Kids often wonder about death and cultural celebrations. Many parents struggle to find age-appropriate ways to discuss these topics with their children.

But what if you could turn this into a fun learning opportunity?

Day of the Dead offers the perfect mix of colorful crafts, tasty treats, and meaningful traditions that kids can enjoy. This Mexican celebration honors loved ones who have passed away in a positive, family-friendly way.

In this post, I’ll share simple Day of the Dead activities your kids will love. You’ll get craft ideas, food recipes, and easy ways to teach cultural respect. These activities work great for classrooms, home projects, or small group gatherings.

Let’s get started with some kid-friendly Day of the Dead fun!

Celebrating Ancestors: Honoring the Traditions

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, gives families a chance to honor their ancestors in a meaningful way. This tradition shows children that death is a natural part of life’s cycle.

Creating a family altar is at the heart of this celebration. Families set up small tables with cloth covers and place photos of loved ones who have passed away. Children can help gather items that their grandparents or other family members liked, such as a baseball for grandpa, who loved sports, or a knitting needle for grandma, who made sweaters.

The decorations reflect the color and joy of this holiday. Families use paper cutouts, candles, and bright marigold flowers. The sweet smell of these flowers is said to guide spirits back to visit.

Food plays a big role in the celebration, too. Families make special dishes that their loved ones enjoy. Sugar skulls with colorful icing and “pan de muerto” (bread of the dead) are treats that kids can help make.

Many families visit cemeteries to clean up graves and leave flowers.

Some bring picnics and play music, turning the visit into a family reunion that includes both the living and the memories of those who have died.

Through these customs, children learn that memories keep loved ones alive in our hearts. They see that it’s okay to talk about people who have died, share funny stories, and even laugh.

The holiday gives families a chance to teach kids about their heritage and family history in a way that feels natural and comforting.

Day of The Dead (día De Los Muertos) Activities for Kids

Kids can join in the Day of the Dead fun with hands-on projects that teach them about this cultural tradition. These activities help young ones learn about the holiday while having a good time.

Children can express their creativity through colorful crafts and tasty treats.

The following activities are simple enough for kids of all ages to try at home or in school.

1. Shoebox Ofrenda

This mini altar, which fits in a shoebox, helps kids honor family members who have passed away. Children can place small photos, tiny paper flowers, and battery-operated tea lights inside. This personal project teaches the meaning of remembrance while keeping the craft size manageable for small hands.

2. Plastic Sugar Skulls

Kids can paint and stick sparkly gems on plastic skull shapes as an alternative to using real sugar for a less messy option. This activity lets children express their creativity with bright colors and patterns. The finished skulls make great decorations that last beyond the holiday.

3. Papel Picado

These paper banners feature cut-out designs that move gently in the breeze. Children can fold colored tissue paper and snip patterns with safety scissors. The finished banners add a festive touch to any celebration space.

4. Tissue Paper Marigolds

Bright orange paper flowers are a key part of Day of the Dead celebrations. Kids can layer tissue paper, gather it in the middle, and fluff out the petals. These flowers can be used to decorate altars or strung together to create beautiful garlands.

5. Sugar Skull Masks

Children can color printed mask templates with markers, crayons, or paint. Adding stick-on gems, glitter, and feathers makes each mask unique. These masks are great for wearing during family celebrations.

6. Pan de Muerto

This sweet bread is a tasty tradition for the Day of the Dead. Kids can help mix and shape the dough into rounds with bone-like decorations on top. The bread makes a wonderful family snack and teaching tool about food traditions.

7. Ceramic Skulls

Small blank ceramic skulls offer a canvas for kids’ creativity. Children can use acrylic paints to add flowers, swirls, and dots. These long-lasting keepsakes can be displayed year after year.

8. Family Memory Book

Children can collect stories and photos of family members who have passed away. Using a simple notebook, they can write memories and add pictures. This book becomes a treasured family item that preserves stories for years to come.

