At a Glance: Year of the Horse Horoscopes for Kids

• Chinese Zodiac Cycle: There are 12 animals, find out which is your kids’ sign

• Overall Horse Energy: Active, social, fast-moving; these are the traits that define both Horse kids and the upcoming Year of the Horse

A Quick Reminder About Birth Years

Most of us know our Western zodiac sign (I’m an Aquarius - air sign, friendly, independent, humanitarian, quirky!), whether or not we “believe” in them. There are twelve, and they roughly align with the month of your birth. 

But do you know your Chinese zodiac sign? These run on a 12-year cycle, and everyone born in that year belongs to that sign. However, Chinese zodiac signs are based on the Lunar New Year, which usually falls in late January or February. Kids born before the Lunar New Year belong to the previous zodiac sign, not that calendar year. 

Below, with each horoscope, we’ve included the approximate years that belong to each Chinese Zodiac sign. But be sure to check when the Lunar calendar began for the year of birth to determine which Chinese Zodiac kids born in the first few months of the year belong to!

What Is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac?

As we just said, the Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. The Horse is the seventh animal in the cycle and is traditionally associated with movement, freedom, and enthusiasm. In 2026, the Year of the Horse begins on February 17.

When it’s the Year of the Horse, the overall energy is thought to be fast-paced and exciting. 2026 should be a great year for learning, exploring, and building confidence, especially for kids who like to stay busy. 

What will this year bring? Find your sign and read on!

Horse Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Horse Personality Traits

Horse kids are energetic, social, and always on the move. In Chinese astrology, Horses symbolize vitality, independence, and determination. These kids love freedom and excitement.

Challenges include impatience, impulsivity, and frustration when slowed down.

What the Year of the Horse Brings

It’s your zodiac year—energy runs high.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Build in rest and routine.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Even fast runners need water breaks.

Rat Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Rat Personality Traits

Rat kids are clever, curious, and quick thinkers. In Chinese astrology, Rats symbolize intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. These are the kids who notice everything, ask lots of questions, and may surprise you with how much they understand.

On the flip side, Rats can overthink, worry, or jump from thing to thing without finishing anything. That might look like starting five projects and abandoning all of them—or needing reassurance when things feel uncertain.

What the Year of the Horse Brings

The fast pace of the Horse year excites Rat kids but can also make them feel more scattered than usual.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Encourage finishing one thing before starting the next.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Slow progress still counts.

Ox Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Ox Personality Traits

Ox kids are steady, dependable, and patient. They’re the children who like routines, rules, and knowing what comes next. In Chinese astrology, Oxen symbolize perseverance, responsibility, and quiet strength.

The challenge? Ox kids can be stubborn and resistant to change. Sudden plan shifts can cause stress. These are the kids who need several 5-minute warnings before a transition!

What the Year of the Horse Brings

This high-energy year may feel chaotic to Ox kids—but it also offers growth through flexibility.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Introduce change gently and explain what’s coming.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Trying something new doesn’t erase what feels safe.

Tiger Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Tiger Personality Traits

Tiger kids are bold, confident, and full of natural leadership. In Chinese astrology, Tigers represent courage, enthusiasm, and independence. These kids are often the first to try something new and last to back down.

On the flip side, Tigers can be impulsive or strong-willed, especially when told “no.” Tiger kids can throw an impressive tantrum (I say this, being a Tiger myself!)

What the Year of the Horse Brings

The Horse year amplifies Tiger confidence—in good ways and challenging ones.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Channel leadership into teamwork.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Being brave also means being kind.

Rabbit Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Rabbit Personality Traits

Rabbit kids are gentle, thoughtful, and sensitive. In Chinese astrology, Rabbits symbolize kindness, creativity, and peace. These kids often notice emotions and care deeply about fairness.

Their challenge? Rabbits may avoid conflict or hesitate to speak up.

What the Year of the Horse Brings

The fast pace may feel overwhelming, but it encourages Rabbits to find their voice.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Create safe spaces for sharing feelings.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Quiet kids still have big ideas.

