Fun Activities For Kids To Keep Christ In Summer

May 31

The end of the school year leaves parents searching for ways to entertain their children during the summer months. Summer break offers a wonderful opportunity for children to grow their faith through Christ-centered activities.

Keeping children mentally and physically active enhances cognitive development, good health, and social skills while decreasing the risk of anxiety and depression. Teaching children to cast their anxieties on Christ also helps their mental health (Philippians 4:6–7).

Consider activities that include their friends or introduce them to new Christian friendships. Most children are more eager to participate when their friends are involved.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” —Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

Here are eight fun activities for kids to keep Christ in summer.

1. Vacation Bible School (VBS): With fun-themed programs, VBS offers Bible lessons, arts & crafts, worship, and interactive activities. They also give children an opportunity to meet new Christian friends. Check with your church and other local churches that align with the Bible for options.

2. Christian-Themed Museums, Parks, & Theatres: Children can learn about the Bible and be entertained at many well-known attractions. Popular options include the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY; the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY; the Tennessee Bible Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN; the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.; and Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson, MO, or Lancaster, PA. Take a day trip or schedule your vacation to include one or more of these fun adventures.

3. Bible Lessons & Activities: Teach a Sunday school class at home using free printable Bible lessons and activities for children. You can find arts and crafts related to the lessons online, for example, at www.sundayschoolzone.com. Invite your children’s friends to add social interaction and fun.

4. Faith-Based Movies & Media: Several media and streaming sources offer faith-based movies, radio, and TV shows for children. Watch and listen as a family or invite friends. Popcorn for older children and snacks add to the enjoyment. Check your local movie theatre listings for additional options throughout the summer. Some event companies offer outdoor movie rentals with a screen and streaming projector. A rental option in central Tennessee is Sunset Cinema. Follow sunsetcinema24 on Instagram and Facebook.

5. Outdoor “Creation Walks”: Review Genesis 1 during a nature walk to reflect on God’s creation. Take a pad of paper and pens for children to draw what they see. Connecting their drawings with Scripture references can help with memory. Relevant Scripture verses are also great to review on zoo, lake, or beach trips. Colossians 1:16, John 1:3, Psalm 19:1, and Psalm 104:24–25 are suggested verses you can use in addition to Genesis 1.

6. Scripture Memorization Exercises: Make Scripture memorization fun using flash cards, Bible memory games, or music. Choose short verses to repeat daily each week. Incorporating Scripture into a song is a fun way for them to remember it. Explain how each verse applies to their daily lives for a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

7. Service Projects: Putting faith into action is a hands-on way to teach children the joy of giving. Suggestions include creating cards for nursing homes or assembling care packages for those in need. Check with your church, nursing homes, or local shelters for opportunities in your area.

8. Christian Summer Camps: Christian camps blend traditional and faith-based camp activities. Many children and teens start or deepen their relationship with Christ during a camp. It’s essential to find one with leaders you trust and that provides safety training for camp leaders. Search online for day or overnight Christian summer camp options accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and check for positive ratings and reviews.

Incorporating these suggestions into your children’s summer agenda can have a lasting impact on their faith. Children need to develop a foundation with Jesus at a young age, especially in today’s world. By centering Christ in your child’s activities, summer can provide a purpose in addition to fun.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
—Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

Please comment below to share your favorite fun activities for kids to keep Christ in summer.

By: Jenny Stainback