9. Watch “Coco.”

This family-friendly movie showcases Day of the Dead traditions through the eyes of a child. Watching together creates opportunities to discuss the holiday’s meaning. The film’s music and colorful scenes help kids connect with the celebration.

10. Sugar Skull Lollipops

Kids can help make candy treats in skull shapes using special molds. Once set, they can add details with food-safe markers or icing. These sweet treats combine a fun activity with a tasty result.

11. Calavera Cookies

Baking skull-shaped cookies gives kids a chance to practice kitchen skills. Decorating with colorful icing lets them create unique designs. These cookies make great snacks for celebrations.

12. Mini Altar

A cigar box becomes a tiny memorial space perfect for small hands to arrange. Kids can add small photos and tiny objects that remind them of loved ones. This portable altar helps children understand the tradition in a personal way.

13. Marigold Garland

Stringing paper flowers creates festive decorations for any space. Kids can use pre-made paper flowers or create their own. The bright orange colors add warmth and meaning to Day of the Dead displays.

14. Calavera Poems

These humorous rhymes about friends or family are a traditional Mexican practice. Children can write simple verses that tease in a kind way. This activity teaches kids about the holiday’s balance of respect and humor.

15. Coloring Worksheets

Themed coloring pages help kids learn while having fun. The sheets can include skulls, flowers, and other symbols with simple facts. This quiet activity works well in classrooms or at home.

16. Skeleton Puppet

Making jointed paper skeletons is a fun way to learn about bones. Kids can use brass fasteners to connect the parts so they move. These puppets can star in plays or dance to music.

17. Sugar Skull T-Shirt

Plain shirts become wearable art with fabric markers and skull templates. Kids can create their own designs or use stencils for help. These shirts let children show their creativity beyond the holiday.

18. Day of the Dead Puzzle

Solving puzzles with holiday images builds recognition of symbols. Kids can work together to complete the picture. This activity helps children learn while using problem-solving skills.

19. Marigold Crown

Paper flowers attached to a cardboard band create festive headwear. Kids can measure their heads and attach flowers all around. These crowns add fun to Day of the Dead celebrations.

20. Decorated Picture Frame

Simple wooden frames become special with paint and small decorations. Children can personalize frames for photos of family members. These frames make meaningful gifts or altar decorations.

21. Paper Plate Skull

This simple craft turns everyday items into holiday art. Kids paint white plates and add features with markers or paper. The finished skulls can hang on walls or doors.

22. Day of the Dead Mobile

Hanging decorations add movement to holiday displays. Children can cut out skulls and flowers to hang from strings. The finished mobile catches the eye when placed near a gentle breeze.

23. Skeleton Bookmark

These useful crafts combine reading with holiday traditions. Kids can draw bones on cardstock strips or use templates. The bookmarks make great school gifts or reading helpers.

24. Painted Rock Skull

Smooth stones become tiny art pieces with paint and a steady hand. Children can add bright colors and patterns to rock surfaces. These decorated rocks can sit on altars or in gardens.

25. Paper Mache Skull

This messy but fun craft creates 3D skull decorations. Kids can cover balloon forms with paper strips and paste. Once dry, they become perfect canvases for colorful designs.

26. Day of the Dead Lantern

Paper lanterns with cut-out designs cast beautiful shadows. Children can cut skull patterns into paper wrapped around jars. With LED tea lights, these make safe and pretty decorations.

The soft glow creates a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection and remembrance. Kids enjoy seeing how their cutting work turns into light patterns on walls and ceilings.

27. Greeting Card

Handmade cards share holiday wishes with friends and family. Kids can fold paper and add skull designs and flowers. These cards spread cultural knowledge with a personal touch.

28. Skull Bead Bracelet

Stringing beads builds fine motor skills while creating wearable art. Children can follow patterns or create their designs. These bracelets make nice gifts or personal accessories.

29. Day of the Dead Diorama

Shoe boxes transform into 3D scenes showcasing holiday traditions. Kids can use clay, paper, and tiny objects to create settings. These mini-worlds help explain the celebration to others.

