The idea of taking a day of rest seems utterly revitalizing to most adults… However, not so much for kids. I still remember my parents coming out of their room, sleep-deprived and utterly tired of my brother and I, who had disturbed their Saturday afternoon nap after deciding that now was the best time to argue over lunch’s leftovers. Unfortunately for them, we didn’t feel the same way about ‘rest.’
When God commanded us to rest on the ‘seventh day,’ He was simultaneously clear in His direction and not as clear as we so often wish God was in His instruction. If you haven’t seen the commandment, or if you need a reminder, let’s start at the source.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
Exodus 20:8-11, ESV
So, we know that we should not work and that we should not make others work. That much is clear. But what is considered work? Do we attend parties or sports games? Do we allow for community service? Do we do our dishes?
The first thing to remember is that God made the Sabbath for us. For as Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, ESV). It wasn’t as a punishment. God knows we need rest from our work—time to spend in the company of Him and of others. The Bible also states that:In this passage, Paul clears up that tricky issue of not having exact examples at hand. Here, we see the discussion over the days of the feasts are among other issues of the church. Paul makes clear that with these somewhat general rules in the Bible, that it is up to each man’s conscience how he acts.
So, according to the commandment, we should abstain from work and then do whatever brings us rest and peace on the Sabbath.
Unfortunately, children and being peaceful do not often go hand in hand. If you’ve ever sat your children in a particularly long lecture or service of any kind, (or even just heard other people’s children), you’ll know that sitting quietly in peaceful reflection doesn’t really make sense when you have the whole world to explore and discover.
Although we recognize that church itself is respected as a space of learning and growth, the rest of the day is the challenge. Keeping a day set apart is difficult when all kids want to do is fill it up with fun. Fortunately, spending time with God and having fun don’t actually need to be separate things. In fact, even in the Bible, we see no particular set formula for what connecting with God on the Sabbath has to look like.Instead of giving us a rule book, God gave us something more important—the chance to know and love Him in a variety of different ways.
So, don’t worry—we’ve got you! To help maintain the family peace and hopefully make Sabbath actually a day of rest, we’ve curated a list of twelve activities that inspire a fun and fulfilling day of connection with God.
Activity 1) Art
As classic as coloring in and drawing can be, this activity is perfect for when you need those quiet moments during a church service or when you need to wind down after a busy morning. But it doesn’t have to just be for the kids. This art can be for any skill level or any age! Pack a simple coloring book for the youngest, and consider developing challenges (such as getting them to draw a certain figure) or providing more complex pictures to color in for older children. This kind of art has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, along with improving concentration, allowing those with busy brains to stay on task and actually listen during those longer ‘quiet-time’ moments. Adults can join in, too! Many find coloring or sketching to be a calming way to relieve the hustle and bustle of life, helping them stay engaged (instead of zoning out or fighting off sleep).
Want to take it up a notch? Try using a coloring Bible or Bible verse cards for a creative activity that’s both relaxing and spiritually enriching.Activity 2) Nature Time
It’s well-known that keeping in touch with nature is vital to ensure our health and well-being. For many Christians, nature is not only a way of staying grounded but also a way to reflect on God’s love and power. Why not make it a family tradition to step outside and enjoy it together? Whether it’s reading the Bible under the shade of a tree, sharing a picnic, hiking through the bush, or cooling off with a swim, these moments help us pause and reconnect—not just with nature, but with Him.
In Genesis, we’re reminded of how Adam walked with God in the garden, a beautiful image of communion with our Creator. Spending time in nature gives us a chance to step into that moment, to feel at one with God and the incredible gifts He’s given us to enjoy.
Activity 3) Adventure Day
Why not take your Sabbath nature appreciation to the next level with an adventure day? In our family, this means picking an exciting, nature-inspired destination to explore together. The fun starts right in the car! Whether it’s a short drive or a mini road trip, we love listening to or reading a Bible story that sets the tone for the day. Once we arrive, we dive into a thoughtful chat about the story—often with nature as the perfect backdrop for inspiration.
