Jesus is risen! 13 engaging Easter Sunday school activities

As Easter quickly approaches, churches around the world prepare for an influx of visitors, including families and children, eager to celebrate this important holiday. Easter not only marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ but also serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and community gathering. 

For many children, attending church on Easter becomes a pivotal experience, so it’s important to offer them an opportunity to learn about the Easter message in a fun and engaging way. 

Let’s take a look at 13 thoughtful and exciting Easter Sunday school activities that will ensure children not only understand the significance of Easter but that they also look forward to returning to church all year long.

13 Easter Sunday school activities

Simple Easter Bible lessons

Resurrection story retelling: Share the story of Jesus’ resurrection from Luke 24:1-8 in a simple, age-appropriate manner. Encourage your students to imagine themselves in place of the women and men in that passage. Ask simple questions that help emphasize key themes such as love, forgiveness, and hope.

Parable of the lost sheep: Read the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7) to teach children about God’s unwavering love. This is a great segue to sharing about John 3:16 and His joy when one of His children returns to Him.

Related resource: He is risen! An engaging Easter Sunday school lesson for kids

Easter skits

Easter play: Organize a simple Easter play or skit involving children portraying characters from the resurrection story, such as Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the disciples. If possible, allow your team to use their creativity to design costumes and a set for the stage. 

Resurrection dance: Choreograph a dance routine set to uplifting Easter music, symbolizing the joy and celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

Easter object lessons

Empty tomb demonstration: With the help of a visual aid, such as a model tomb made from cardboard or clay, capture your class’ attention to illustrate the empty tomb and emphasize the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. 

Butterfly transformation: Show children pictures of a caterpillar and explain how it transforms into a butterfly, drawing parallels to Jesus’ transformation from death to life. 

Easter arts & crafts ideas

Easter basket assembly: Gather children to assemble Easter baskets filled with treats, small toys, and uplifting notes. To spread the joy of Easter even further, these beautiful baskets can be distributed to local nursing homes, hospitals, or shelters to bring joy to those in need and share the message of hope and love.

Easter-themed coloring pages: Children love Easter-themed coloring sheets that depict scenes from the resurrection story or symbols like crosses, lilies, and lambs. 

Easter bonnet making: Let children unleash their creativity by designing and decorating their Easter bonnets with flowers, ribbons, and other festive embellishments.

Related resource: 5 fun Sunday school resources for Easter

Interactive Easter games

Easter egg hunt: Organize a traditional Easter egg hunt where children search for hidden eggs filled with candies or small toys. You can also incorporate a spiritual element by placing Bible verses inside some eggs for children to find and discuss.

Resurrection relay race: Set up a relay race where teams compete in various challenges related to the Easter story, such as rolling away a “stone” (large cardboard cutout) from an “empty tomb” or carrying a cross to a designated location. Each challenge can be accompanied by a brief discussion or reflection on its significance.

Related resource: 15 fun & exciting Easter activities for kids

Easter songs

Easter songs & hymns: Teach children Easter-themed songs and hymns like Amazing Grace, In Christ Alone, or Because He Lives that celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Encourage them to participate by singing along and incorporating simple hand motions or gestures.

Easter choir performance: Invite children to form a choir and practice singing Easter songs to perform during the Easter Sunday service. This can be a meaningful way for children to share their faith, and parents and relatives will love seeing their children in front of the congregation.

Make this Easter extra special

As we prepare to welcome visitors, especially families and children, to our Easter Sunday School this year, let us remember the importance of thoughtful and exciting activities. By offering engaging arts and crafts, easy Bible lessons, impactful object lessons, and interactive drama or skits, we can ensure that children not only have fun but also gain a deeper understanding of the Easter message. Let us strive to create an environment where children feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to continue their spiritual journey long after Easter Sunday has passed.

More Easter resources you may enjoy

Author

Jeff Harvey, Sr. Manager of Content Marketing
www.subsplash.com

Jeff lives in Austin, TX and is a husband, father, and bonsai enthusiast. He’s served churches for over 20 years as a pastor, teacher, and missionary. He also holds a MBA from George Fox University and is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

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