30. Painted Canvas

Blank canvases provide kids with an opportunity to create lasting artwork. Children can paint sugar skulls or other holiday symbols. These paintings can become yearly decorations for family celebrations.

31. Skeleton Paper Chain

This twist on a classic paper chain adds a touch of holiday spirit. Kids cut and link paper strips decorated as skeletons. The chains can stretch across rooms for festive decorations.

32. Day of the Dead Pinwheel

These spinning decorations add a touch of movement to holiday displays. Children can draw skull designs on paper before folding. The finished pinwheels twirl in the breeze when mounted on sticks.

33. Sugar Skull Ornament

Year-round decorations help keep cultural traditions visible. Kids can paint wooden or plastic ornaments with bright colors. These can be hung on trees, in windows, or displayed on stands.

34. Day of the Dead Puzzle Craft

Creating puzzles from scratch teaches both art and problem-solving skills. Children draw a picture and cut it into pieces with unique edges. They can share their puzzles with friends to solve.

35. Skeleton Door Hanger

These crafts welcome guests with a holiday spirit. Kids can cut door hanger shapes and add skeleton features. The finished crafts add fun to bedroom or classroom doors.

36. Day of the Dead Banner

Connected paper pieces create colorful strings of decoration. Children can cut skull shapes and connect them with string. These banners brighten any room with festive symbols.

They also teach kids about tradition while they have fun with scissors and paper. The hanging pieces move gently in the air, adding a sense of life to the display.

37. Skull Puzzle Craft

This project teaches about facial structure in a fun way. Children cut out skull images and put them back together. The activity combines art and a brain teaser.

38. Memory Game

Homemade card games teach while kids play together. Children create matching pairs of Day of the Dead symbols. The game builds memory skills and cultural knowledge.

39. Skeleton Face Pumpkin

This craft bridges Halloween and Day of the Dead traditions. Kids paint white skull features on orange pumpkins. No cutting means this craft is suitable for younger children as well.

40. Skull Necklace

Wearable crafts spread holiday cheer beyond the home. Children string beads and small skull charms on the cord. These necklaces make nice party favors or personal accessories.

41. Day of the Dead Tote Bag

Plain canvas bags become useful art with fabric paints. Kids can use stencils or free-hand skull designs. These bags make great gift containers or trick-or-treat bags.

42. Skeleton Paper Doll

This old-fashioned toy gets a cultural makeover. Children cut out skeleton figures and clothes to dress them. The dolls can act out Day of the Dead celebrations.

43. Wall Hanging

Fabric or paper panels create eye-catching wall art. Kids can add skull designs with paint or markers. These hangings add color and cultural elements to any room.

44. Skull Candle Holder

Safe light sources add glow to Day of the Dead displays. Children decorate glass jars with skull patterns. These hold battery candles for a risk-free light source.

45. Day of the Dead Storybook

Kids create their tales inspired by the holiday. Children write simple stories and add pictures. These books help them process the meaning of remembrance.

46. Skeleton Puzzle

This educational toy teaches about bones while being both fun and engaging. Kids cut out skeleton parts that fit together like a puzzle. The finished product helps them learn anatomy.

47. Day of the Dead Placemat

Mealtime crafts bring the celebration to the table. Children decorate paper or laminated sheets with holiday symbols. These protect tables while adding festive spirit to meals.

48. Ofrenda with Butterflies

This shoebox altar includes symbols of souls with paper butterflies. Children arrange photos and mementos of loved ones who have passed away. The butterflies represent the path of the spirit.

49. Homemade Sugar Skulls

These sweet traditional decorations honor those who have passed. Children can mold, dry, and paint sugar mixture into skull shapes. The bright colors and patterns celebrate the joy of memories.

50. Apple Slice Pops

This healthy snack option brings holiday fun to fruit. Kids dip apple slices in white chocolate and add facial features. The treats look like tiny sugar skulls on sticks.

