Curious about celebrating Day of the Dead with kids? While it might sound spooky to those who don’t know about it, Day of the Dead is anything but—it’s a joyful, colorful celebration that brings families together to honor loved ones who have passed.
Originating from Mexico, Día de Los Muertos takes place over two days: November 1st and 2nd. And yes, it’s a party for the dead—but more importantly, it’s about celebrating life!
This meaningful holiday gives us the chance to talk to kids about something that’s often hard to discuss—death—while also celebrating the beauty of life. So, why not use the opportunity to teach your little ones about this wonderful tradition?
Here are five fun ways to celebrate Día de Los Muertos with your kids that are packed with creativity, connection, and of course, plenty of color!
5 Ways to celebrate Day of the Dead with kids
1. Go through family history together
Time to dust off those old photo albums! Sit down as a family and share stories about your parents, grandparents, and other relatives who have passed on. This is a great way to introduce your kids to their family tree, while also celebrating the lives of those who came before them. The key here is to keep things light—this isn’t a time for tears, but for laughter, love, and gratitude for the legacy they’ve left behind!
2. Make an altar
Altars (or ofrendas) are the heart of the celebration. Help your kids decorate a mini shrine for loved ones—complete with photos, candles (battery-operated for the little ones), and their favorite items (yes, even those quirky ones like Grandma’s teacup collection or Uncle Joe’s comic books!).
Add a splash of color with marigolds, which are traditionally used to guide the spirits back home. It’s a beautiful way to teach kids that remembering those who have passed can be a celebration, not a scary thing.
3. Watch a festive film
Grab the popcorn! Watching a movie like Pixar’s Coco is the perfect way to get into the Día de Los Muertos spirit. This beautiful film dives into the importance of family and honoring those who have passed, with all the catchy songs your kids will be singing for days.
If you’re looking for more kid-friendly content, check out our very own “Stories for Kids” podcast for a special episode all about Día de Los Muertos.
4. Decorate with joy (and color!)
Set the tone for the celebration by transforming your home into a Día de Los Muertos wonderland. Decorate with garlands, sugar skulls, and lots of bright, cheerful flowers.
Don’t forget the music—let your kids pick the family playlist, and if the mood strikes, have a little dance party! It’s all about celebrating life and making the space feel joyful, so let your creativity shine.
This is your chance to show kids that even serious topics like death can be handled with love and positivity.
5. Get creative with skulls and skeletons!
On Día de Los Muertos, skeletons aren’t the scary creatures hiding under your bed—they’re dancing, strumming guitars, and having a blast!
Help your kids embrace the playful side of this holiday by decorating sugar skulls with bright colors, sparkles, and big grins. You can also make sugar skull cookies and let your kids go wild with icing and edible decorations (bonus: these ones you can actually eat!).
You might also paint each other’s faces in the traditional skull designs—it’s all part of the fun!
Bonus tip: Check out local events
Día de Los Muertos isn’t just something you can celebrate at home—many communities host parades, festivals, and events that showcase the vibrant traditions of this holiday. So, check your local listings and make it a family outing! With all the costumes, decorations, and delicious food, it’s sure to be a day your kids will remember forever.
By celebrating Day of the Dead with kids, you’ll help them understand that death is just another part of the cycle of life—and that the best way to honor the dead is by keeping their memories alive in our hearts.
Want more tips on how to talk to your kids about death? Be sure to check out our article filled with expert advice from a children’s healthcare professional.
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