Lent Activities for Children and Families

CALENDAR

40-day Lenten Calendar:

40 Ideas for 40 Days

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

  • Set aside time every day for Family Prayer. You may choose to make a Lenten Prayer or Prayer Corner.  Put out a Bible, a picture of Jesus’ Passion and/or the Last Supper, and some other decoration that reminds you of Lent (maybe a crown of thorns, palm branches, or wheat).  Pray around the Lenten Prayer Table.
  • Pray every day for the 12 St. Margaret Mary parishioners who will become Catholic this Holy Saturday.
  • Make rosaries. There are many tutorials, this is an easy one: https://www.reallifeathome.com/rosary-craft-for-kids/.  Once you make the rosaries, pray the rosary!  Learn how here: https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary.
  • Go to Reconciliation as a family at least once during Lent. The schedule can be found in the Bulletin or church website.
  • Work on a Family Lenten Candles Activity:  https://thelittlesandme.com/lenten-candles-family-activity/?epik=dj0yJnU9WHVPZ0JQVGdiQWFab25VbDFWS3hKVFVsbWFmaDZXRnUmcD0wJm49WU1ITUE0dGpyZHNORGNyQ0g2aWRNUSZ0PUFBQUFBR0FaY2Rr
  • Crown of Thorns: Make a crown of thorns out of clay {or play dough} and toothpicks (or small pieces of dry spaghetti). Every time someone in the family does a good deed, take out one of the thorns. Try to remove all the thorns before the end of Lent.
  • Jelly Bean Jar: Start a jelly bean jar. Choose certain actions you’ll do as a family every day during Lent. Whenever someone does one of these things, put a jelly bean in the jar. Collect as many jelly beans as possible before Easter!
  • Set up an almsgiving box– you simply set out a box, and take 1 thing from your own pantry every day of Lent. At the end of Lent, take the box to a food pantry.
  • Plant a Lenten Garden: Symbolize growth and renewal by planting a Lenten garden as a family. Choose seeds or small plants that can be nurtured and cultivated throughout the season. As you care for the garden, discuss the parallels between the growth of the plants and the spiritual growth experienced during Lent.
  • Plan a Family Retreat Day: Designate a weekend day during Lent for a family retreat. This doesn’t necessarily mean leaving home; it could be a day of unplugging from technology, focusing on prayer and reflection, and engaging in activities that strengthen the family’s spiritual connection. Plan simple devotional exercises, share meals, and spend quality time together, creating an environment conducive to spiritual growth and familial bonding.
  • Commit to reading the Bible (even if it’s a Children’s version) every day together as a family.
  • Make a Lent Wreath: wee little miracles: An Idea for Your Family This Lent

HOLY WEEK