Get ready for Lent with these activities and lesson ideas. 
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Religion Teacher | Catholic Religious Education

  • Resources
    • Graphic Organizers
    • Catholic Videos
    • Class Prayer
    • Teaching Strategies
    • Guide to Lesson Planning
    • Lesson Plan Templates
    • 31 Days Book
    • Christ in the Classroom
  • Activities
    • Advent Activities, Worksheets, Games, and Prayers for Kids
    • Lent Activities
    • Easter Activities
    • Rosary Activities
    • Catholic Mass Activities
    • View All Activities
  • Lesson Plans
  • Worksheets
  • Shop
  • Join
  • Contact

40 Simple Lenten Ideas for Kids (Printable)

01/28/2026 By Jared Dees Leave a Comment

40 Simple Lenten Ideas for Kids

What can kids give up or do for Lent? Here is a list of Lenten ideas for kids to live out the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

There are a few different ways to use the list:

  • Pick just one idea to do this year for Lent.
  • Pick one in each category for Lent this year.
  • Complete the list! Carry out all forty ideas during the forty days of Lent and check them off as you go.

Here are the forty ideas! You can download a printable version below.

Prayer Ideas for Kids during Lent

  • Say a short prayer every morning.
  • Thank God for three things every night.
  • Pray one Our Father slowly and carefully.
  • Pray for someone who is sick or sad.
  • Pray for your teacher or classmates.
  • Pray before homework or schoolwork.
  • Say a prayer for people who are hungry.
  • Spend one quiet minute with God.
  • Pray for someone you find difficult.
  • Read one Bible verse and reflect on it.
  • Pray a decade of the Rosary.
  • Say a prayer while you brush your teeth.
  • Pray the Hail Mary three times each day.
  • Start your day with the Sign of the Cross.

Fasting Ideas for Kids during Lent

  • Give up complaining.
  • Turn off screens for 30 minutes.
  • Skip dessert or treats after dinner.
  • Give up arguing or talking back.
  • Give up your favorite video game.
  • Give up negative words.
  • Choose water not sugary drinks.
  • Don’t wear your favorite clothes.
  • Stop yourself from interrupting.
  • Give up extra snacks between meals.
  • Give up your favorite kind of music.
  • Give up your favorite breakfast food.
  • Turn off all devices after dinner.

Almsgiving Ideas for Kids during Lent

  • Share a toy or game with someone else.
  • Help your teachers without being asked.
  • Donate coins to a charity or church.
  • Write a kind note to someone.
  • Act kindly to those who feel left out.
  • Give away clothes or toys you don’t use.
  • Help a sibling or friend with homework.
  • Do an extra chore for your family.
  • Make a card for someone who is sick.
  • Write thank you notes to teachers.
  • Save money to give to someone in need.
  • Help clean up without complaining.
  • Invite someone to play who is alone.

Download the 40 Simple Lenten Ideas for Kids Printable

Enter your email and I’ll send you the list. The downloadable PDF includes a version with a white background to make it easier for printing in class.

Filed Under: Activities, Featured, Lent, Worksheets

About Jared Dees

Jared Dees is the creator of The Religion Teacher and the author of Beatitales, Christ in the Classroom, and The Gospel According to Video Games.

Previous Post: « Immaculate Conception Lesson Plan

Reader Interactions

Free eBook on Lesson Planning

Have you signed up to receive the free eBook, The Religion Teacher’s Guide to Lesson Planning. Whether you are a veteran teacher or in your first year, this guide provides a step by step process to effective lesson planning and provides 250 suggestions for activities and teaching strategies

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Get a free copy of The Religion Teacher's Guide to Lesson Planning and join more than 100,000 subscribers to The Religion Teacher.

The Religion Teacher Members

Login

or

Join

Connect with The Religion Teacher

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Resources from The Religion Teacher

Resource Pages

  • Advent Activities
  • Catechetical Videos
  • Catholic Lesson Plans
  • Class Prayer
  • Religious Education Resources
  • Rosary Activities
  • The Religion Teacher Store
  • The Religion Teacher Workshops

Archive

Footer

About the Founder, Jared Dees

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Jared Dees is the creator of The Religion Teacher and the author of Just Plant Seeds, Beatitales, and The Gospel According to Video Games.
Invite Jared to Speak at Your Event →

Featured Resources

Lent Lesson Plan Ideas
Ash Wednesday Lesson Plan

Copyright © 2026 · Jared Dees