Lifeway’s Illumination Station is full of engaging lessons and hands-on experiences that keep kids involved and moving from start to finish. It’s one of the things we really appreciate about Lifeway’s VBS. That said, we all know VBS never looks exactly the same from church to church. What works beautifully in one setting might need a little extra support in another.
Sometimes you need a few backup activities to fill unexpected gaps during snack or dinner. Maybe kids show up early and need something to do. Maybe the weather throws you a curveball and plans change on the spot. Extra activities are also great for take-home fun or for using on Sundays after VBS is over. And since not every church is able to purchase the preschool activity materials, some of the free printables here may be a helpful option.
I’m just starting to add resources now, with plenty more coming as we move toward spring.
Everything below is available to download as a PDF and/or image. In many cases, I’ve also included a Canva template link so you can easily adjust things to fit your space, your schedule, and your kids.
If you notice any issues with these resources or have ideas for other things that would be helpful, I’d love to hear your feedback.
- Illuminating Jesus Coloring Pages
- Bible Story Daily Coloring Pages
- Bible Story Coloring Pages – younger kids
- Preschool Coloring Pages with add-on craft options
- Dot Marker Pages
- Playdough Bible Story Mats
- Dot-to-Dot Pages
- Handprint Art (for Toddlers)
- Preschool Photo Craft
- Conversation Starter Cube
ILLUMINATING JESUS COLORING PAGES
Since VBS is all about Illuminating Jesus by “Shining a light on who Jesus really is,” I thought it would be perfect to have coloring pages that illustrate this. On the Director’s page, I also included similar pages with an option to make them into a flyer to invite kids to VBS.
DAILY BIBLE STORY COLORING PAGES
These daily pages include the Daily point, Bible verse, and a coloring page designed for older kids (see below for the younger kiddos). There are two different styles depending on your preference and the ages of the kids. Both are included in the Canva link.
BIBLE STORY COLORING PAGES
Looking for Bible story pictures for younger kiddos? These are simplified but still include the Daily point and Bible Story reference.
PRESCHOOL COLORING CRAFT
A simple coloring page can become a fun little craft with just one easy “add-on “extra” added on. I designed these whimsical pages so kids can glue something onto their picture to emphasize the light. Try using aluminum foil, straws, or even cupcake liners to bring their artwork to life.
I’ve shared a few ideas for some add-ons, but feel free to get creative and use what you already have tucked away in your storage area. A quick look in your closets might surprise you with the perfect supplies!
I provided pages that correspond with the daily theme (with or without the verse) or pages that simply emphasize the light of Jesus. And, of course, you are also free to use the Canva link to update the wording to fit your needs.
Prefer to just use these for coloring pages? Here is a version that works well for that. More options are included in the Canva link above and pdf below.
NEED SOME QUICK EMBELLISHMENTS? THE OPTIONS BELOW ARE EASY AND AFFORDABLE IF YOU DON’T HAVE SOMETHING ON HAND.
If you don’t mind taking a few minutes to fringe the edges of these, they are a super affordable option to make fabulous fireworks!
2″ Circle Holographic Thermal Label Stickers Silver, Self-Adhesive Circle Direct Thermal Labels, Multi-Purpose Roll Sticker Labels for DIY Logo Design, QR Code, Name Tag（ 300 Labels, 1 Roll）
I didn’t find a pack of just yellow cellophane squares, but this multi-colored pack is great if you plan to use other colors in decor like stained glass windows and light boxes.
Ceydoew 120 Pcs Colored Cellophane Sheets, Easily Shaped Cellophane paper, Cellophane Wrap for DIY Crafts, Holiday Decorations, Small Gifts Packaging, Window Decorations. (7.5 x 7.5 Inch)
DOT MARKER PAGES
I love dot marker pages so much! Whether you use paint or stickers, they are such a fun way for the younger kiddos to decorate a page. I’m so used to creating these with animals, so light sources were a bit more challenging for me. When I finished them, honestly, they seemed so boring. So I turned them into characters in hopes that the kiddos would have more fun with them. I’ve included both versions here. I’ve also included a couple options for title pages in case you want to put these together as a take-home booklet.
Need dot markers? They can be a little pricey, but the decent ones last awhile. This set holds up well and has 36 different colors (easy to use with a group). They have other options with more/less markers too.
Shuttle Art Washable Dot Markers 36 Colors with Free Activity Book, Fun Art Supplies for Kids Toddlers and Preschoolers, Non Toxic Water-Based Paint Daubers, Dot Art Markers
Here’s another set I found on Amazon—pretty good reviews and less expensive if you need a smaller batch of markers.
Nicecho Dot Markers, Washable Dot Markers for Kids Toddlers & Preschoolers, 24 Colors Bingo Paint Daubers Marker Kit with Free Activity Book
Full Disclosure: I don’t charge for anything on this site, but as an Amazon Associate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Need an option that is even less messy? Cut off a strip of these 3/4″ circle labels and let the kids color their pictures with stickers and crayons. I love that these are fluorescent colors!