51. Memory Journal

This thoughtful activity helps children process feelings about lost loved ones. Kids write or draw their favorite memories in a special notebook. The journal becomes a place to visit memories any time of year.

52. Decorated Doll

This craft changes toys into cultural art pieces. Children use fabric scraps and paint to dress dolls in festival clothes. The finished dolls make unique decorations or playthings.
This activity teaches children about traditional clothing while letting them express their creativity. Older children might enjoy researching authentic outfit details to make their dolls more realistic.

53. Sugar Skull Piñata

Paper lanterns can be converted into fun party games with a few modifications. Kids cover round lanterns with paper and add skull features. Filled with treats, these become the center of celebration games.
Children can use tissue paper fringe, colorful markers, and stick-on gems to decorate the outside.
This project combines crafting with an active party element that gets everyone moving. The treats inside can include traditional Mexican candies for an authentic touch.

54. Paper Banner

This simple craft creates festive room decorations. Children cut skull shapes from colored paper and string them together. The banners can hang across windows or walls. Kids can use hole punches to create patterns in each skull or add colorful borders with markers. This project works well for groups, as each child can create one or two skulls for a classroom display. The finished banners bring instant festivity to any space, requiring minimal supplies.

55. Q-Tip Skeletons

This clever craft uses cotton swabs to form bone shapes. Kids arrange the sticks on dark paper to create skeleton figures.
The white stands out boldly against black backgrounds. This activity teaches children about basic anatomy while creating holiday art.
Younger children can make simple figures, while older ones might create more complex poses. Adding a tiny tissue paper flower crown turns the skeleton into a traditional Day of the Dead figure.

56. Decorated Pumpkin

This no-carve option keeps pumpkins fresh throughout the celebration. Children paint skull faces and flower designs on whole pumpkins. The natural orange color complements the holiday theme perfectly. White paint creates a base for the skull face, with bright colors adding traditional patterns.
This project bridges two fall traditions, creating decorations that last for weeks.

57. Painted Picture Update

Old framed pictures get new life with ghostly additions. Kids use white paint to add skull faces to figures in thrift store art. This creates funny, spooky scenes for holiday displays. This upcycling project teaches children how to reuse items in creative ways.
The contrast between the original painting and the added elements creates unique art pieces. Parents can help find suitable pictures at second-hand shops or use prints of public domain artwork.

58. Paper Flowers

These decorations add color and texture to celebration spaces. Children fold and cut paper to create rosette shapes. The finished flowers work well on altars or as wall decorations. Tissue paper in bright orange mimics traditional marigolds, while other colors add variety.

Explaining the Day of the Dead to Young Children

Talking to young children about death can be challenging, but Day of the Dead offers a gentle approach. This tradition provides a colorful, positive way to discuss remembering loved ones who have passed away.

Here are some tips for explaining this cultural celebration to young children in a way they can understand.

• Day of the Dead is like a birthday party for people who are no longer with us.
• The holiday is not scary – it’s about happy memories and love.
• Show children pictures of bright decorations and family celebrations.
• Use simple words like “This helps us remember Grandpa’s favorite things.”
• Explain that some families put out food and toys for their loved ones.
• Compare it to looking at old photos and telling stories about family members.
• Focus on the celebration aspect rather than the concept of death itself.
• Let children ask questions and answer honestly.
• Use picture books about the Day of the Dead written for young children.
• Remind them that different families have different ways to remember people.

Wrapping It Up

Day of the Dead offers parents and teachers a way to help children understand cultural respect and life’s natural cycle.

These activities for kids do more than keep kids busy; they create meaningful learning moments about honoring those who came before us.

By making sugar skulls, crafting paper decorations, or setting up simple family altars, children connect with traditions in a hands-on way. The bright colors and festive mood make discussing death less scary and more accessible.

Families who try these activities often find they spark important conversations about heritage and memories.

The next time November approaches, consider adding some Day of the Dead crafts to the calendar. These simple projects might become yearly traditions that help children build cultural understanding and respect.

What Day of the Dead activities have your children enjoyed the most?