St. Teresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church and Carmelite nun, was a mystic, reformer, and author of The Interior Castle, a spiritual guide to growing closer to God through prayer and self-reflection. Her feast day is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to contemplative prayer and the beauty of Carmelite spirituality, all while having fun and being playful!
Here are some simple, hands-on, and family-friendly ways to celebrate her feast day.
Enjoy Our Printables
We’ve created a St. Teresa of Avila coloring page to help kids learn about her life while having fun. Pair it with our Interior Castle craft, where children can create a layered paper castle representing the “mansions” of the soul that St. Teresa describes in her writings. This activity not only keeps little hands busy but also opens the door to talking about prayer and growing closer to God.
Activities Inspired by St. Teresa of Avila
As a child, St. Teresa loved to play hermit, hiding away in small spaces and imagining her own little world of prayer and reflection. You can set up a cozy corner, small tent, or cardboard box for kids to “play hermit,” encouraging quiet reading, drawing, or imaginative play just like young Teresa.
Another playful activity is inspired by her famous quote after falling in the mud: “Lord, if this is how You treat Your friends, no wonder You have so few!” Let kids enjoy some mud play, making mud pies, digging, or exploring the dirt while reflecting on how even little mishaps or messes can be moments to laugh, learn, and notice God’s love in everyday life.
Pray or Reflect Together
Take a moment with your children to talk about prayer like St. Teresa did. You can guide them in a short prayer or reflection, encouraging them to think of the “rooms” of their own hearts and how they can make space for God. For older kids, consider reading a simple excerpt from The Interior Castle and discussing it together.
Enjoy St. Teresa-Inspired Treats
Celebrate with Spanish-inspired snacks to honor her heritage or make Carmelite-themed caramel apples as a sweet nod to the order she reformed (see our Our Lady of Mt. Carmel blog post for inspiration). Here are a few simple ideas:
- Churro Bites – Mini churros, baked or store-bought, dusted with cinnamon sugar.
- Pan con Tomate – Toasted bread rubbed with tomato, olive oil, and a little salt.
- Manchego Cheese Cubes – Mild, nutty cheese cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Marcona Almonds – Slightly sweet and buttery almonds for a crunchy snack.
- Carmelite Caramel Apples – A fun and sweet treat kids can enjoy while learning about St. Teresa.
