Simple Sts. Joachim and Anne Feast Day Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers

As a family formed through the gift of adoption, we know deeply that family is woven together by God’s love and grace. On July 26, the Church celebrates the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus! This is a beautiful, relatable feast day to celebrate with toddlers and primary-aged children because it celebrates the love of grandparents.

If you are looking for simple, low-prep ways to introduce liturgical living to your littlest ones, this guide will give you easy, multi-sensory ideas to build beautiful traditions at home.

Read-Aloud Stories

Gather your children together in a cozy spot to introduce them to Jesus' holy grandparents.

• The Story: Read a short excerpt about Jesus' family tree or how Mary had a loving mommy and daddy, just like your children do. If you have a Jesus or Blessed Mother wooden doll, bring it out to give them a visual anchor while you speak.

• Watch: Take a few minutes to watch Saints for Kids: Sts. Joachim and Anne on YouTube . Watch this 3 minute clip with yout little one.

• Discussion Prompt: Keep the reflection simple for little minds by asking: “What is your favorite memory with your grandma or grandpa?” 

Hands-On Play & Free Printable

Keep small fingers moving with a craft that focuses on honoring family and practicing fine motor skills.

• Grandparents' Care Package: Have your toddler create a handmade card or paint a picture specifically for their grandparents. If grandparents live far away, you can mail it as a surprise package, or drop it off for an elderly parishioner or neighbor to share St. Anne's cheer!

• Free Printable: Give your child a beautiful page to color while you talk about the saintly family.

  
  

  [Click Here to Download the Free Sts. Joachim & Anne Coloring Page!]

Celebrate with Food

One of the best ways to help toddlers associate church feasts with love and affection is through food. Since St. Anne is traditionally honored as the patron saint of homemakers, the kitchen is the perfect place to celebrate her!

• Grandma's Simple Sweet Treat: Bake a super simple batch of cookies or cupcakes together. Let your toddler practice their coordination by helping you pour ingredients and mix the batter.

• Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Check out more liturgical recipes on Catholic Cuisine to build your feast day menu.

Little Explorer Geography (Google Maps)

Bring history and technology together to show your little homeschooled explorers exactly where Jesus' grandparents lived.

Ancient tradition tells us that Sts. Joachim and Anne lived in Jerusalem, right near the Bethesda Pool where Jesus later performed a miraculous healing. You can use the street view and directions tools to take a virtual pilgrimage to the Holy Land together!

👉 See the Pools of Bethesda on Google Maps 

How are you planning to celebrate Sts. Joachim and Anne with your little ones this year? Share your photos and tag with us on social media! Don't forget to join our mailing list below to get every upcoming feast day guide sent straight to your inbox.