10 Fun David and Goliath Activities for Kids

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most exciting Bible stories for children. It teaches courage, faith, and trusting God when facing big challenges.

These hands-on activities will help kids remember the story and understand its important lessons. Whether you're teaching in Sunday school, homeschool, or family devotions, these activities bring the story to life!

Before starting these activities, make sure kids know the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17. Read it together or watch a Bible story video to set the foundation.

Table of Contents

David and Goliath Activities for Kids

1. Stone Painting Activity

What You'll Need:

5 smooth stones per child (from outside or craft stores)
Acrylic paint or paint markers
Clear sealant spray (optional, for adult use only)

How It Works:
David chose five smooth stones from a stream before facing Goliath. Have each child collect or receive five smooth stones. Let them paint each stone with a word or picture representing something they need God's help with - like "math test," "making friends," "being brave," or draw symbols.

As they paint, discuss how David trusted God to help him face his giant. Ask the children what "giants" (big problems or fears) they face in their own lives.

The Lesson: Just like David needed God's help to face Goliath, we need God's help to face our challenges. We can remember to pray when we look at our stones.

2. Slingshot Target Practice

What You'll Need:

Paper plates
Markers
Soft balls (foam balls, crumpled paper balls, or bean bags)
Plastic spoons or simple slingshots made from popsicle sticks and rubber bands (adult supervision required)

How It Works:
Draw a giant's face on several paper plates and tape them to a wall or hang them on a fence outside. Mark a line on the ground for children to stand behind. Let kids take turns using plastic spoons to catapult soft balls toward the targets, or gently fling them by hand.

For older kids (ages 8+), adults can help create simple slingshots using popsicle sticks and rubber bands, with strict supervision.

Safety Note: Only use soft projectiles and ensure children understand this is just for the activity, not for playing with others.

The Lesson: David practiced with his sling while protecting sheep. He prepared himself, then trusted God to guide his stone. We should prepare ourselves (study, practice, try our best) and trust God with the results.

3. David and Goliath Drama

What You'll Need:

Simple costumes (towels for robes, cardboard for armor)
A shepherd's staff (stick or cardboard tube)
Cardboard sword
Narration script from 1 Samuel 17

4. Giant Footprint Craft

What You'll Need:

Large pieces of cardboard or poster board
Scissors (adult use)
Paint or markers
Ruler or measuring tape

How It Works:
Trace and cut out a "giant" footprint that's about 3 feet long (Goliath was over 9 feet tall, so his feet would have been huge!). Let children trace their own footprints next to it to compare sizes.

Have children decorate both footprints. On the giant footprint, they can write or draw things that seem "too big" to handle. On their own footprint, they can write "God is bigger" or draw pictures of God helping them.

The Lesson: No matter how big our problems seem, God is always bigger. David looked small compared to Goliath, but God is bigger than any giant.

5. Stone Bag Craft

What You'll Need:

Brown paper lunch bags or small fabric bags
Markers, crayons, or stickers
String or yarn
5 small stones or stone-shaped items per child

How It Works:
Give each child a small bag to decorate as their "shepherd's pouch." They can write "David's Stones" or draw pictures related to the story. Punch two holes at the top of paper bags and thread string through to create a drawstring.

Give each child five small stones to put in their bag. Discuss what each stone could represent:

Stone 1: God is with me
Stone 2: God is stronger than any problem
Stone 3: I can be brave
Stone 4: God loves me
Stone 5: I will trust God

The Lesson: These five stones remind us of God's truth. When we face scary situations, we can remember these truths and trust God.

6. Giant-Size Measuring Activity

What You'll Need:

Measuring tape
Long paper or masking tape
Marker

How It Works:
The Bible says Goliath was "six cubits and a span" - about 9 feet 9 inches tall. Use measuring tape to mark out this height on a wall with tape or on a long sheet of paper on the floor. Let children lie down next to it or stand beside it to see the size difference.

You can also measure and mark David's approximate height (he was probably a teenager, so around 5 feet tall). This visual helps children understand why everyone was so afraid of Goliath!

The Lesson: Sometimes our problems feel giant-sized. But remember, David didn't focus on Goliath's size. He focused on God's power. What we focus on matters!

7. Armor of God Activity

What You'll Need:

Cardboard boxes
Aluminum foil
Scissors and tape
Paper plates

How It Works:
King Saul tried to give David his armor, but it was too heavy and David wasn't used to it. Create cardboard armor pieces (breastplate, helmet from a box, shield from cardboard) and let children try them on to see how heavy and uncomfortable they would be.

Then discuss how David chose his simple shepherd's tools instead - things he knew how to use. Connect this to Ephesians 6:10-18, explaining that God gives us spiritual armor that fits us perfectly.

