Celebrate Palm Sunday with fun and engaging activities that help preschoolers understand the significance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. From crafting palm branches to learning songs, these activities will make the story come alive for young hearts. Get ready to bring this meaningful Bible event to life with hands-on learning!
Scripture: Luke 19:29-42, Mark 11:1-11
Read and Share Toddler Bible: pg 172
The Beginner's Bible: pg 427
My First Hands-On Bible: pg 324
Through the Bible Felt: pg 215
Shorten the verses as appropriate for the child's developmental level.
He is risen, as He said.
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Matthew 21:9 (NIV)
The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!
John 12:13 (NIV)
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew 21:5 (NIV)
Say to Daughter Zion, See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Psalm 118:26 (NIV)
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.
Luke 19:38 (NIV)
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!
Matthew 21:8 (NIV)
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
Mark 11:9 (NIV)
Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
John 12:15 (NIV)
Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.
Matthew 21:10 (NIV)
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, Who is this?
Sheet available in the Bible Activity Workbook
Sheet available in the Bible Activity Workbook
Stamp paint on the palm branches with a rectangular sponge.
All Printables Free for Immediate Family Use and with a Current License Only
Donkey
Color the Donkey poster. Glue gray yarn for the donkey's mane and tail. Glue to a piece of construction paper.
Palm Branch
Print the Palm Branch coloring sheet. Paint the branch green and cut it out. Cut slits along the edges. Glue or tape a large craft stick or ruler to the back of the branch. Wave the palm branch as the people would have done for Jesus.
Palm Branch Art
Print the Palm Branch coloring sheet. Using thinned glue, spread a thin layer on the palm branch. Add different shades of torn green tissue paper overlapping the pieces. Let dry. Glue along the edges and make lines for the inside of the leaf. Sprinkle glitter over the glue.
Palm Branch Dot-to-Dot (1-13)
Connect the Dots. Cut out the palm branch. Paint with water colors. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle with salt. Allow the painting to dry and then brush off the salt. A pretty stained-glass look will be left! Glue to a popsicle stick. Wave and sing "Praise Him, Praise Him." (Make sure all of the salt is brushed off before waving in the air.)
Palm Branch Dot-to-Dot (a-z)
Donkey Puppet
Print the Donkey Puppet Template. Cut the pieces out on brown or gray paper (make the tongue pink). Glue the head to the bottom of a lunch-size brown paper sack. Glue legs to the sides and opening (be sure to glue the legs so that the hand will not cover them up). Glue the tongue inside the fold. Cut short pieces of brown or gray yarn and glue on for the donkey’s mane.
Resurrection Eggs
I highly encourage this activity. There are various forms of Resurrection Eggs available to purchase or make. Each set contains a variation of items and order leading up to the empty 12th egg. Open one every few days starting now or wait until closer to Easter. Read more about the Resurrection Eggs.
Easter Activity Workbook, 2nd Edition
This countdown activity workbook has the purpose of pointing children to the cross and understanding the salvation that comes from it. Enjoy the straight-forward directions and explanations to quickly implement the activities in your home or classroom.
Interactive Bible Stories
Discover ideas from the age-appropriate, Interactive Bible scripts available in the New Testament Curriculum, 1 Year Interactive Bible Stories, 2 Year Interactive Bible Stories. and 3 Year Interactive Bible Stories
How to Explain Palm Sunday to Children
In telling this story to children, it is easy to get caught up in the cute green construction-paper palm branches and little voices shouting “Hosanna.” But I think there is more to this story for our children to learn. Here are a few ideas about how to talk to your kids about Palm Sunday. Read more...
