Everything that moves has kinetic energy. The wind causing things such as leaves and branches to move and moving water are two examples of kinetic energy for kids.
Energy in motion is the basic definition of kinetic energy. The more an object weighs, the more kinetic energy said object has. A good example for children is to use two balls that have different weights. Place the balls on the table and roll them off into a bowl of water that is placed on the floor. When they fall, the ball that is heavier will make a bigger splash compared to the lesser weighted ball, and this means the heavier ball has more kinetic energy.
Another type of energy is called potential energy. This energy includes things that are stored such as oil, gasoline and coal. In a car, energy can change from kinetic energy to potential energy, and then back to kinetic energy again. When the car is in motion, it is kinetic energy. When the car stops, it turns into potential energy.
Mechanical energy is energy of motion like that of a windmill. Heat energy is the energy in motion that raises the temperature; a fire in a fireplace is a good example. Chemical energy is stored in things like food and fuel, while the electric coils in a stove create electrical energy.