Dot Stickers – Fluorescent Circle Stickers, 3/4 Inch, 1400pcs, Writable Colored in 5 Colors, Neon Labels for Office and Market Sale
PLAYDOUGH BIBLE STORY MATS
The preschool manual is packed full of on-theme activities that are meaningful and engaging. But if you need a little something extra, here are some playdough mats that go right along with the Bible Stories for the week. All you need to do is print and laminate them and they’re ready to go. There are a few different styles to choose from, but they are all in the Canva link and on the downloadable pdf. If you need to save on the budget, there’s also a great recipe for making your own playdough (comes out perfect every time for soft, pliable playdough).
CHALLENGE MATS
Challenge the kids to make a playdough creation that reinforces the Bible Story. Younger kids may need the version with the larger image to duplicate, while older kids may prefer a larger working space.
ADD-ON MATS
Here’s another fun option for playdough mats (often preferred by the younger kiddos). For these, the kids can use their playdough to sculpt items to add to the story picture.
Planning to make your own playdough (or have a volunteer make it)? Cream of Tartar is way cheaper than the grocery store if you buy it in a larger container from somewhere like Amazon. This bag will make about 14 recipes of playdough.
Minimalist Cream of Tartar, For Baking and Stabilizing Egg Whites, Packaged in a Resealable Bag (1 Pound)
No time to make your own playdough? These cans are an easy way to hand it out to lots of kiddos, and this set comes with 65 individual cans! Check out the outstanding reviews.
Play-Doh Ultimate Color Collection 65-Pack of 1-oz Cans, Includes Sparkle, Confetti & Color Burst, Back to School Classroom Supplies, Preschool Toys, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)
Want to allow some free play with the playdough? A bunch of the items in this kit can be used to rebuild the Bible stories.
Dough Tools 36pcs Dough Play Tools Set for Kids with Dough Cutters,Roller,Rolling Pins,Dough Extruder
DOT-TO-DOTS
Here are 5 different dot-to-dot pictures. Choose the pages that highlight “Today’s Point” or use the ones with catchy phrases to go with the theme.
HANDPRINT PICTURES (FOR YOUR LITTLEST ATTENDERS!)
Here’s a little something for your toddlers. What’s sweeter than turning their sweet little handprints into art? Here’s a handprint art page for each day…plus one extra because “Jesus is the LIGHT of the world!” I’ve made these in a color version and an easy-print blackline version. Take your pick!
PRESCHOOL PHOTO CRAFT
Here are some easy pages for the littles. Just snap a picture and cut it out, The kiddos can glue it on and color the page for a sweet little craft to take home. You can send them as or glue them to some construction paper backing. Either way, the parents are sure to love these!
If you prefer to work digitally, you can also upload the pictures to Canva and add them into the page prior to printing. Just click the link for the Canva Template.
Be sure to decide which style you want before taking your pictures. If you decide to make the kiddos the filament (my personal favorite), encourage some fun poses and try to pose them in front of a solid wall…or just use a background eraser before printing.
Cutting out the photos will go a whole lot quicker with a circle punch. Ask around, and you’re likely to find someone in your congregation who has one. Here are some good options if you need to buy one for yourself. The 2.5 inch is perfect for the flashlight pictures.
UCEC Circle Punch, 2.5 Inch Circle Hole Punch, Craft Paper Punches Circles Craft Punch Cutters for Handmade Crafting Scrapbooking Cards Arts Fun Projects
If you are going for the round look on the lightbulb pictures, this 3-inch punch is just the right size.
Paper Punch, 3 inch Circle Hole Punches, Circle Paper Puncher, Large CirclePunch, Large Hole Puncher, CirclePunches for Paper Crafts, CraftPunch, Shape HolePunch, 3 inch PaperPunch for Cardstock
CONVERSATION STARTER CUBE
Snack time?
Arrival time?
Rainy day?
This versatile cube is a great way to get kiddos talking. Put one in each crew bag or on the tables during snack.
OR…Enlarge each square and tape it to the side of a cube-shaped box for even more fun tossing it around a room!
14 responses to “Activities”
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Thank you, these are wonderful resources!
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Thank you!! May God bless you always!! This was amazing!!
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Thank you! I’m so glad this was a help to you.
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Thank you so much for sharing these resources.
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You are so welcome! I’m always so blessed when the resources can be used by others!
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Thank you SO much for these AMAZING items!!!!!
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Thank You so much for this!! May God Bless You and Keep You!!
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You are so very welcome! And may God bless your ministry to kids and families!
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I love that you share these resources. Thank you!
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You are so very welcome! I’m blessed to know that you can use them!
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Love the variety and all the things you’ve made and shared! Can’t wait to share them with kids! I don’t think I can wait until VBS….I think my Sunday School kids may see them before June 🙂
Thank you and may God bless your efforts!Ms. Missy
April 18, 2026-
Thanks so much for your enthusiasm! You made my day! And I love that you are using some of the resources in Sunday School! May the Lord bless your ministry!
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THANK YOU SO MUCH! These are super cute and helpful for a small church! God bless you and continue to use you!
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That is so wonderful to hear! You are more than welcome! Thanks for your kind comments.
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