to check out from the library. For some people, watching old episodes of the Reading Rainbow might be a fun activity to bring some nostalgia and, for rainbow lovers, it could be a cool way to see what their parents may have watched when they were children!
Look for Four Leaf Clovers
Finding the end of a rainbow might not be possible and, even if it was, there’s no way to keep it as a souvenir! But finding a four-leaf clover might be a bit more feasible. It can be a fun little souvenir denoting the search for rainbows, and might even bring some good luck. At the very least, it will provide memories of rainbow-hunting on Find a Rainbow Day.