These are merely suggestions I've written to give you a starting point for an "active time" during your VBS. Feel free to use them, add to them, or get your own ideas from them. A big thanks to Jessica the Pastor of children's education from my church who implemented these ideas at our VBS this past summer.

Keep in mind, if the leaders are enthusiastic the kids will be. The younger kids (age 3-5) just need simple activities and some room to run around.

Outdoor Fun

If you have a large area outside (a parking lot or a grassy area) mark it off with pylons or whatever you have handy to keep the kids in a certain area. Spend a few minutes on each activity or let the kids play at many different stations. I've seen this work with about 25 (3-5 year olds) and 1 leader to about 4-6 kids.

	kick ball - get a hold of as many balls as you can (the softer the better) and let the kids kick them around or into a net.
	parachute and ball throw- an exercise parachute with handles (you may be able to rent one of these from an event center). Put 1-5 light balls on top of the parachute and let each child hold onto a section of the chute, count to 3 and everyone lifts it up together. Or get everyone to hold the chute at waist height and let the kids bounce the balls around by making waves with the parachute. Kids also enjoy taking turns running under the parachute when it's lifted up high.
	bubbles - buy some bubbles and let the kids pop them and watch them float away.
	slide - we used a small plastic slide we had in our nursery and brought it outside.
	sidewalk chalk - let the kids draw or help them make a hopscotch game.

Ideas for 6-9 year olds:

	Jungle Gym - rent and inflatable jungle gym for the week and take turns in groups using it. (I know this is costly, but its an idea...)
	Basketball hoop - let the kids shoot some hoops, it doesn't have to be something competitive.
	Water balloons - this could be done on the last day or take advantage on a warm day (let the parents know the day before so they can bring a change of clothes wink)
	Make an obstacle course - use whatever you have: hoola-hoops to jump or run over, bounce a basketball 10 times, skipping ropes, garbage cans to run around or throw something into, bean bags, just get creative and brainstorm ideas with the other leaders.

Activity Centers (indoors)

These ideas can be used outdoors as well, but they're good for indoors if weather or space doesn't allow. Small groups or 4-5 at each station for 5-10 minutes works well with these activities. For additional ideas check out the time filler ideas.

	hoola hoops - let the kids use them as they like
	parachute - an exercise parachute with handles (you may be able to rent one of these from an event center). Put 1-5 light balls on top of the parachute and let each child hold onto a section of the chute, count to 3 and everyone lifts it up together. Or get everyone to hold the chute at waist height and let the kids bounce the balls around by making waves with the parachute. Kids also enjoy taking turns running under the parachute when it's lifted up high.
	soccer - a group or 4-5 might be best for this one. Use a large number of balls and let the kids shoot at a net (softer balls are better so no one gets hurt).
	bean bag throw - use a lowered basketball hoop, garbage can and count the amount of bean bags the kids can get in the designated area.
	Games - you'll find various games here you can use indoors or outdoors (like duck, duck, goose and red light/green light).

Printable Version of these Instructions