Holy Week Activities + Free Printable

As we find ourselves more than halfway through the Lenten/ Easter season, you may be looking toward how to make Holy Week meaningful with your children. Make sure to download and print our FREE Printable for fun activities you can do with your children. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday remembering Christ's triumphal entry and continues on through to Easter Sunday. Each day has a meaningful story/ symbol to help us retell the Easter story in bite-sized chunks to young children. 

Before you begin, here are some tips and tricks to think through as you prepare your time together:

1. Be consistent. If you can try to find the same time each day to set aside some time, it will be easier for everyone to anticipate and even look forward each day (e.g. in the morning, after breakfast or after dinner before bed).
2. Keep it simple. Don't get too overcomplicated or elaborate. If you can't find what you need, just improvise!
3. Prep ahead. Simple materials, set aside (or gathered together in a box or basket) and ready to go makes will make it easier to follow through each day.
4. Don't sweat it. Even if you forget a day, just pick up where you left off and try to double up. Or begin on the day you remember. Even if things don't go as planned, your efforts will have large dividends doing something simple day in and day out, year in and year out over a child's lifetime!

We have put together a supplies list for you to gather what you have around the house or to run and grab any last minute items. Then we have an activity and correlating scripture passage to read through and do each day. 

Sunday, we wave palm branches and sing or chant "Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest!"

Monday, we talk about Jesus cleansing the temple. Use building blocks or LEGO building bricks. We talk about the place of worship that was to be holy.

Tuesday, we remember Jesus teaching at the temple. Using popsicle sticks and paper, construct a scroll and inscribe Psalm 119:105 inside- "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Wednesday, we discuss Judas' betrayal. Using play money or real coins, count out 30 pieces of silver. Place in a pouch or cloth tied up in a bundle. 

Thursday, is the day we think about the Last Supper. Perhaps your church has a service you can attend. Wash each other's feet and talk about what it means to serve others. 

Friday, we remember the Crucifixion. Make your own crosses with small sticks or twigs from the garden or popsicle sticks. Talk about what Jesus did for us. 

Saturday, using a white cloth strip, wrap a wooden doll representing Jesus  and place in a "tomb" (cardboard box). Alternately, you can go rock hunting and discuss how big and heavy the rock was that sealed the tomb.

Easter Sunday, take Jesus out of the tomb and unwrap and neatly place in the bottom of the box. He is Risen! 

Have you tried Resurrection Rolls? They are a fun cooking activity and visual for our kids as well. Check out the recipe on our Pinterest Board for more fun ideas! Don't forget to utilize our FREE Printable!