A Vacation Bible School can be a life-changing experience. A Lifeway Research survey revealed it has helped 88 percent of children better understand the Bible and 89 percent said it positively influenced their spiritual growth. It can also be an evangelical tool, as it accounted for 25 percent of baptisms reported by the Southern Baptist Convention.
Considering these statistics, making your VBS as exciting as possible is essential for ministry leaders. When kids are excited, they will learn their Bible lessons well and want to return the following year. It’ll also help your church develop a positive reputation, attracting more families.
This article provides an exhaustive list of indoor and outdoor VBS activities that will keep kids engaged and having fun, ensuring they learn their lessons and return year after year. They may not want to go home!
Table of Contents
- What are some engaging water games for VBS?
- How can I incorporate Bible trivia into VBS games?
- What are some fun indoor VBS games for rainy days?
- How can I create active outdoor games for VBS?
- What are some quiet VBS games for winding down?
- How can I adapt traditional games for VBS themes?
- What are some inclusive VBS games for kids of all abilities?
- How can you plan a successful VBS program from start to finish?
- Free VBS Schedules and Templates
- Free VBS Event Planning Checklists
What are Some Engaging Water Games for VBS?
Water games for VBS are a favorite during the hot summer months. You can make water play fun and organized with these engaging VBS games for kids.
Sponge Relay Race: A Refreshing Team Challenge
How to do it:
- The setup requires a full bucket of water on one side of a track and an empty bucket on the other.
- Each team member is given a dry sponge. Teams line up by the empty bucket. They run to the full bucket individually and dip their sponge in water. Then, they run back and squeeze it into the empty bucket.
- The first team to fill their bucket wins.
Why It's Important
- Inspires a sense of teamwork and cooperation
- Offers a physical activity outlet that’s conducive to learning
- Provides a healthy activity for kids
How to Connect it to Biblical Learning
- Teach kids gospel lessons by requiring them to answer questions about the Bible before dipping the sponge
- Before or after the activity, tie it back to Biblical passages that relate to sports, water or teamwork
- Have kids explain how the social impact relates to the Bible
Water Balloon Bible Toss: Combining Scripture and Splashes
How to do it:
- Fill balloons with water
- Write Biblical passages or questions related to the Bible on each balloon
- Divide the class into two teams and have them toss the balloons back and forth
- Have kids recite the verses or answer the questions when they catch the balloon
Why It's Important
- Helps develop social skills and teamwork
- Provides a healthy outlet that supports mental and physical health
- Helps kids learn lessons about the Bible
Make balloon games for kids even more enriching by discussing the various Biblical themes mentioned in the game afterward.
Pool Noodle Sprinkler Run: A Cool Obstacle Course
How to do it:
- Cut off one end of a pool noodle and poke holes into it
- Insert a hose into the pool noodle to create an inexpensive sprinkler
- Have the kids run through
Why It's Important
- Teaches kids to share (hopefully, they will wait their turn)
- Teaches kids innovation
- Provides a physically and mentally stimulating activity
How to Connect It to the Bible:
- Ask kids Bible-related questions before they run through
- Discuss related Bible themes before and after the activity, such as teamwork and water
- Have kids make their own connections between the activity and the Bible
How Can I Incorporate Bible Trivia into VBS Games
Trivia is one of the most fun and challenging Bible memory games for children and adults of any age. You can make it even more exciting by incorporating it into the following VBS games.
Bible Verse Balloon Pop: Combining Memory and Action
How to do it:
- Write portions of Bible verses on paper and stuff them into balloons
- Have kids pop the balloons to find the verse
- The kids try to put the verses back together in the correct order
Why It's Important
- Teaches the kids to think about the Bible critically
- Inspires teamwork
- Provides stimulation that can enhance learning
Discussing the verses after the last balloon is popped makes the activity even more impactful.
Scripture Scavenger Hunt: An Exciting Outdoor Adventure
How to do it:
- Divide your class into teams
- Give each team a Bible, a list of verses or other necessary supplies
- Teams begin searching for the objects mentioned in the verses using clues to guide them
- The team that finds the most clues or finishes first wins.
