Celebrating Easter With Kids | The Salvation Army Australia

Easter story for kids

Many years ago, God sent Jesus (his son) into the world. Jesus did lots of amazing things. He spoke about God’s love and healed people when they were sick. He had a lot of friends and followers, but many religious leaders did not like him. They did not believe Jesus was God’s son and didn’t like the things he was saying. Eventually, they got so angry with Jesus, they wanted to kill him. 

They got a crowd of people to support their nasty plan. They went to the city’s rulers and called for his death. Jesus was whipped and laughed at then walked all the way up a hill where he died on a large, wooden cross. That’s the story of Good Friday.

At any time, Jesus could have asked God to stop it because he is strong and powerful. After all, he calmed the lightning, thunder and rain when it stormed, walked on water without sinking and made those who were sick better!

But Jesus’ death was all part of God’s plan. Because Jesus didn’t stay dead. He rose back to life. That’s called his ‘resurrection’. 

We remember this part of the story on Easter Sunday because on that day, some women who were followers of Jesus, went to visit his body at the tomb where he’d been buried. Instead of finding a tomb with a giant rock in front of it and a dead body – they found an empty tomb and angels!

Jesus showed that he has power over life and death. He died because he loves us and rose back to life so we can have life with him in Heaven after we die. While we are on Earth though, Jesus wants us to experience his love and kindness in our lives, so we never have to feel scared, unloved or alone. That gives us a reason to celebrate and have joy! 

This Easter, the Kidzone magazine celebrates the good news of Easter with delicious recipes, fun crafts and puzzles. Get your copy when you come say ‘hi’ to your local Salvos at a nearby church or Salvos Store.

Visit your local Salvos church or Salvos Store

Free Easter activities for kids 

When it comes to celebrating Easter with kids, thoughts mostly turn to activities like Easter egg hunts, Easter bonnets and Easter hat parades, the Easter Bunny and hot cross buns. Some parents may join free Easter activities in their communities with their kids, buy Easter gifts or read books about lambs, chicks and springtime (even though it is autumn in Australia). It all sounds fun and sweet, but there is more to Easter. 

Easter is when we remember Jesus’ death on a cross, which is called Good Friday. And Easter Sunday is when we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead — the good news. The entire weekend is a reminder that God loves us and wants to be our friend. “For here is the way God loved the world — he gave his only, unique Son as a gift” (John 3:16, TPT). Learn more about the meaning of Easter 

If you are looking for some fun ways to share the real message of Easter with kids, The Salvation Army’s Kidzone magazine has you covered. The kids in your life will have plenty to do (and learn) over the Easter long weekend.

Read on to find out what Easter activities for families and children are on their website. Plus, visit your local Salvos to get your free copy of the Easter Kidzone magazine for even more fun, puzzles and Easter craft ideas.Easter activities for kids