Top 10 Presidential Quotes of All Time – Kid-Friendly Edition!

U.S. presidents have said some super-smart, funny, and inspiring words that even kids can understand! These quotes teach us about bravery, kindness, trying hard, and dreaming big. We’ve picked the top 10 presidential quotes of all time and made them fun and easy for kids ages 8–12. Each one comes with a simple explanation and a “Try This!” activity to make it stick. Which quote is your favorite? Vote in the comments!

1. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
   — Theodore Roosevelt (26th President)
   What it means: Use whatever you have right now to help or have fun—no waiting!
   Try This! Grab a pencil and paper and draw your dream pet. You don’t need fancy art supplies—just start!
2. “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, keep moving forward.”
   — Martin Luther King Jr. (quoted by many presidents, including Barack Obama)
   What it means: Never give up—just keep going, even if it’s slow.
   Try This! Do 10 jumping jacks. If you’re tired, do 5. If still tired, march in place. Keep moving!
3. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
   — Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President)
   What it means: Being scared is the biggest problem—face it and you’ll win!
   Try This! Turn off the lights and tell a silly ghost story. Laugh at the “scary” parts!
4. “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”
   — Thomas Jefferson (3rd President)
   What it means: Telling the truth is the smartest thing you can do.
   Try This! Play “Truth or Dare” with friends, but pick truth every time!
5. “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”
   — Theodore Roosevelt (again—he had great lines!)
   What it means: Be kind and quiet, but be strong when you need to be.
   Try This! Whisper a compliment to a friend, then give them a high-five (the “big stick” of friendship!).
6. “We must teach our children to dream with their eyes open.”
   — Harry S. Truman (33rd President)
   What it means: Dream big, but also make a plan to make it real.
   Try This! Draw a picture of you as an astronaut, then write 3 steps to get there (like “study science!”).
7. “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
   — John F. Kennedy (35th President)
   What it means: Help others and your community instead of just waiting for help.
   Try This! Pick up 5 pieces of trash at the park or help a neighbor carry groceries.
8. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
   — Harry S. Truman (again—he was full of wisdom!)
   What it means: Work together and share the win—teamwork rocks!
   Try This! Build a blanket fort with a friend and let them pick the name.
9. “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
   — Martin Luther King Jr. (quoted by Ronald Reagan)
   What it means: Stand up for your friends when they need you.
   Try This! If someone is being left out at recess, invite them to play.
10. “Yes, we can!”
    — Barack Obama (44th President)
    What it means: Believe in yourself and your team—you can do hard things!
    Try This! Say “Yes, I can!” before trying something new, like riding a bike or learning a cartwheel.

These quotes show that presidents were real people who wanted to make the world better—just like you can! Print this list, hang it on your fridge, and pick one quote each week to live by. Which one will you try first?