Why It's Important
- Teaches kids to think critically about the Bible
- Encourages teamwork and socialization
- It gets kids up and moving
Bible Character Charades
How to do it:
- Write different Bible characters down on pieces of paper
- Place all the names in a container
- Have the children pick a name out of the container
- They must act out who the character is until someone guesses correctly
Why It's Important
- Teaches kids about the Bible
- Promotes communication skills
- Develops social skills
You can change up Bible-themed games like this by having kids act out different Biblical verses and themes.
What are Some Fun Indoor VBS games for Rainy Days?
Rain can dampen kids' summertime fun, but you can keep your VBS exciting with the following VBS activities when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Beach Ball Bible Categories: A Bouncy Learning Game
How to do it:
- Use tape or markers to divide a beach ball into sections
- Write a different Bible-related category in each section (i.e., Bible character, place story, object, word or theme)
- Have players stand in the circle and toss the ball around
- When a player catches the ball, they will be prompted to answer a question that is related to the category their thumb landed on
Why It's Important
- Teaches kids about the Bible
- Demonstrates innovation, even on a rainy day
- Provides stimulating activity
Tower of Babel Building Challenge: A Team Construction Activity
How to do it:
- Divide the class into two-person teams
- One team member is provided a Ziplock bag with 25 colored toothpicks and half of a colored 3x5 card
- The other team member is provided a Ziplock bag with 25 colored toothpicks and the other half of the 3x5 card
- The cards serve as the base for the tower. Each team member works with one hand behind their back, assembling gumdrops and toothpicks in turn to build their tower
- At the end of the timed event, the teacher measures each tower. The students who build the highest tower win.
Why It's Important
- Develops motor skills
- Team-building activities for kids
- Enhances understanding of the Tower of Babel Biblical story
Teachers can make fun church games like this more impactful by discussing the Tower of Babel before or after the activity
Noah's Ark Animal Parade: A Lively Matching Game
How to do it:
- Create cards with two of each of Noah's ark animals. Place them face down on the floor.
- Children get a turn to flip over two cards. They must use their memories to remember where each animal is to get a match.
- The child with the most matches wins.
Why It's Important
- Teaches kids about Noah's ark
- Scripture memorization games stimulate learning
- Encourages healthy competition
Make faith-based kids' activities more valuable by discussing Noah's Ark before and after the game.
How Can I Create Active Outdoor Games for VBS?
Indoor VBS games are fun, but kids will want to make the most of summer by hitting the outdoors any chance they get. Here are some Christian youth games that ensure the best summer ever.
David and Goliath Slingshot Game: Target Practice with a Twist
How to do it:
- Provide children with a slingshot, which can be as simple as a Y-shaped tree branch and rubber band.
- Give each child a crumpled-up piece of paper.
- Place Goliath in front of them- typically a picture of Goliath painted on cardboard.
- Have kids shoot at Goliath. You can mark parts of his body with points that will accrue when kids hit certain areas.
- The child with the most points wins.
Why It's Important
- Teaches aim
- Teaches the David and Goliath Bible story
- Supports the spirit of competition
Make this Interactive Bible lesson more effective by discussing the story of David and Goliath before and after the game.
Jonah and the Whale Obstacle Course: Navigate Through Biblical Challenges
How to do it:
Jonah and the whale is one of the best obstacle course ideas. Teachers can work with students to create a course that gets their imagination soaring. Have kids run through orange cones with sea creature pictures taped to them. They can swing over seas (small puddles) using a hanging rope and jump through seashell tires.
Why It's Important
- Teaches the story of Jonah and the whale
- Allowing kids to help design the course boosts imagination
- Great physical activity
Add impact to scripture-based team games by discussing Jonah and the Whale before and after the activity.
Red Sea Relay: A Team-Based Race with a Biblical Theme
How to do it:
Relay races for kids require one team member to complete one leg of the race and then tag the next team member in to do the next leg until the course is complete. You can simply have each child run through a given area or give each area a different theme, making one kid run through tires and another navigate traffic cones, for example.
You can incorporate themes of the Red Sea by making team members wear red clothes when running through. Other camp members can form a barrier that 'magically parts' when allowing the team member access. Work with the kids to make movement-based learning games creative.
Why It's Important:
- Teaches the story of the Book of Exodus
- Encourages teamwork
- Inspires imagination
Get more out of outdoor VBS activities by discussing why parting the Red Sea was essential for God’s people.
