Easter is just around the corner and is more than a holiday. Easter is a beautiful reminder that “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6). Yet, as meaningful as this day is, our family traditions can sometimes become routine. This year, invite your children to experience the wonder of the Resurrection in new and memorable ways that nurture both joy and faith.Here are seven Christ-centered activities that help bring the Easter story to life in your home:
1. From Darkness to Light
On Saturday evening, dim the lights in your home and light a few candles. Talk together about how the disciples felt after Jesus died, and read Psalm 88 or John 19:30. Explain that waiting can feel dark, but God is always at work.
Before sunrise on Easter morning, step outside as a family and watch the light appear. As the sun rises, joyfully proclaim, “He is risen!” (Matthew 28:6). Celebrate with a special breakfast treat and thank God for the hope we have in Christ.
2. Victory Banner Parade
Have each child decorate a small banner or flag that celebrates what Jesus conquered—sin, fear, death, and darkness (1 Corinthians 15:57). Let them write words like “Hope,” “Life,” and “Jesus Lives!”
Take a short walk around your neighborhood or your yard, waving the banners and singing praise songs. This simple activity helps children learn to share their faith with confidence and joy.
3. The Three-Day Bible Walk
Create a short “Easter Story Walk” through your home. At each stop, share a part of the story:
The Last Supper (Luke 22) – share bread and juice
Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46) – a quiet prayer moment
The Cross (John 19) – dim lights and reflect
The Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1–6) – bright lights and joyful music
This hands-on experience helps children connect emotionally and spiritually with the truth of Scripture.
4. Resurrection Breakfast Surprise
Turn breakfast into a joyful reminder of the Gospel. Use pancakes, fruit, or toast to form messages like “He Lives!” or “Jesus Is Risen.” Tuck small Scripture verses under napkins, such as:
Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)
Praise be to God… He has given us new birth into a living hope.” (1 Peter 1:3)
Let your children discover each message as they eat.
5. The Empty Tomb Gratitude Box
Decorate a small box like a tomb. During the week, have family members write down worries, fears, or struggles and place them inside. On Easter morning, empty the box and replace the papers with words like “Forgiveness,” “Joy,” “Peace,” and “New Life.”
Talk about how Jesus’ resurrection brings freedom and hope (Romans 6:4).
6. Rolling Away Stones Through Service
Explain that when Jesus rose, the stone was rolled away (Matthew 28:2). Encourage your family to “roll away stones” for others by serving:
Rake a neighbor’s yard
Deliver a meal
Write encouraging cards
Visit someone who is lonely
This teaches children that Easter love is meant to be shared.
7. Empty Tomb Photo Fun
Invite your children to act out how the disciples may have felt when they discovered the empty tomb—surprised, joyful, and full of wonder. Take photos and share them with relatives, adding a short verse or testimony.
These meaningful traditions help children see that Easter is not only something we remember—it is something we live. As you celebrate, may your family be reminded that “Christ is risen… and so we walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
Blessings to you and your family this Resurrection season.
—Lee Ann Mancini is the author of Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God, founder of Raising Christian Kids, adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary, and executive producer of the animated series Sea Kids on Right Now Media, Pure Flix, Answers.tv, Minno, and Yippee. Lee Ann is the mother of two adult children and lives with her husband in South Florida, where she passionately pursues her calling to help parents raise lifelong Christ-followers.
