Free Day of the Dead Coloring Pages and Fun Crafts for Kids
These Day of the Dead coloring pages are a wonderful way to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Kids can enhance their fine motor skills while coloring charming illustrations of sugar skulls, marigolds, and musical instruments. With simple strokes, children of all ages can enjoy a fun and engaging activity that also builds important skills. Beyond coloring, these sheets are perfect for creating unique DIY crafts, helping the younger generation explore the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos.
Top 5 Fun Crafts Using Day of the Dead Coloring Pages
Inspired by Pixar’s movie Coco (2017), my children love using Day of the Dead coloring pages to learn about the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos. The holiday symbolizes the cycle of life and remembrance, and crafting with these printable sheets helps kids understand this meaningful tradition while having fun. Here are the top five crafts you can make with your kids:
1. Paper Decorations and Garlands
Even if you don’t create a full ofrenda at home, there are plenty of ways to celebrate ancestors. Use coloring pages to make beautiful paper garlands, inspired by traditional papel picado.
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Step 1: Color and cut out skulls, flowers, or candle holders from your sheets.
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Step 2: Attach them to a string—vertically or horizontally—by making small holes.
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Step 3: Add extra decorations like crepe paper flowers to create a lively, festive garland.
This craft not only decorates your home but also teaches kids about Mexican traditions in a creative way.
2. Personalized Sugar Skull Accessories
Kids love using coloring pages to make custom accessories. For example, you can:
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Cut out sugar skulls and glue them onto shoes, fans, or clothing.
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Decorate paper fans with vibrant patterns from the coloring sheets.
These DIY accessories are perfect for a festive Día de los Muertos party and allow children to express their creativity while celebrating the holiday.
3. DIY Mini Shrines
Creating a full-size ofrenda can be challenging, but mini DIY shrines are simple and meaningful:
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Use matchboxes, small treasure boxes, or paper boxes.
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Decorate with colored sugar skull cutouts from your coloring sheets.
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Add a small photo of a loved one to honor their memory.
This activity teaches children the importance of remembering ancestors and preserving family traditions.
4. Sugar Skull Masks
For younger kids or preschoolers, mask-making is a fun and easy craft:
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Print coloring pages with large sugar skulls.
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Color the skulls with bright, playful colors.
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Cut out the masks, add eye and mouth holes, and attach a stick or string for wearing.
Masks are great for imaginative play and can also double as home decorations.
5. Skull Lanterns
Lanterns are a beautiful way to celebrate the circle of life and the guiding light for spirits:
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Decorate a paper bag with colored sugar skulls.
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Place a battery-powered candle inside for safety.
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Use the lanterns to create a magical, mysterious atmosphere at home.
This activity combines art, culture, and storytelling, making it perfect for family celebrations.
Download Free Day of the Dead Coloring Pages
Bring the magic of Día de los Muertos into your home with our free printable coloring sheets. These Day of the Dead coloring pages are ideal for educational activities, crafts, and festive decorations, making them perfect for kids of all ages. Download now and start creating an unforgettable family celebration filled with color, culture, and fun!
