100 Meaningful Lent Ideas for Kids (Faith-Filled Ways to Pray, Give, and Grow Together)
My husband and I did Lent for several years before we converted, but it wasn’t till we converted that I thought about bringing our kids into the tradition.
Lent is simply a lovely invitation to dedicate ourselves to the Lord, it can be a wonderful way to help our children notice God more in their everyday life. To see service and sacrifice as a blessing not something difficult.
But when your kids are little it’s so hard to make them give something up. But Lent does not have to take away to show God you love, you can add things, or show gratitude.
It’s easier on your 4 yr old to add praying or making sisters bed instead of no dessert or cutting out something.
Here are 100 gentle, meaningful Lent ideas for kids
🌿 Daily Faith + Prayer Ideas
Say one prayer for someone else each day
Thank God for three things every morning
Pray before every meal (even snacks!)
Say a bedtime prayer together
Pray for missionaries
Pray for grandparents
Pray for teachers
Pray for doctors and nurses helping those in need
Pray for kids who feel lonely
Pray for peace in the world
Pray for siblings by name
Write prayer requests on sticky notes
Start a family prayer jar (we recently did this and the kids LOVE it)
Light a candle during prayer time
Pray while holding hands
Say the Lord’s Prayer together every night
Draw pictures of your prayers
Pray while walking outside
Pray for your neighborhood
Thank Jesus out loud for one blessing
📖 Read One Bible Verse a Day (Kid-Friendly Picks)
You can rotate verses or pick one each morning or bedtime. Some gentle favorites:
Read Psalm 23 together
Read John 3:16
Read Proverbs 3:5–6
Read Philippians 4:13
Read Matthew 5:9
Read Colossians 3:23
Read Romans 12:10
Read Ephesians 4:32
Read 1 Corinthians 16:14
Read Micah 6:8
Read Isaiah 41:10
Read Joshua 1:9
Read Psalm 118:24
Read Galatians 5:22–23
Read Matthew 22:37–39
(These verses can come from your family Bible — or even be written on cards and placed around the house.)
🤍 Simple Ways to Give to Others
Donate toys
Donate clothes
Make cards for nursing homes
Leave kind notes on neighbors’ doors
Bring a treat to a friend every week
Help carry groceries for someone
Pack snacks for someone in need
Make thank-you notes for mail carriers
Donate books
Create blessing bags for the homeless
Take over a siblings chore
Give away outgrown shoes
Set aside spare change for charity
Draw pictures for hospital workers or soldiers
Help bake bread for someone
Make Easter cards early
Share crayons or supplies
Help a sibling clean their room
Pick flowers for a neighbor
Offer hugs freely
🌼 Acts of Kindness Kids Can Do
Hold doors open
Add an extra chore to their to do list daily
Say “I love you” more often
Help set the table
Help clear dishes
Put toys away without being asked
Feed pets
Sweep crumbs
Make mom a drawing
Make dad a card
Compliment a sibling
Help fold laundry
Read to a younger sibling
Share favorite toys
Help make beds
✝️ Gentle “Giving Something Up” Ideas for Kids
Instead of focusing only on sacrifice, pair it with purpose:
Skip dessert one day and donate change
Turn off screens
Give up complaining
Give up yelling
Give up interrupting
Give up toys for an hour before bed
Give up sweets one day a week
Give up TV for family games
Give up arguing
Give up rushing and slow down together
🌸 Faith-Building Activities
Make a Lent paper chain (one link per day)
Create a prayer corner
Color Bible verse pages
Make a cross craft
Read an Easter storybook
Plant seeds and talk about growth
Watch the sunrise once together
Bake hot cross buns
Act out Bible stories
Start a gratitude journal
💛 End Lent with Reflection
Talk about why Jesus died for us
Share favorite Lent moments
Make resurrection rolls
Read the Easter story
Write what you’re thankful for
Pray together on Easter morning
Make a family blessing list
Take communion together (if your church practices it)
Share how God showed up this season
Celebrate resurrection with joy
Lent doesn’t need perfection. It can be a joyful happy season to bring each other closer together.
Teaching our kids that sacrifices are beautiful and a blessing.
A willing heart.
A few quiet minutes.
Children learning that faith isn’t loud, it’s lived. Live by example and show Christ like love.