Family-Friendly Church Activities for Summer Break
Summer break is the reset button families often look forward to. With the pace slowing down, it becomes a rare chance to actually enjoy time together without rushing out the door. But fill that time right, and it becomes more than just a break. It becomes a season where kids grow, bonds tighten, and shared memories get made that outlast the heat.
Having meaningful activities in a faith-centered space helps make that growth stick. For families looking to bring in a mix of fun, connection, and purpose to their summer, church-based activities can check a lot of boxes. These are not just filler ideas to keep kids busy. They are ways for parents and children to experience something deeper together, while still keeping it light enough to enjoy the sun.
Summer Services And Worship
Sunday services during the summer often feel a bit more laid back than other times of year. The energy is still there, but with kids out of school and families showing up as a full unit, there is more opportunity to create space that meets everyone where they are.
Some churches, especially those with growing kids ministries, make extra space for families in their weekly worship flow. That might look like intentional moments where kids are included in prayer or music segments that speak to both adults and kids. Sometimes, there is a shorter service just for families that keeps things simple, with easy-to-follow messages and songs that even the littlest ones can sing along to.
Letting children sit in on part of the main service, even briefly, creates moments where they can watch parents and older siblings engage with faith in real life. It models worship in a way that no Sunday class can fully teach. And if your church offers quiet activity bags or family rows, it helps take the pressure off while still keeping the experience shared.
Family-focused Sunday experiences are about involving everyone, not just entertaining the kids. Here’s what a family might look for during summer services:
– Music that’s energetic but not overwhelming for younger ears
– Short, meaningful teaching segments that spark fresh conversation at lunch after church
– Moments in the service where children are blessed, recognized, or prayed over
– Options for young kids if they prefer a classroom setting, to give parents a moment of focus
– Communal encouragement for families who are in different places in their faith journey
A great summer worship experience keeps connection at the center. It says, “There’s a place for you—no matter what your age or energy level looks like this week.” And that kind of foundation can carry a family well beyond just summer.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Vacation Bible School is more than a week of crafts and snacks. At its best, it is a space where faith feels exciting for kids—like their questions, creativity, and energy all have a place to land. Parents usually love it because it is structured and safe, and kids love it because every day feels new.
Each year typically follows a different theme, like exploring stories of courage, learning how to be kind, or learning who Jesus is. The daily setup includes songs, Bible-based storytelling, group games, skits, and small-group discussion times. It is not preachy. It is interactive. The idea is for kids to experience what they are learning, not just hear about it.
One of the biggest wins of VBS is that it gives kids stories they can relate to. Not everything is written in big church words. Staff and volunteers speak the same language kids do. It helps the messages stick without much effort.
A common schedule during a typical week of VBS might include:
1. Morning check-in with music and a high-energy welcome
2. Biblical storytelling through drama or multimedia
3. Game time that ties into the week’s spiritual theme
4. Snacks and crafts that reinforce daily takeaways
5. A short wrap-up session to help kids know how to apply the message
What makes families come back year after year is not just the programming. It’s the way their kids light up coming out each day and the stories they share at dinner. For some, it’s the first time their child feels part of a faith-centered community. And that kind of confidence can follow them way past August.
Outdoor Family Events
Summer in Chesapeake gives families the perfect chance to enjoy the outdoors together. When those warm weekends roll in, parents are often looking for ways to keep their kids active while spending time with other families who share similar values. Outdoor church activities can help make that happen in a relaxed, meaningful way.
These gatherings do not have to be big to be valuable. Even a simple picnic with a few lawn games and some shared food can bring people closer. The focus is less on planning something huge and more on creating space for families to connect with each other. Add in a little structure, like a group prayer to start the day or a kid-friendly devotional, and it becomes more than just time at the park.
Here’s what outdoor gatherings can look like during the summer:
– A water balloon field day with kids, parents, and maybe even a pastors versus youth tug-of-war
– Quiet nature walks or beach outings where families can explore creation together and pause for a short Bible reading or reflection
– Casual backyard evenings with s’mores, worship music, and stories shared around a fire pit
These kinds of moments do not need flashing lights or microphones. What makes them meaningful is the chance for face-to-face connection. They allow kids to see faith outside the church building, and they give adults a chance to relax, share stories, and feel supported too. One dad in Chesapeake talked about how a simple park cookout helped him meet other parents trying to raise their kids with a similar spiritual foundation and how that community gave him more confidence as a parent. When you think about summer goals, that kind of connection ranks pretty high.
Volunteer Opportunities That Strengthen Families
Serving as a family creates a new kind of memory. It’s one thing to talk about helping others. It’s another to spend a few hours side by side, making meals, cleaning up a community space, or organizing supplies for those in need. Summer gives families a freer schedule to lean into those kinds of shared experiences.
Volunteer projects that welcome both kids and adults do not have to be complex. Some of the most lasting takeaways come from simple efforts like bagging lunches for shelters or planting flowers at a local rec center. These opportunities help kids see the impact of their actions early on, and they teach teamwork beyond what they experience at school or during chores at home.
If you are thinking about where to start, here are ideas that work well for multi-age groups:
– Delivering meals or groceries to seniors or families in transition
– Making care packages for hospital staff or first responders
– Helping with a church pantry, sorting items or greeting visitors
– Supporting neighborhood clean-up efforts in parks or school zones
– Writing cards or decorating bookmarks with uplifting messages
Serving is not just about meeting needs. It sets the example. It’s a great way for parents to model faith in action. Over time, it can shape how kids think about their community and their ability to bring light to it. It’s also one of those things kids remember later—the day mom or dad let them take the lead folding laundry for a shelter, or how a stranger smiled and said thank you. Those moments matter, especially when they connect service with purpose.
Making The Most Of Your Summer Together
Every summer will not look the same, but each one brings a fresh opportunity to grow closer as a family and grow in faith. Whether it’s worshiping together on a Sunday morning, watching your child find their voice at VBS, tossing a frisbee on a Saturday, or sharing quiet moments while serving others, these experiences can shape a family in deep and lasting ways.
It does not take perfect planning to make summer meaningful. It just takes showing up. Having activities that feed both fun and faith helps families recharge and sets the tone for the rest of the year. And as your family settles into the rhythms of summer in Chesapeake, staying connected through simple, shared moments might be the best highlight of them all.
Make this summer a season of growth and connection for your family. Commit to discovering a welcoming environment where your kids can thrive and learn about faith in engaging and meaningful ways. Explore how your family can be part of churches for kids activities that make Sundays special and involve little ones in worship. At One City Church, we’re here to help you make the most of these opportunities to strengthen family bonds and deepen your spiritual journey together.