Celebrating Día de los Muertos with Young Children

You don’t have to be in Mexico to celebrate one of its most beautiful traditions, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This colorful and heartfelt holiday is all about remembering loved ones, sharing stories, and honoring family through food, art, and tradition. And yes,  even young children can join in!

What is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos is not a scary or sad day, it’s a joyful celebration of life and remembrance. Families in Mexico and other parts of the world honor the memory of loved ones who have passed by creating colorful altars, cooking special meals, decorating with marigolds, and sharing stories.

It’s a beautiful way to teach kids that remembering our loved ones is something we can do with love and joy.

How Can Young Kids Join In?

Here are gentle, age-appropriate ways to introduce the holiday:

  1. Make a Simple Ofrenda (Altar)

  • Create a small space at home to remember someone special, maybe a grandparent, a pet, or even someone from a favorite story.

    • You can include:

      • A photo

      • A drawing or handwritten note

      • Flowers (paper ones work great!)

      • Their favorite snack or treat

Keep it simple and meaningful, it's more about connection than perfection.

  1. Decorate Sugar Skulls or Paper Calaveras

  • Instead of real sugar skulls, little ones can color their own calavera (skull) using printable templates or create fun paper masks.

    • Fun Tip: Add glitter, stickers, or colorful tissue paper for a festive touch!

  1. Read Together

  • Storytime is a great way to explain the meaning of this day. Try books like:

    • “Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book” by Yuyi Morales

    • “Clatter Bash! A Day of the Dead Celebration” by Richard Keep

    • “Día de los Muertos” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

  1. Craft Marigolds – The Flower of the Holiday

  • Marigolds (or cempasúchil) are the bright orange flowers used to decorate Día de los Muertos celebrations. You can make them from tissue paper and pipe cleaners!

They represent love and remembrance,  and making them is a fun, hands-on activity for all ages.

  1. Cook a Special Meal Together

  • Try making a simple Mexican dish together like Quesadillas!

Invite your child to help prepare and talk about who you’re remembering while you cook.

What Kids Will Learn

  • Love for our family lasts forever

  • It’s okay to talk about people we miss

  • Art, food, and memories help us stay connected

  • Every family and culture has special ways of remembering

You Don’t Need to Travel to Celebrate

You don’t have to visit Mexico to share in its culture you’re doing it right from home. Celebrating Día de los Muertos with your child helps them grow into a caring, culturally curious person.

Whether you light a candle, color a sugar skull, or read a book together, it’s all about making space for love, memory, and joy.

Want to Keep Exploring?

Sing and dance along with our Día de los Muertos music video!

Celebrate with vibrant rhythms and joyful beats the whole family will love!

See all articles in Learn More!