Summer vacation brings a wonderful opportunity for all kids to grow in their faith while enjoying their break from school. These 20 Christian based things for kids to do at home this summer can help parents create meaningful experiences that combine fun with spiritual growth.

God Gave Us You

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All The Things I Say to God: Learning to Pray Anytime, Anywhere

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As a teacher with years of experience guiding young believers, I've compiled activities that encourage children to explore their faith in engaging ways. These activities are designed to be flexible, allowing families to adapt them based on their children's ages and interests.

20 Christian Based Things for Kids to do at Home this Summer

Faith-Building Activities

1. Create a Summer Prayer Journal

Help your child start a special notebook where they record prayers, answered prayers, and things they're thankful for. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Simple materials like a notebook and colored pencils make this activity accessible for all ages.

2. Bible Character Dress-Up Day

Transform ordinary household items into costumes representing favorite Bible characters. Children can dress as David with a sling, Moses with a staff, or Esther with a crown. After dressing up, act out the story together, bringing Scripture to life in a tangible way.

3. Scripture Memory Challenge

Set a goal to memorize key Bible verses together as a family. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11). Create a chart to track progress and celebrate milestones with small rewards or special activities.

4. Faith-Based Family Movie Nights

Select age-appropriate films that reinforce Christian values and Biblical stories. After watching, discuss how the characters demonstrated faith, kindness, and other virtues mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

5. "God's Creation" Nature Walks

Explore outdoor spaces while discussing how nature reveals God's creativity and care. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made" (Romans 1:20). Collect leaves, rocks, or flowers to create a nature journal with accompanying verses.

Service and Outreach Activities

6. Care Package Assembly Project

Gather supplies to create care packages for those in need. Include toiletries, snacks, and handwritten notes with encouraging Bible verses. "Let us not become weary in doing good" (Galatians 6:9). Consider sending packages to Operation Christmas Child or local shelters.

7. Virtual Mission Field Learning

Research different countries where missionaries serve and learn about their cultures. Create a prayer map highlighting these regions. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Use resources from Joshua Project to discover unreached people groups.

8. Neighborhood Prayer Walk

Take regular walks around your neighborhood, quietly praying for the homes and families you pass. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18). Keep a simple log of your walks and any relationships that develop.

9. Letters to Seniors Ministry

Help children write cheerful letters or draw pictures for elderly church members or nursing home residents. "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness" (Proverbs 16:31). Include simple questions to encourage correspondence.

10. Family Service Project Day

Dedicate one day each month to serving others. Clean up a park, help a neighbor, or volunteer at a food bank. "Serve one another humbly in love" (Galatians 5:13). Document your experiences in a family service journal.

Creative Faith Expression

11. Bible Story Art Studio

Set up a space for creating artwork inspired by Bible stories. Use different materials like clay, paint, or collage materials. "He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers" (Exodus 35:35). Display finished pieces in a home gallery.

12. Family Worship Sessions

Create simple instruments from household items and learn worship songs together. "Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19). Find age-appropriate worship songs on platforms like Christian Kids Worship.

13. Bible Verse Crafts

Choose meaningful verses to transform into decorative items for your home. Create bookmarks, framed art, or painted rocks. "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds" (Deuteronomy 11:18). Place these crafts where they'll be seen daily.

14. Christian Theatrical Productions

Write and perform simple plays based on Bible stories. "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Record performances to share with relatives or church friends who live far away.

15. Faith-Based Cooking Activities

Prepare foods mentioned in the Bible like bread, figs, or fish. "Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast'" (John 21:12). While cooking, discuss the biblical contexts where these foods appear. Find recipe ideas at Bible Foods.

Learning Through Faith

16. Bible Science Experiments

Conduct simple experiments that illustrate biblical principles. For example, demonstrate faith like a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20) by growing mustard plants. Check out Science and the Bible for experiment ideas.

17. Christian History Explorers

Learn about significant figures in Christian history through books and documentaries. "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you" (Hebrews 13:7). Create timeline projects showing how God has worked through people throughout history.

18. "Ask a Pastor/Elder" Interview

Help children prepare thoughtful questions about faith to ask church leaders. "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word" (Psalm 119:9). Record the conversation as a special keepsake.

19. Bible Geography Adventures

Use maps to explore locations mentioned in the Bible. "From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands" (Acts 17:26). Create 3D maps of places like Jerusalem or Galilee using paper-mâché.

20. Family Devotional Book Club

Choose age-appropriate Christian books to read together. Discuss one chapter weekly, relating stories to Scripture. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching" (2 Timothy 3:16). Visit Focus on the Family for reading recommendations.

Conclusion

These summer activities offer numerous ways for Christian families to grow in faith together, but remember to adapt them to fit your family's unique needs and interests. The best activities are those that resonate with your children's personalities and developmental stages.

Maintaining consistent faith conversations happens most naturally when they're integrated into daily life. Look for teachable moments during meals, car rides, or bedtime routines to discuss biblical truths. "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

While these structured activities provide valuable learning opportunities, balance them with unstructured play and rest. Even Jesus recognized this need when He said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark 6:31). Allow for spontaneous joy and discovery alongside planned faith activities.

May this summer bring your family closer to each other and to God. As you invest time in these activities, remember that "training up a child in the way they should go" (Proverbs 22:6) isn't just about teaching but about experiencing God's love together. May His presence be evident in both your busy activity days and your quiet moments of rest.

Looking for ways to continue fostering faith beyond summer? Check out my article "10 fun ways to teach kids Bible verses" to maintain spiritual growth throughout the entire year!