What do you think people will remember about life today?
What games do you play? What foods do you enjoy? What does your family like to do together?
One fun way to celebrate America 250 is by creating a time capsule. A time capsule is like sending a message to the future! It helps preserve memories, favorite things, and snapshots of everyday life for people to discover years from now.
What Is a Time Capsule?
A time capsule is a container filled with items that represent a specific time in history. People create time capsules during important events, anniversaries, and celebrations.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, families can create their own time capsule to remember what life was like today.
Imagine opening your time capsule years from now. What would you want to remember?
Supplies
☐ Shoebox or plastic container with a lid
☐ Paper
☐ Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
☐ Family photos (copies)
☐ Tape or glue
☐ America 250 Time Capsule Checklist
Decorate Your Time Capsule
Before filling your time capsule, decorate the outside.
Write:
America 250 Time Capsule
Created in 2026
Open in the Future!
Add stickers, drawings, stars, stripes, or anything else that represents your family.
What Should You Put Inside?
Choose items that help tell the story of your life today.
Ideas include:
☐ A recent family photo
☐ A drawing of your home
☐ A list of your favorite foods
☐ A list of your favorite books
☐ A drawing of your pet
☐ A picture of your school
☐ A list of your hobbies
☐ A favorite recipe
☐ A newspaper clipping
☐ A note about your favorite family activity
Letter to Your Future Self
One of the most exciting things to include is a letter to your future self.
Try answering these questions:
- How old are you?
- What is your favorite thing to do?
- What is your favorite food?
- What do you want to be when you grow up?
- What is your favorite memory right now?
- What do you hope America will be like in the future?
Place your letter inside the time capsule and save it for the day you open it.
Family Time Capsule Challenge
Ask each family member to contribute one item.
Parents, grandparents, siblings, and children can all add something special. Years from now, it will be fun to see how everyone’s interests, hobbies, and dreams have changed.
Think About It
Talk about these questions together:
☐ What item would best represent your life today?
☐ What do you think will change in the next 25 years?
☐ What do you hope stays the same?
☐ What would you like future generations to know about your family?
Make It Extra Special
Choose a future date to open your time capsule.
Maybe you’ll open it in:
- 5 years
- 10 years
- 25 years
- America’s 300th birthday in 2076
Write the opening date on the outside so everyone remembers.
Final Thoughts
America 250 is a celebration of the past, present, and future. Creating a time capsule is a fun way to capture memories from today while giving your family something exciting to look forward to tomorrow.
What will your time capsule say about your family’s story?
Family Activities 