10 Family Easter Activities that Point to the Cross

As our family's annual Easter Brunch fast approaches, I have begun gathering ideas and activities to fill this season of celebration with memorable moments of contemplation and thankfulness.

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While the celebration of Christ's birth should be a significant fixture in our faith calendar, we must remember that His birth is made significant because of the reason He came. To the best of my ability, I want to mark Easter with the same attention as I give to Christmas. (This is still a work in progress.) I want our family anthem for this life-giving memorial to parallel that of Paul's in Philippians 3:10a.

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection...

So, as we look to the cross in the coming days, will you join us? Will you as the Psalmist said, "tell the next generation"?
Here are some soul-stirring, family-friendly activities to help you shout, "He is risen!" together. Amen. (Click on each title to be directed to more details of each activity.)

DIY Resurrection Eggs

These simple trinkets and their corresponding Scripture verses tucked inside plastic eggs not only make for a beautiful centerpiece on our table each year but also a wonderful retelling of the resurrection account of Christ. While you can buy a pre-made set, our homemade set has a concrete place in our Easter celebration.

A Lenten Cross

This inexpensive Lenten set is designed to be displayed in the shape of a cross. But, my dear friend, has turned hers into an Easter version of a Jesse Tree. Each day, as she and her family focus on one element of the Resurrection story, they hang a new ornament on their spring-time tree.

A Grace Garden

I've seen many versions of this home recreation of the garden tomb. But, this one with its real-garden feel is my favorite. Creating a garden of new life...what a wonderful way to welcome in Spring while welcoming the Savior!

Resurrection Buns

A simple object lesson created from a tasty treat, these buns can be added to any Easter meal to point all the guests to the empty tomb.

Easter Tree

With free printables as well as a free devotional book, this Easter Tree would help create a simple, Christ-focused season.

Names of Jesus Chain

Although this chain was originally designed to be used at Christmas, I think it would be just as applicable during the Easter season. Be sure to follow the link provided in the original post for a free Names of Jesus Study to complete together as a family.

M & M Easter Poem/Treat

If you are looking for ways to create an Easter basket that points to the Savior, this homemade M & M gift would be a great addition.

A Christian Passover Seder

As part-Jew by birth and Christian by adoption, I love being able to celebrate a seder that focuses on what God did for His people and what Christ did for all of humanity. Obviously, conducting a seder requires a significant time investment. Consider inviting a few other families to join you in this lovely celebration.

Easter Story Cookies

Similar to the Resurrection Buns, these cookies and their corresponding Scripture readings are a very tangible, child-friendly depiction of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

Easter-themed books for family reading

Here's a list of some of my favorites. (Some of these are out of print. I list them here so that you can possibly find used copies.)

Journey to the Cross- This is my all-time favorite Easter book!
Benjamin's Box
The Tale of the Three Trees
The Donkey Who Carried a King
Amon's Adventure: A Family Story for Easter