Faith-Based Easter Activities for Families
Easter Sunday is a beautiful time to honor the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy a special celebration with family. Easter Sunday reminds us of the profound sacrifice and renewal of life that define this season. This sacred day is not only a celebration of the miracle of resurrection but also a time when faith, family, and fun activities come together to create lasting memories. Throughout Holy Week—from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday, Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, and culminating on Easter Day—we experience a deep sense of gratitude and spiritual renewal. Our traditions draw from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, while even the Book of Mormon echoes themes of rebirth and hope. Today, we invite you to join in a celebration that includes a variety of meaningful activities such as scripture-focused Easter egg hunts, creating resurrection gardens, and engaging in acts of kindness. We will also reflect on historical figures like Mary Magdalene and incorporate symbols such as the Easter bunny to remind us that even fun traditions can have a profound spiritual significance.
1. Scripture-Focused Easter Egg Hunt
One of the most popular traditions during this sacred season is the Scripture-Focused Easter Egg Hunt. Rather than simply filling each Easter egg with candy, imagine the delight when each egg contains a small scripture verse from the New Testament or even from the Old Testament. Verses like those found in the New Testament that announce, “He is not here: for He is risen,” transform an ordinary egg hunt into an inspirational Easter treat. This activity is especially powerful when families hide Easter eggs around their home or garden, turning the search into an engaging lesson about the resurrection of Jesus. The hidden verses serve as reminders of the spiritual message behind Easter Sunday, encouraging children to connect the fun of the hunt with the deeper meaning of the holiday. Additionally, incorporating insights from the Book of Mormon into the hunt can broaden the understanding of how the message of resurrection transcends different scriptures and traditions.
2. Resurrection Garden
Creating a Resurrection Garden is another enriching activity that adds depth to the Easter celebration. In this hands-on project, families work together to build a small garden scene complete with a stone that represents the empty tomb. This simple yet powerful visual reinforces the story of Jesus Christ’s victory over death and the hope that His resurrection brings to every believer. The garden can include miniature crosses, sprigs of greenery, and even symbols like the Easter bunny to add a touch of playfulness while keeping the focus on the miraculous event of Easter Day. By constructing the garden, families are reminded of the careful planning that went into the events of Holy Week—from Ash Wednesday’s call to repentance to Good Friday’s somber reflection and ultimately to the triumphant celebration on Easter Sunday. The Resurrection Garden is a tactile representation of faith that combines creative expression with spiritual learning. It becomes a conversation starter where parents can explain how the empty tomb is a sign of renewal and why the resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian belief.
3. Acts of Kindness Challenge
Another wonderful way to celebrate Easter Sunday is to launch an Acts of Kindness Challenge during Holy Week. This initiative encourages each family member to engage in thoughtful, compassionate actions that honor the teachings of Lord Jesus. Whether it’s making Easter cards for neighbors, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need, these acts of service embody the spirit of Easter. As families perform these deeds, they reflect on the examples set those such as by Mary Magdalene, whose devotion and compassion remind us that even small gestures can carry immense spiritual weight.
4. Family Testimony Sharing
Gathering as a family to share personal testimonies is a time-honored tradition that enriches the Easter celebration. During these moments, each family member is invited to speak about what Easter means to them, how they have experienced renewal, and what the resurrection of Lord Jesus represents in their lives. In addition to sharing testimonies, families can also engage in an Easter prayer—a dedicated prayer session that creates a quiet space for reflection and gratitude. During this time, the lessons of both the New Testament and the Old Testament come to life as each prayer connects us to the story of Christ’s resurrection. Reflecting on events from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday, Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, and finally Easter Day, family members can express their thankfulness for the blessings they receive. The Easter prayer also provides an opportunity to honor traditions from various faith perspectives, including those informed by the Book of Mormon, ensuring that the celebration is inclusive and deeply rooted in faith.
5. Faith-Based Crafts
Creative expression is a powerful way to engage children and adults alike during the Easter celebration. Faith-based crafts provide an opportunity to explore the rich symbolism of the holiday. Families can create art projects that feature symbols such as crosses, empty tombs, and even playful images of the Easter bunny. These activities not only keep little hands busy but also serve as visual reminders of the Easter celebration. For instance, crafting an Easter egg decorated with scriptural verses turns the craft into both an Easter egg and an Easter treat for the mind. Such projects encourage discussions about the significance of each symbol—from the resurrection garden that echoes Holy Saturday to the joyful proclamation of Easter Day. These creative endeavors help children understand the historical and spiritual contexts of Easter, making it easier for them to connect with the story of Lord Jesus and the lessons of faith that are passed down through generations.
Celebrating Historical and Scriptural Traditions
Easter Sunday is steeped in historical and scriptural traditions that enrich our understanding of faith. The narrative of Easter is interwoven with events and teachings from the New Testament, such as the accounts of Jesus’ resurrection, and is equally reflected in the Old Testament’s prophetic writings. The Book of Mormon adds another layer of spiritual insight, highlighting themes of rebirth and eternal life. Additionally, historical figures like Mary Magdalene play an essential role in the Easter story, serving as a model of devotion and perseverance. The role of Pontius Pilate, though controversial, reminds us of the complex human history behind the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. By studying these narratives, families gain a fuller appreciation of how every event—from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day—is interconnected in the tapestry of redemption. Celebrating Easter becomes not just a festive occasion but also a profound learning experience that bridges historical events with contemporary faith.
The Joy of Easter Treats and Festive Celebrations
No Easter celebration is complete without indulging in a few Easter treats that delight the senses and bring families together. From traditional sweets hidden inside Easter eggs to the playful appearance of the Easter bunny at family gatherings, these festive treats serve as symbols of the joy and renewal that Easter Sunday brings. The act of sharing these treats can also become a ritual—a moment to pause and reflect on the spiritual significance of the holiday while enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Whether you bake special cookies, prepare a favorite dessert, or simply enjoy a festive meal with loved ones, every bite becomes a reminder of the abundant blessings that flow from the resurrection of Lord Jesus. These treats, much like the scriptures hidden inside Easter eggs, are small tokens of celebration that carry a deeper meaning when shared with family and friends.
Free Resource
For families looking for structured Passover lessons, American Heritage School offers free educational materials that incorporate faith-based learning. These resources include lesson plans, activities, and scripture studies that help children and parents engage in meaningful Passover discussions. Access these Free materials
Creating a Christ-Centered Easter
Enjoy this celebration with faith, fun, and family, and allow every tradition, whether it’s a heartfelt Easter prayer or a joyful gathering filled with Easter treats, to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Easter Sunday, and may your Holy Week be filled with peace, love, and spiritual growth.
