Little Hands, Big Praise: 10 Meaningful Palm Sunday Activities for Kids
March 27, 2026 · by Sara Nichols
Spring is such a beautiful time of year—flowers blooming, trees coming back to life, and a fresh reminder of new beginnings. It’s also the perfect season to start preparing our hearts for Easter.
One of the most joyful moments leading up to Easter is Palm Sunday—the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was welcomed with excitement, praise, and waving palm branches.
This is such a special story to share with our children, because it teaches us something simple but powerful: we were made to praise Jesus with our whole hearts.
If you’re looking for simple, faith-filled ways to celebrate with your children, here are 10 engaging Palm Sunday activities that bring the story to life:
1. Simple Devotional Time
Read the Palm Sunday story (Matthew 21:1–11) and ask:
- Why were people excited to see Jesus?
- What does “Hosanna” mean? (Save us)
- What are you thankful for?
- How can we praise Jesus today?
Easter tie-in: End with a simple prayer thanking Jesus. Set up an Easter mindset for the next week by including gratitude for His sacrifice on the cross for our sins and that He rose again to give us new life.
2. Make Palm Branch Crafts
Create palm branches using green construction paper. Let kids cut, fold, or fringe the edges to resemble real palm leaves and attach to popsicle sticks. Alternatively, you can trace their hands and cut out the shapes to use as the branches for a real “palm” Sunday moment.
Why it matters: This connects kids directly to the moment when people waved palm branches to honor Jesus.
3. Lay Down the Path Activity
Use scarves, paper, or towels and let kids take turns laying them out and walking over them like Jesus did.
Lesson connection: We honor Jesus not just with words—but with our hearts and actions.
4. Donkey Craft or Coloring Page
Since Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, let kids color or create a donkey craft (see below!) using paper plates or printables. You can find some great ideas and free coloring pages on Pinterest.
Talk about: Why Jesus chose humility by riding a donkey instead of a royal horse
5. Act Out the Palm Sunday Story
Have kids reenact Jesus entering Jerusalem. One child can play Jesus, while others lay down “cloaks” (towels or shirts) and wave their branches. Don’t forget the donkey! Download a free donkey face mask on Pinterest or use a paper plate to recreate the animal’s face.
Tip: Keep it simple and fun for younger kids.
6. Sing Worship Songs
Remind children that the people shouted “Hosanna” to show that they recognized Jesus as their Messiah (Savior) or King. Ask kids which songs they like to sing in church that praise Jesus. Make a worship moment by listening to those songs and praising together!
Some good options:
- That’s My King by Cece Winans
- Praise by Elevation
- Hosanna by Kirk Franklin
- Holy Forever or Worthy of It All by Cece Winans
- Gratitude by Brandon Lake
- Jesus by Draylin Young
Idea: Repeat phrases like “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
7. “Praise Parade” Around the House or Backyard
Let kids walk in a mini parade waving their palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” Try taking your praise break outside to enjoy the fresh Spring air and sunshine!
Bonus: Play the songs above or Hosanna Rock from Little Praise Party and Hosanna from VeggieTales to get those feet in motion; incorporate bubbles for an extra boost of fun.
8. Paint or Decorate “Hosanna” Sun Catchers
Have kids decorate signs with the word “Hosanna” using markers, stickers, or paint. Turn them into sun catchers by punching holes and hanging them. Attach streamers or ribbons to make them fun! Hang them around your home as a reminder all week to worship Jesus.
Weekly worship: Use your signs/sun catchers as a prompt to stop and say one thing you’re thankful for each day.
9. Palm Sunday Sensory Bin (For Younger Kids)
Fill a bin with:
- Green paper strips (for palm leaves); alternatively, add green food dye to dried pasta or rice and mix, allowing it to dry. Add to your bin for a different texture
- Green pom-poms and/or pipe cleaners
- Toy donkey
- Small figures
- Small squares of cloth (for robes)
Tip: Let toddlers explore while you tell the story.
10. Palm Cookies
For a special themed treat, make/buy your favorite sugar cookie dough and bake. Decorate with green royal icing and green sprinkles. Bonus points if they look like palm leaves!
Idea: Get extra creative with palm or leaf shaped cookie cutters.
Final Thoughts
Palm Sunday isn’t just about waving branches—it’s about recognizing who Jesus is and teaching our children to praise Him with joy. It’s a chance to teach them that praise isn’t just something reserved for church; it’s something we live out every day. We can love and follow Jesus in the little things.
These simple activities help kids not only hear the story but experience it in a way they’ll remember long after Easter.
Remember: Little hands can give big praise!
