This article shares our best ideas for Vacation Bible School (VBS) games. We suggest different games that can be played indoors and outdoors. Some of the games focus on teaching Bible verses. Other games are simply fun activities that will keep the children entertained. Print our game ideas PDF below, watch the videos if you need more help, and have some fun sharing the Gospel with your community this summer!
VBS Game Ideas Printable (Share with VBS Leaders)
Are you looking for some fun VBS games to keep your students entertained? Vacation Bible School is the most important week in your children’s ministry and can help bring new families into your church by the dozens. So make sure the kids have a great time when they arrive for VBS.
VBS is a time of year when kids learn about God’s love in a fun and safe environment. However, VBS can also be much work for pastors and volunteers. To ensure your VBS is a success, it’s important to plan and have a good selection of games on hand. Games are a great way to keep kids engaged and having fun, and they can also be used to teach important lessons about faith. If you’re looking for great game ideas, check out our list of the best VBS games. From water balloons tosses to Bible charades, we’ve got you covered. Get planning and make this VBS the best one yet!
Easy Vacation Bible School Games:
What easy vacation bible school games won’t take too much preparation? Try these simple VBS games in your church this summer.
Duck, Duck, Goose (VBS version)
Supplies Needed: Just some rowdy kids and an open space
“I love Duck, Duck, Goose because it’s a fun and energetic VBS game that gets everyone involved!”
In the game Duck, Duck, Goose, one person is chosen to be the “goose.” The “goose” stands in the middle of the group while everyone else crouches down. The “goose” then taps someone on the head and says “duck.” The person who was tapped becomes the new “goose.” If the “goose” tags someone and they don’t say “duck” quickly enough, then that person becomes the new “goose,” and the old “goose” becomes a “duck” and joins the circle.
Red Light, Green Light (High-energy VBS game)
Supplies Needed: Lots of energy and an open field or gym
“Red Light, Green Light is a high-energy VBS game that keeps us all on our toes and laughing!”
In the game of Red Light, Green Light, one person is selected to be the stoplight. The stoplight stands at one end of the playing area with their back to the other players, who line up at the opposite end. The stoplight first calls out “green light,” at which point everyone starts walking towards them. Then, the stoplight calls out “red light,” and all players must freeze. If anyone is caught moving, they are out. The last person remaining becomes the winner and gets to be the new stoplight.
Musical Chairs (with VBS music)
Supplies Needed: Chairs, Music player, VBS music
“Musical Chairs with VBS music is a classic game that brings excitement and friendly competition to our VBS!”
In a game of Musical Chairs, you should have one less chair than the number of players. Arrange the chairs in a line and have the players walk around them as music plays. When the music stops, everyone must find a chair to sit on. The person left standing without a chair is out. Remove one chair and start the music again. Repeat this process until only one person remains, who is then declared the winner.
Simon Says (or Bible Character from your VBS lesson)
Supplies Needed: VBS game area
“Simon Says is a fantastic VBS game that combines fun with learning about Bible characters!”
This classic game is a great way to get everyone moving and having fun. Make sure you have a good vantage point so you can see everyone in your group. To make the game more challenging, you can add in some Bible verses or lesson-related commands.
Freeze Dance (with VBS Music)
Supplies Needed: Music player, VBS music
“Freeze Dance with VBS music is an active game that lets us dance and have a blast while learning!”
This is an active game that will get everyone moving and having fun. Put on some upbeat music and let the kids dance around. When the music stops, they have to freeze in place. You can even make it a competition by seeing who can hold their pose the longest.
Bible Scavenger Hunt (Vacation Bible School Edition)
Supplies Needed: Bibles, List of items to find, Pens/pencils, Paper
“The Bible Scavenger Hunt is a thrilling VBS game that encourages teamwork and Bible exploration!”
This activity is a fantastic way to encourage kids to interact with each other and search for specific items in the Bible. Create a list of items for the kids to find and see who can find them all first. You can even turn it into a race by dividing the group into teams.