What are Some Quiet Games for Winding Down
Kids love excitement, but sometimes they want to or should, wind down. For that reason, quiet VBS games for kids are ideal for the end of the day when they are all tuckered out. Parents will also appreciate you for helping get their child in a calmer mood before pickup time.
Here are some more low-key, indoor VBS games that will work:
Bible Story Pictionary: A Creative Drawing Game
How to do it:
- Make cards with various Bible themes.
- A player pulls a card when it's their turn. They must then draw a picture that illustrates the Bible theme.
- Other kids try to guess the theme. The player is not permitted to use words or act out the theme in any way.
Why It's Important
- Inspires creativity
- Calms kids down
- Teaches kids about the Bible
Whisper Down the Alley with Bible Verses: A Classic Game with a Scriptural Twist
How to do it:
- (Based on the kids' game 'Operator') The kids sit in a circle.
- A kid decides on a phrase that relates to the Bible. They whisper it to the person next to them.
- The kids continue whispering the phrase to the person beside them until they are at the last kid. That kid says what they think the phrase was aloud.
- Typically, things go so wrong and hilarity ensues, especially when the kid who thought of the phrase explains what it should have been.
Why It's Important
- Teaches communication skills
- Helps kids learn about the Bible
- It's a good relaxing activity
- Fills the need for VBS storytelling activities
Make church camp and VBS activities more impactful by noting the different themes on which kids base their phrases. Then, discuss them after the game is over. Have the kids explain what made them choose their words.
Gospel Bracelet Craft: A Calming Activity with Meaning
How to do it:
- Get together bracelet-making materials such as beads, string and clasps.
- Suggest children make bracelets using a Biblical theme for inspiration.
- Start making bracelets
Why It's Important
- Teaches kids about the Bible
- Provides a souvenir of the kids' time in VBS
- Promotes creativity and motor skills
Ramp up the learning aspect of DIY Bible-themed crafts by having each child discuss their bracelet Bible theme and why they chose it.
Each of these youth ministry games and ideas can be adapted and tailored to fit the kids in your VBS.
How to Adapt Traditional Games for VBS Bible Themes
Teachers can get inspired by combining traditional VBS games with VBS Bible themes. The following ideas for kids' worship activities provide some inspiration.
Bible Freeze Dance: Moving to Christian Music
How to do it:
- Have kids line up in a vast open space.
- Begin playing your favorite worship music.
- When you pause the worship music, the kids should freeze. If they don't freeze, they're out.
- The last kid standing wins.
Why It's Important
- Helps kids learn songs that can teach them about the Bible and religion
- Good physical activity
- Develops motor skills
Daniel in the Lion's Den Tag: A Themed Version of the Classic Game
- One child is assigned as 'It' or Daniel.
- The rest of the children wear lion's masks.
- Daniel counts to 10 and lets the others hide.
- He must find at least one child and tag them. Then, they will take over as Daniel.
Why it's important:
- Gets kids familiar with Daniel and the lion’s den
- Good physical activity
- Promotes the spirit of competition
Fruit of the Spirit Memory Match: A Twist on the Classic Memory Game
How to do it:
- Make cards with two of each of the fruits of the spirit.
- Turn them over on their front so the children can't see the image.
- Each child gets a turn turning over two cards.
- They must remember where the cards are to make a match.
- Once they make a match, they keep the cards. The child with the most cards wins.
Why It's Important
- Develops memory
- Gets kids familiar with the fruit of the spirit Bible theme
- Easy to play because most already know how to play it
What are Some Inclusive VBS Games for Kids of All Abilities?
Teachers must think of VBS games for kids everyone can play, regardless of their ability level. Here are children's ministry ideas that are suited to all children.
Sensory Bible Story Bags: Tactile Explanation of Scripture
How to do it:
- Take a giant bag and fill it with elements from a Bible story, such as figurines of people and animals and real greenery.
- Allow kids to run their fingers over it and discuss what they feel and how it relates to the Bible.
Why It's Important:
- Teaches kids about the Bible
- It’s inclusive of all abilities
- Let kids use their imagination
Musical Prayer Chairs: A Gentle Game of Musical Chairs
How to do it:
- Teachers set up chairs that are one less than their group number. For example, if there are 11 people in the group, they set up 10 chairs.
- They play their favorite Biblical hymns
- When the music pauses, kids scramble for chairs. The child who doesn't find a chair is out of the game.
- The game keeps going until only one child remains.
