9 Creative Summer Sunday Ideas for Kids Ministry

Let’s be honest, summer is a whole vibe. Kids are out of school, families are taking vacations, and routines are shifting. So, why not let your kids ministry take on a different rhythm too?

Here are some fresh ways to help your summer Sunday program feel just different enough to spark curiosity, joy, and deeper connection with God and others.

1. Embrace the Season with a New Rhythm

Switch it up! Use the summer as a chance to lean into a fresh pace. Try checking out one of our other curriculums like God Rocks! or Awesome Animals to change things up.

2. Let Play Lead the Way

Summer is a time for play—and yes, play is spiritual formation, too. Include more games, imagination, and movement. A storytelling relay, nature scavenger hunt, or water balloon object lesson can really stick.

Use our search function to find more interactive games and creative lesson ideas. Let the gospel be heard and felt.

3. Get Creative with Sunday Rotations

Try a mini VBS-style rotation approach on Sundays: rotate kids through stations like music, storytelling, crafts, and active games.

In fact, take one of our four VBS programs and use that curriculum content over the course of the summer. It helps volunteers focus, and kids get variety that keeps them engaged.

4. Bring the Summer Camp Vibe to Church

Lean into the camp theme! Decorate with twinkle lights, faux campfires, and paper lanterns. Invite volunteers to be “camp counselors” for the day and open with silly songs, cheers, or Bible chants.

In fact, you could utilize the Campfire VBS curriculum spread over your Summer Sundays.
Fun doesn’t compete with formation—it enhances it.

5. Take Ministry Outdoors

If you’ve got a patch of grass, you’ve got a classroom. Bring a blanket and a Bible and let kids experience God in creation.

Use a tablet to share the video lesson outside.
Let the beauty of God’s world become your learning environment.

6. Empower Kids to Lead

Let kids co-lead. Invite them to tell the Bible story using Lego or act it out with props.

Give them a microphone (literally or metaphorically) to share what they’re learning.
You’ll be amazed what rises to the surface when they’re trusted to lead.

You may find this is an incredible experience you want to implement into throughout your regular flow of the year.

7. Create Intergenerational Moments

Consider a once-a-month intergenerational church experience—maybe a storytelling time where a senior shares their faith journey, or a collaborative art project that spans the ages.

It reminds kids they’re part of a whole church family, not just a ministry silo.

8. Celebrate Summer Milestones and Moments

Start summer with a kick-off party (bubbles and popsicles are always a win). Celebrate birthdays and milestones.

End summer with a “Blessing the Backpacks” moment or a prayer of sending for the new school year.

Marking time matters in kids’ spiritual memory.

9. Simplify While Staying Intentional

It’s okay if you need to pare down for the summer. Fewer volunteers?

Use that as an opportunity to simplify and focus on relational connection.

You don’t need a production—just create space for God’s story to come alive in meaningful ways.

Rediscover Wonder in Your Summer Ministry

Summer gives us permission to experiment a little—and maybe even rediscover the wonder in our own faith.

So breathe deep, get a little silly, and watch what God does with loaves, fishes, and craft sticks.