Latter-day Saint Primary Easter Activity – Christ’s Journey & Garden Tomb Craft
Easter is a time of joy and reflection, and what better way to teach our children about the Savior’s sacrifice and resurrection than through an interactive and meaningful activity? This “Journey to Jerusalem” will guide our Primary children through the pivotal events of Holy Week, culminating in the creation of a personal garden tomb. By collecting essential materials for this resurrection Easter craft at each station, they’ll not only learn the story but also actively participate in bringing it to life. This activity is perfect for LDS Primary, but can be adapted for any Christian setting.
The Holy Week Easter Activity for Kids
Before we begin, transform your church yard or a large room into a symbolic path representing Jesus’ final journey. Use sidewalk chalk, rope, or masking tape to create a clear path. Or, simply put numbers on each station. Prepare a craft table at the end of the journey, stocked with glue and any extra supplies needed for the Garden Tomb assembly. Soft, reverent music can enhance the atmosphere.
Station 1 – The Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday)
Our journey begins with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Imagine the scene: crowds lining the streets, waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” This moment of jubilation sets the stage for the events to come, reminding us that even in moments of praise, true faith is tested.
- Decor: Create a simple “Jerusalem gate” using cardboard or fabric. Scatter artificial or real palm branches along the path. Drape brightly colored fabric to represent the crowds’ cloaks.
- Scriptures:
- Matthew 21:8-9 “And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”
- Mark 11:9-10 “And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”
- Activity: As children enter the “Jerusalem gate,” have them wave their palm branches and say “Hosanna!” You can even get a packet of palm branches on Amazon to let them use (and maybe even keep one!) I found a pack of 35 fake palm branches for under $20.
- Item to collect: Shallow terra cotta flower pot plate and small terra cotta flower pot
- Meaningful Element: Discuss how one of Christ’s greatest messages was to love God and our neighbors.
Station 2 – The Last Supper
Next, we join Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper. No Holy Week for children activity would be complete without this! This intimate meal, where Jesus instituted the sacrament, is a powerful reminder of His sacrifice. By partaking of the bread and water, we remember His body and blood, and renew our covenant with Him.
- Decor: Set up a low table with a simple cloth, unleavened bread (crackers), and grape juice. Place a single candle in the center.
- Scriptures:
- Luke 22:19-20 “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:24 “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
- Activity: Give the children a piece of bread and small cup of grape juice, explaining the symbolism of the sacrament. Sing a hymn together, like Christ did with His disciples.
- Item to collect: A Ziplock bag of soil, enough to fill the dish for the garden tomb craft.
- Meaningful Element: Emphasize the importance of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice through the sacrament.
Station 3 – The Garden of Gethsemane
We now enter the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus faced immense suffering and prayed to His Father. This moment of profound agony demonstrates His unwavering obedience and love for us.
- Decor: Create a quiet, dimly lit area with soft, green fabric draped to represent the garden. Place artificial olive branches and small rocks.
- Scriptures:
- Matthew 26:39 “And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
- Luke 22:44 “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
- Activity: Have the children kneel or sit quietly for a moment of reflection, thinking about Jesus while they watch the 8 minute Bible video by the Church, The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane.
- Item to collect: Small rocks, to be placed in the garden tomb and one 3 to 4″ rock (to use as the one that had sealed the tomb but was rolled away.) You can find bags of craft rocks on Amazon. They also have large rocks that would work for the tomb cover rock.
- Meaningful Element: Discuss the strength and obedience Jesus showed in facing His trials.
Station 4 – The Crucifixion
Our journey takes us to Calvary, where Jesus was crucified. This ultimate act of love and sacrifice is the cornerstone of our faith.
- Decor: Create a simple “Calvary” hill using a small mound of dirt or fabric. Place craft stick crosses on the hill.
- Scriptures:
- John 19:17-18 “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.”
- Luke 23:33 “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.”
- Activity: Let the kids take turns holding a heavy stone and then set it by an image of Christ. Explain how because of the Atonement, we can give our burdens and sins to God, if we repent.
- Item to collect: Craft sticks and twine to make a cross, to be placed in the soil outside the craft tomb.
- Meaningful Element: Explain that Jesus’ death was a loving sacrifice for all of us.
Station 5 – The Empty Tomb
Finally, we arrive at the empty tomb, the ultimate symbol of hope and new life. Jesus Christ has risen! This joyous event is the culmination of our journey and the foundation of our faith.
- Decor: Create a “tomb” using a blanket draped over chairs or a small tent. Leave the inside empty, with a bright light shining from within.
- Scriptures:
- John 20:1 “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.”
- Matthew 28:6 “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
- Activity: Have the children peek inside the “tomb” and exclaim, “He is risen!”
- Item to collect: A small container of ground cover plants to plant in the soil.
- Meaningful Element: Discuss the gift it is to eventually be resurrected, as Christ was.
Final Stop – Primary Easter Craft Table to Build the Garden Tomb
After the children have been through each station and collected their items, have them bring their supplies to the craft table to assemble their garden tomb. You will need a few additional items, such as scissors and hot glue. They’ll fill their dish with dirt, place the tomb, arrange the rocks, insert the cross, and plant the ground cover around the tomb. Gift each child a small picture of Jesus Christ to place near their completed garden tomb. You can find the best price on these at the Distribution Center, the church’s online store. Buy the frames separately from the craft or dollar store. Or, it doesn’t have to be framed.
Supplies Needed for Resurrection Empty Garden Tomb Craft:
Most of these items were shared above, broken up by station. Here’s the complete list for your preparation for this Christ-centered Easter activity for kids.
- Shallow terra cotta flower pot plates and small terra cotta flower pots
- A Ziplock bags of soil, enough to fill the dish for the garden tomb craft.
- Small rocks, to be placed in the garden tomb and one 3 to 4″ rock for each child (to use as the one that had sealed the tomb but was rolled away.) You can find bags of craft rocks on Amazon. They also have large rocks that would work for the tomb cover rock.
- Craft sticks and twine to make a cross, to be placed in the soil outside the craft tomb.
- Small containers of ground cover plants to plant in the soil for each project. To save money, you could buy seeds instead.
- Small pictures of Christ and frames (if wanted.) The dollar store has decent frames.
- Scissors
- Hot glue
Download and Print Full Christian Easter Activity Instructions:
If you liked this Holy Week Activity and Garden Tomb Craft for Kids, check out:
- 13 Christian Easter Crafts for Kids
- 18 Easy Easter Crafts for Kids
- Scrambled Eggs and Hash Brown Nests for Easter Breakfast
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