Benjamin Franklin for kids begins with a curious Boston boy born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up as the fifteenth of 17 children. From an early age he loved to read, tinker, and ask questions.
Benjamin Franklin for kids: A curious boy from Boston
His father made soap and candles. At age 12, Franklin apprenticed at his brother’s printing shop. He quietly learned the printing trade and cracked jokes as he worked. Interestingly, at age 11 (in 1717), Franklin invented wooden swim fins—two oval pieces of wood held in the hands—to help swim faster, showcasing his early ingenuity.
At 17 he left Boston and walked to Philadelphia. The trip was a small adventure and a bold leap. He arrived ready to work and to learn more.
Printer, writer, and inventor
Franklin bought the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1729. He made the paper lively and useful.
Then, from 1732 to 1758, he published Poor Richard’s Almanack annually for 27 years. It brimmed with witty proverbs like “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” This publication significantly contributed to American literature and culture.
He loved small experiments. He wrote them down. Those notes led to inventions such as bifocals, the Franklin stove, and the glass armonica. Notably, Franklin never held a patent for any of his inventions—zero patents—because he believed that inventions should be shared freely. He also designed practical safety ideas like the lightning rod.
Electricity and public life
In the 1740s and 50s Franklin studied electricity. His experiments helped show that lightning is electrical. He coined approximately 25 terms related to electricity—including ‘battery’ and ‘charge.’ The kite story became famous, and risky. Do not fly a kite in a storm. Instead try safer static demos at home.
In Philadelphia he helped start civic projects. He founded the Library Company in 1731, the Union Fire Company, and the American Philosophical Society. He also helped found the University of Pennsylvania.
Diplomat, statesman, and signer
Franklin served many public roles. He worked as postmaster and a colonial representative. He later sat in the Continental Congress.
Then he used his charm and skill as minister to France from 1776 to 1785. His work in Europe won vital support. He was one of five men who helped draft and sign the Declaration of Independence. Later he helped negotiate peace in 1783.
Quick timeline
- Born 1706
- Pennsylvania Gazette 1729
- Library Company 1731
- Poor Richard’s Almanack 1732 to 1758
- Electricity experiments 1740s to 1750s
- Diplomat to France 1776 to 1785
- Treaty of Paris 1783
- Died 1790
Curiosity Hour and small activities
Try a short ritual called Curiosity Hour. Spend 20 focused minutes after dinner. Read one short Franklin anecdote. Ask one big question and try a tiny experiment together.
Keep choices tight. Celebrate attempts. Record one sentence about what you learned. For crafts, fold a paper Poor Richard calendar, sketch simple bifocals, or build a tiny model house and place a pretend lightning rod. Simple choices make wonder easier and more fun.
Later life and legacy
Franklin changed his mind on some issues. He freed a servant, worked with abolitionists, and petitioned Congress near the end of his life. He valued thrift, clear writing, careful observation, and civic duty.
His short sayings still travel well. Share a few with children: “Early to bed and early to rise,” “A penny saved is a penny earned,” and “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Read or listen to a story about Benjamin Franklin now: Read or listen to a story about Benjamin Franklin now: For 3-5 year olds, For 6-8 year olds, For 8-10 year olds, and For 10-12 year olds.
For more stories and resources, visit Storypie. Start tonight with a moment of wonder and a tiny experiment.