Why It's Important
- Teaches kids about the Bible through music
- Encourages friendly competition
- Suitable for all abilities
Team Bible Verse Assembly: A Puzzle Game
If you’re lucky, you may find a puzzle that spells out a Bible verse. If not, you may:
- Choose an appropriate Bible verse, considering the kids' age and understanding.
- Write the verse on a large piece of paper and cut it into puzzle pieces.
- Scramble the pieces and have the kids assemble them.
- Kids can assemble the puzzle or you can split them into teams, each with their own puzzle. The team that assembles their puzzle fastest wins.
Why it's important:
- Teaches teamwork
- Helps kids learn Bible verses
- Promotes friendly competition
How to Plan a Successful VBS Program from Start to Finish
Planning a successful VBS program isn’t easy. Here are some tips that will help you along the way.
Essential Steps for VBS Directors in the Planning Process
Two-thirds of American parents are eager to send their children to Bible school. With the proper planning process, you can attract and retain families that will continue to interact with your church for the long run. Here are some suggestions.
- Set Clear Goals: Your VBS likely has several goals, including promoting relationships between the kids, teaching them the Bible and providing valuable life lessons. Determine how to carry them out in a fun environment.
- Choose a VBS theme: Your VBS should align with your goals, age group and group size. It should offer fun crafts and VBS activities that support your lessons.
- Build a Team: Your team may include a VBS director, various assistants, a team lead and more.
- Create a Budget: According to a Children's Ministry survey, a VBS budget can be as low as under $1,000 or as high as $10,000. Determine how much you can spend on your VBS and everything you need. If you run over budget, determine what to eliminate or how to save money.
- Promote the Event: Get the word out to your community through social media, emails and fliers that you can distribute in church, businesses and throughout your neighborhood, as well as through word of mouth.
- Prepare Materials: Determine all the materials you will need to teach your classes and prepare them for your lessons.
- Train Volunteers: Host training sessions to ensure your volunteers are ready to assist you. Train them carefully, as every person trained in VBS results in 1.1 salvation decisions.
- Organize Registration: Make the registration as easy as possible to encourage kids to attend. Set up online registration for optimal convenience. You may also offer free swag like a t-shirt or pin to those who sign up early.
- Consider Versatility: Like any organization, a VBS program can easily be disrupted by a pandemic, a lack of available space and other factors. Get inspired by ECF Vital Practices and create a program that can be adapted to small and in-home settings.
- Follow Up After the VBS is Over: After VBS is over, send out emails thanking families for attending and asking for their feedback so you can make improvements for next year. Give them a reason to come back. You may also thank your volunteers with a small gift.
Free VBS Schedules
You may also want to download a VBS schedule to make planning easy. Recommended options include the following:
- Lifeway: Lifeway offers a complete schedule for all-day, one-day, weekend and two-week sessions, guiding you through the planning process.
- Ministry to Children: Ministry to Children offers more freedom, recommending an outline for picking your curriculum organizing, building your team, promoting your VBS, training your team and following up.
- Cokesbury: Cokesbury offers a Food Truck Party VBS and recommends different ways it can be organized, including two-hour programs, two-and-a-half-hour programs and three-hour programs.
Once you plan your schedule, add it to our Vacation Bible School Schedule Template and share it with your team.
Free VBS Planning Templates
You can be even more organized by planning your camp schedule with these VBS planning templates.
- Concordia: This planning template has four essential tools to make planning stress-free: A Kickstarter Guide, a Volunteer Recruitment Sheet, a Directors' Checklist and a VBS Budget Planner.
- Process St.: This template takes you through the planning process, allowing you to choose and approve a theme, develop a schedule, coordinate volunteers and more.
Our event planning checklist will keep you on track, ensuring you take care of all necessary duties like planning, budgeting, staff coordination, registration, marketing, material allocation, logistics, food, health & safety, communication & follow-up and future planning. It even provides a planning timeline.
Event Ticketing Software Built for Churches
Event ticketing software can simplify the planning process for vacation bible schools. It allows for online registration so people can sign up while you focus on other responsibilities. You can also use it to manage events throughout the semester.
Vanco's event ticketing software is recommended because it provides a secure payment processing system and allows you to create customizable event pages. Its reporting provides insights to determine what's working and what's not, enabling you to manage attendees easily.