Then, it’s all about creating memories! From picnicking at the beach and hunting for shells, sticks, or cool rocks to snorkelling or simply wandering through the beauty of God’s creation, the options are endless. It’s a mix of discovery, connection, and just plain fun! Bonus: the kids will sleep so well afterward!Activity 4) Connecting with the Community
In Luke 13:10-17, we see Jesus spending the Sabbath with His community—healing, engaging, and making meaningful connections. His actions remind us of the beauty of using the Sabbath to bond with loved ones and reach out to those who may need some extra care. Why not follow His example?
Consider visiting a retirement home to brighten someone’s day, or simply organizing a casual hangout with neighbors. And let’s not forget the magic of sharing food! While community picnics and potlucks are classics, why not mix things up with a community breakfast? There’s no better way to make new friends than over a stack of fresh pancakes and some great conversations!
Activity 5) Writing Letters
As the Sabbath is God’s token of love to us, don’t be afraid to share that appreciation with others. Letters are a simple but effective way to let those long-distance loved ones know that they’re in our thoughts and prayers. Get the kids involved with fun crafts or artwork to make each note extra special, and try thinking of heartfelt messages to include. Then, watch as this activity becomes more than just a creative outlet—but a way to teach kindness and connection. Plus, who doesn’t love the surprise of finding something cheerful and unexpected in the mail? It’s a small gesture that can brighten someone’s entire week!
Activity 6) Bible Book Club
Similar to a Bible study, try reading either a book of the Bible or a Christian story together, and afterward, each share certain points they thought stood out. For a fun twist, get each member to read a different book, sharing why they think others should read it too in only one sentence. Then, they can spend as much time as they would like to discuss points they thought were interesting.
Activity 7) Join a Pathfinders or Adventurers Club
Did you know there are over 30,000 active Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs around the world? Chances are, there’s one in your area! These clubs are perfect for kids aged 4 to 18, offering age-specific groups where they can dive into fun, hands-on activities. From mastering outdoor survival skills to exploring Bible stories and learning timeless principles like kindness and teamwork, there’s something for everyone. It’s a place where faith meets adventure, friendships bloom, and kids discover how to make the most of their Sabbath while growing closer to God and each other! If you’re interested in finding a club, contact our team using the Whatsapp button below, and ask where your nearest Pathfinder or Adventurer club is located.
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If you’re interested in finding out about a church or Pathfinder club in your area, or simply want to know more about Sabbath, contact us directly here.
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Activity 8) Family Games
Stuck at home? Try some Bible-based family games! This could be Bible charades, Guess Who, Would-You-Rather, or Scattergories, just to name a few. But don’t let this list confine you! If you’re still uninterested, you can even create your own games. For example, try assigning each member of the family a Bible story to use as inspiration, then provide a few sheets of paper, some cardboard, pens or pencils, and glue. Within a certain time frame (for example, 30 minutes to an hour), see what each member can come up with, and finally, play all of the games together.
Activity 9) Musical Memories
Music is the backbone of many worship services, and there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy it together at home, too! If any family members can sing or play instruments, try playing worship songs as a family. Those without an instrument can have the challenge of fashioning something they can play along with—whether bucket drums, rice bottle maracas, or an elastic band banjo; everyone can have fun.
Activity 10) Festive Food
Trying out a new recipe or incorporating a special meal into the day can always be a good way to make the day extra exciting. Get creative and make it a team effort—pair up younger and older family members to tackle different dishes, like one group whipping up a delicious main course while the other crafts a decadent dessert. Or stick with a tried-and-true favorite, like a family pizza night. Whatever you choose, this is an activity everyone can enjoy.
Activity 11) Gratitude Journals
Encouraging gratitude is always important, as the Bible reaffirms us to ‘rejoice always’ in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Gratitude journals are a great way to reinforce this mindset, leaving a lasting sense of joy that can carry on throughout the week. Give each member a small notebook to write down their best memories from the day or the week. Before you know it, you’ll all be feeling just that little bit better.
Activity 12) Stargazing
The fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Take some mats and blankets, and go somewhere with a good view of the stars – whether out in nature, in your own backyard, or even on the floor facing a window. As you spend time together, allow for thoughtful reflection or discussions on God’s love for us.
About the Author
Azaria is a passionate young writer devoted to exploring and sharing the truth of God’s Word. With a heart for faith and a love for storytelling, she seeks to inspire and engage readers on their spiritual journeys.
Azaria Jones
NSW, Australia