Dragon Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Dragon Personality Traits

Dragon kids are imaginative, confident, and full of big ideas. In Chinese culture, Dragons symbolize strength, luck, and creativity. These kids often dream big and think boldly.

Challenges include frustration when things don’t go their way or when attention is shared. Prep Dragon kids extra carefully to welcome a younger sibling!

What the Year of the Horse Brings

This is a great year for Dragons to collaborate and shine in group settings.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Encourage teamwork and sharing leadership.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Big ideas grow better together.

Snake Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Snake Personality Traits

Snake kids are thoughtful, observant, and intuitive. In Chinese astrology, Snakes symbolize wisdom and reflection. These kids tend to think deeply before acting.

The downside? They may overthink or hesitate too long.

What the Year of the Horse Brings

Horse energy nudges Snakes toward action.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Support small, brave first steps.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: You don’t need all the answers to begin.

Goat (Sheep) Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Goat Personality Traits

Goat kids are creative, gentle, and empathetic. In Chinese astrology, Goats symbolize compassion and imagination.

They may struggle with confidence or worry about pleasing others.

What the Year of the Horse Brings

This energetic year encourages self-expression.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Celebrate creativity out loud.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Your ideas matter.

Monkey Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Monkey Personality Traits

Monkey kids are playful, clever, and endlessly curious. In Chinese astrology, Monkeys symbolize intelligence and humor.

Their challenge is staying focused long enough to finish.

What the Year of the Horse Brings

Plenty of excitement—and distractions.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Turn tasks into games.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Finishing feels just as good as starting.

Rooster Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Rooster Personality Traits

Rooster kids are organized, observant, and detail-oriented. In Chinese astrology, Roosters symbolize confidence and honesty.

They may struggle when plans change unexpectedly. Let them ease into a change in plans.

What the Year of the Horse Brings

This year tests flexibility.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Practice “good enough.”
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Perfection isn’t required.

Dog Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Dog Personality Traits

Dog kids are loyal, caring, and deeply fair-minded. In Chinese astrology, Dogs symbolize honesty and protection.

They may worry about others or take responsibility too seriously. Remind them that being good to themselves is as important as being good to others.

What the Year of the Horse Brings

Strong friendships and teamwork.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Encourage balance between helping and resting.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: You don’t have to do everything.

Pig Kids 2026 Horoscope

Birth Years: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Pig Personality Traits

Pig kids are warm, generous, and joyful. In Chinese astrology, Pigs symbolize kindness and abundance.

They may overextend themselves or avoid conflict.

What the Year of the Horse Brings

A busy year that calls for energy management.

Helpful Tip for Parents

Model self-care.
Mantra parents need in their back pocket for the year: Rest helps kindness last.

5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year with Kids

1. Find a Lunar New Year Celebration Near You

Loads of children’s museums, art museums, and other cultural organizations host Lunar New Year celebrations. Even Disney California Adventure Park has a fabulous celebration! (See lead photo.) You can find one near you on your local calendar of events.

2. Decorate and Make Crafts

Make red-and-gold paper crafts, make your own red envelopes, make and hang lanterns, and let kids design their own “good luck” banners symbolizing speed, strength, and adventure for the Year of the Horse.

3. Read a Great Book About Lunar New Year

These are three favorite picture books for kids about celebrating Lunar New Year that are great introductions to the holiday.

• Lunar Tale: A New Year's Adventure by Stella Hong
• Grumpy New Year by Katrina Moore
• Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin

4. Make a Tasty Treat

Cook (or order in) symbolic foods like long noodles for longevity, dumplings for wealth, almond cookies, or oranges for good fortune.

5. Check out Cool Traditions / Movies About Asian Culture 

Watch a Lion or Dragon Dance video online, or how about a favorite animated movie that celebrates Asian culture?

Here’s our top three picks that everyone in the family will enjoy:

• Mulan
• Kung Fu Panda
• Ne Zha (This one is for teens and tweens, as there is some violence, language, and more intense scenes.)