The Lesson: We don't need to be someone else to serve God. God can use us just as we are, with the gifts and tools He's given us. Learn more about the armor of God.

8. Courage Circle Discussion

What You'll Need:

Comfortable seating in a circle
A soft ball or bean bag (optional)

How It Works:
Sit in a circle and pass a ball around. When each child gets the ball, they answer a question about courage and faith:

What makes you feel scared or worried?
How did David show courage?
How can we be brave like David?
What does it mean to trust God?
Can you share a time when you needed to be brave?

Emphasize that being brave doesn't mean we're not scared. David was probably scared too! Being brave means trusting God and doing the right thing even when we're afraid.

The Lesson: We all face challenges that seem too big for us. Talking about our fears and how God helps us builds faith and encourages others. Learn more about courage in the Bible.

9. Memory Verse Challenge

What You'll Need:

Index cards
Markers
Small prizes (optional)

Key Verse:
"The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." - 1 Samuel 17:37

Or for younger children:
"The battle is the Lord's." - 1 Samuel 17:47

How It Works:
Write each word of the verse on a separate index card. Mix them up and have children work in teams to put them in the correct order. Once they arrange it correctly, practice saying it together several times.

Make it more challenging by removing cards one at a time and having children recite the verse with the missing words. Continue until they can say the entire verse from memory.

The Lesson: God's Word gives us strength and reminds us of His promises. Memorizing Scripture helps us remember God's truth when we face our own giants.

10. David and Goliath Coloring Pages

What You'll Need:

Printed coloring pages (free printables available online)
Crayons, colored pencils, or markers

How It Works:
Provide coloring pages showing different scenes from the story: David tending sheep, choosing stones, facing Goliath, and the victory celebration. As children color, retell the story and discuss each scene.

Ask questions while they color:

What do you think David was feeling in this scene?
Why wasn't David afraid?
What would you have done?

You can find free David and Goliath coloring pages on our site.

The Lesson: Coloring helps younger children focus on the story while discussing its meaning. It's a calm activity that allows for good conversation about faith and courage.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

For Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

Keep activities short (10-15 minutes)
Focus on simple concepts: David was brave, God helped David, we can trust God
Use mostly hands-on activities: stone painting, coloring, simple drama
Simplify the story to basic elements

For Elementary (Ages 6-10)

Include more details from the story
Discuss deeper lessons about faith, preparation, and trusting God
Allow for more complex crafts and games
Encourage memorization of key verses

For Preteens (Ages 11-12)

Focus on application: What are your "Goliaths"?
Discuss cultural context and historical details
Encourage creative expression through writing or art
Talk about how this story connects to other Bible passages

Important Lessons from David and Goliath

Lessons From The Story of David and Goliath

As you do these activities, make sure to emphasize these key truths:

1. God Doesn't Look at Outward Appearance

Everyone thought David was too young and small to fight Goliath. But God chose David because of his faithful heart. God looks at our hearts, not our age, size, or abilities.

2. Previous Experiences Prepare Us

David told King Saul about killing a lion and a bear while protecting sheep. Those experiences prepared him for Goliath. God uses every experience to prepare us for future challenges.

3. Trust God, Not Your Own Strength

David said, "The battle is the Lord's." He didn't trust his slingshot or his aim. He trusted God. When we face challenges, we should pray first and trust God to help us.

4. Be Yourself

Saul's armor didn't fit David. Don't try to be someone else. Use the gifts and abilities God gave you. He made you unique for a purpose!

5. Stand Up for What's Right

Goliath was mocking God and His people. David was willing to stand up for God even when everyone else was afraid. We should stand up for what's right, even when it's hard.

Read more about these lessons in our article about 10 lessons from David and Goliath.

Additional Resources

Looking for more ways to teach this story? Check out these resources:

Conclusion

The story of David and Goliath teaches children that with God, they can face any challenge. These activities help make the story memorable and meaningful, allowing kids to understand that God is bigger than any problem they face.

Remember, the goal isn't just to teach facts about David and Goliath. The goal is to help children develop real faith in God - trusting that He is with them, He is powerful, and He cares about every challenge they face.

As you teach this story, pray that God will use it to build courage and faith in the hearts of the children you're teaching. And who knows? You might just be helping to prepare the next generation of spiritual giants!

For more Bible teaching ideas, explore our collection of short Bible stories for children and Bible stories with moral lessons.

Editor

Hi there! I'm a proud father of three amazing kids with a loving wife, and sharing God's words has always been a big part of my life. I love sharing Biblical stories that inspire, teach, and bring a little light into the world. My goal is to encourage and inspire readers of all ages. Writing is more than just words on a page for me, it’s a way to share faith, hope, and creativity. Thanks for stopping by at faithfulfable.com, and I hope my stories bring joy to your journey!