Montana is a very Catholic state and there Lent is something that Protestants do not observe. It's a Catholic thing. I grew up with lots of classmates who were Catholic and have memories of them going to church more often, giving up gum, or candy, not eating meat on Fridays etc but many didn't really know why they were doing it. As an adult I have enjoyed finding Protestant friends who do different things during the season of Lent to mentally prepare for Easter. The years where I have thought about this season have made Easter so much more meaningful. I have also started doing things for Lent with my own kids. I don't want Easter to be just a fun day with candy and new clothes. I want it to be a special time and celebration as we remember and learn about Jesus.
The first and easiest way to teach my kids has been using the Jesus Storybook Bible and and Easter Reading Plan. This children's Bible is so good. Every story in it points towards Jesus and is truly the first thing I've ever read where I fully understood this overarching theme in the Bible. (Isn't it nice when you learn from what you are doing for your kids?) There are 44 stories in this Bible with the 40th story being Easter. The reading plan is very simple - start with the first one on Ash Wednesday.
There are lots of Lenten reading plans and devotionals for adults that are good as well. I've done this one and liked it. And it only cost $1.35 on Amazon.
Using a set of Resurrection Eggs is a fun way to tell your kids about Easter. I've never done this before but have the stuff to make my set soon. (Or you can buy them on Amazon, CBD.com or Focus on the Family's website) You use an empty egg carton and plastic eggs, and fill each one with something related to Easter. Each day you open the egg and read the verse that goes along with the object, with your kids. Or you could go through them all at once to tell the story. The last egg is usually empty to represent the empty tomb. I have a friend who came up with several things to put in eggs after the empty one because she wanted to focus more on the person of Jesus and remember that it doesn't end with the empty tomb. I love the extras she came up with and she said I could share them here. Here is a link to two blogs with instructions, pictures, and printables and then some extra ideas if you want to go beyond the empty tomb.
http://www.thissimplehome.com/2012/03/homemade-resurrection-eggs-printable.html
http://lifeyourway.net/diy-ressurection-eggs-easter-story-book-printables/
- Bible - Road to Emmaus – Luke 24:25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
- Fish- Jesus appears to Peter and the disciples – John 21 –
- Clouds - Ascension – Luke 24:51 - While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. Acts 1:9
- Dove - Holy Spirit – Pentecost Acts 2
In the past I've made Resurrection Rolls with my kids the day before Easter and these are fun and tasty. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/resurrection-rolls/. You roll marshmallows (Jesus) in butter and cinnamon and sugar (to represent the spices put on Jesus after death). Place in the center of cresent rolls (the tomb), pinch closed around the marshmallows, and bake. And the marshmallows disappear! Leaving an empty tomb. 
This yard decoration is new for our family this year. The other side is blank and on Easter morning you turn it around to say "He is Risen". I like it and it's a simple way to involve your kids and witness to your neighbors.
Movies we usually watch near Easter include "The Passion" and "The True Easter Story" with Ray Vander Laan. http://www.amazon.com/True-Easter-Story-Vander-Laan/dp/0310242444/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1393882094&sr=1-1&keywords=easter+zondervan
I've also heard that this one is very good for kids and is only around $5 from Amazon.
During the season of Lent might also be a good time to make "Blessing Bags" for the homeless with your kids. To visit a retirement home or send care packages to soldiers overseas. I have been so encouraged to find friends that actively work at recognizing this season. You do not have to be Catholic to observe Lent. It is a time to be teaching your kids about the meaning of Easter and reflecting for yourself on what it means to follow Him. Ash Wednesday's only a few days away. I encourage you to find some new ways teach your children this year. Do you have any things you usually do with your family? I'd love to hear your ideas!