Water Balloon VBS Game
Supplies Needed: Water balloons, Towels
“The Water Balloon VBS game is a refreshing and hilarious way to cool off and have fun together!”
Form teams and line them up between start and end points. Give each pair a towel and place a water balloon on the first pair’s towel. Teams must toss and catch the balloon using only the towels, passing it down the line. If dropped or burst, restart from the beginning. First team passing it successfully to the end wins.
Sponge Relay Game for VBS
Supplies Needed: Buckets, Large sponges, Water
“The Sponge Relay Game for VBS is a wet and wild race that brings out our competitive spirit!”
Set up buckets of water at the start and empty buckets at the end. Divide into teams and give each team a large sponge. Teams take turns running with the sponge, soaking it in their water bucket, then squeezing it into their empty bucket. Continue until the start bucket is empty. Team with the most water in their end bucket wins.
Relay Race VBS Game
Supplies Needed: Room to run
“The Relay Race VBS game is a dynamic and varied activity that keeps us moving and cheering for our team!”
Split into teams and line up. The first player runs to a designated spot and back, then the next player goes. Mix it up by having each player travel differently (skip, hop, crabwalk etc.). First team to have all players complete the relay wins.
Bible Trivia Games
Supplies Needed: List of Bible trivia questions, Scoreboard, Pens/pencils, Paper
“Bible Trivia Games are a fantastic way to test our knowledge and learn more about the Bible in a fun setting!”
Divide into teams. Take turns asking Bible trivia questions from a prepared list. Award points for correct answers. Team with the most points at the end wins. Variations include passing an object for wrong answers, acting out clues, or identifying Bible verses read aloud.
Free VBS Curriculum & Activities
Do not let your kids down! Game time is often a favorite rotation in traditional Vacation Bible School programs. Get our simple game ideas, and you will be prepared! This list is simple to use and requires minimal supplies. If you still need teaching material, don’t miss out on the free Vacation Bible School material from Ministry-To-Children.com.
Vacation Bible School Games for Kids (FAQs)
Simon Says is a simple indoor game suitable for preschoolers. In this game, one child is chosen to be Simon while the others become his or her followers. Simon stands in front of the group and gives instructions, such as “Jump up and down” or “Touch your nose.” Only the followers who act on the instruction when Simon says “Simon Says” can participate. If a follower moves when Simon doesn’t say anything, then he or she is out of the game. The last follower remaining in the game wins.
When planning Vacation Bible School (VBS) activities, incorporating simple outdoor VBS games that use water can be a refreshing and fun way to engage children. One popular option is the classic water balloon toss, where children pair up and gently toss a water balloon back and forth, stepping further apart with each successful catch. Another enjoyable game is sponge relay races, where children use large sponges to transfer water from one bucket to another, racing to see who can fill their bucket the fastest. Water balloon tag adds a biblical twist to traditional tag, with children trying to tag each other using water balloons. Incorporating these water-based activities not only keeps children cool but also adds an element of excitement to your Vacation Bible School program.
To make Vacation Bible School (VBS) fun, incorporating a variety of engaging VBS games is essential. Fun VBS games can include both indoor and outdoor activities tailored to different age groups. For instance, VBS games for preschoolers might include simple indoor VBS games like “Bible Verse Memory Match” or “Musical Chairs with a Twist,” which keep the little ones entertained and learning. Easy VBS games such as “Duck, Duck, Goose” or “Simon Says” are great for quick indoor activities. For older kids, VBS recreation games like “Bible Trivia” or “Scavenger Hunts” can be both educational and entertaining. Outdoor VBS games, such as relay races, obstacle courses, and classic tag, can be thrilling and energy-burning. Incorporating a mix of VBS outdoor games and indoor VBS games ensures that every child has a great time, no matter the weather or space constraints. By selecting a range of VBS games for kids, from active outdoor VBS games to more relaxed indoor VBS games, you can create a memorable and fun-filled VBS experience for all participants.
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