Games are an integral part of every children’s ministry setting. At children’s church, Sunday school, VBS and camp, attendees enjoy fun activities that reinforce the day’s lesson. Why not increase the fun with some DIY oversized games?
To use games as review tools, you have several options. When children answer a question correctly, they can take a turn at the game. For example, someone can make a move for their team in Tic-Tac-Toe. Another option: When kids complete the task of the game, they have the opportunity to answer a question. For example, after hitting a balloon with a Nerf bow and arrow, they can earn extra points by answering a question.
Most any game will work. Just make the game large enough for the class size. In fact, DIY oversized games are even better! Read on for some ideas you can try.
4 Simple, Effective DIY Oversized Games
1. Plinko
This popular game is from “The Price Is Right” TV show. Players drop a disk from the top of a board. Then it bounces down through a maze of pegs. Eventually, it lands in a slot with a point value assigned to it.
This game is a great way for kids to earn points after answering a question. Or use it to determine how many Bible Bucks a child may receive after answering a question. Plus, Plinko is one of the easiest DIY oversized games to make.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of peg board
- 2 dowel rods that fit securely into the peg board holes
- 3 – 1 x 2 x 8′ boards
- 1 wooden ring (curtain rings work well)
- 2 hinges
Cut the three 8′ boards into 4′ lengths. Frame up the two sides and bottom of the pegboard with 3 of the 4′ pieces. Next, attach two 4′ sections to the top, back sides with the hinges. That creates legs for the board to stand up at a slight backward tilt.
Then cut the remaining 4′ piece into three strips. If your wooden ring is about 3 across, then place the 3 pieces vertically across the bottom every 3 1/2. That creates slots for the ring to fall into. (Some guesswork is required to evenly distribute the three pieces.)
Finally, cut the dowel rods into two lengths and randomly insert them into the peg board. Be sureto leave plenty of room for the ring to bounce around and make it to the bottom. Now decorate it as you like!
2. Quarto
The object is to get 4 of a kind in a row. The trick is that the opponent chooses which piece you have to play.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 – 2′ x 2′ piece of plywood
- 8 square styled post tops
- 8 round styled post tops
- Paint (yellow, red, blue, green)
Create a 4×4-foot checker-style playing board by dividing the plywood into six squares. Paint every other square blue and every other one green. Paint two round post tops yellow and two round post tops red. Finally, paint two square post tops yellow and two square post tops red. That’s it!
The team that gets four of a kind in a straight row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins. The combinations can be 4 red, 4 yellow, 4 round, or 4 square.
3. Mancala
Because the directions for this game are a bit difficult to explain, consider purchasing a smaller version or look up directions online. For now, here’s how to make an oversized version:
Here’s what you need:
- 12 – 5-quart ice cream buckets
- 2 – 10 gallon plastic tubs
- 36 multi-colored 3 foam or plastic balls
Make two rows with 6 buckets in each row, placing 3 balls in each bucket. Then place a tub at each end. Follow the Mancala rules!
4. Tic-Tac-Toe
When it comes to DIY oversized games, this is a favorite standby.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 – 8′ 4 x 4 fence post
- Paint (red and blue)
Cut the post into four cubes. On one side of the cube, paint a large red X. On the opposite side of the cube, paint a large blue O. Then stack four cubes so the X is to the left and the O is to the right. Blank sides should appear on the front, back, top, and bottom.
Next, place the next stack several inches to the right of the first stack and the third stack several inches to the right of the second stack. This will give you room to rotate the cubes.
When a child gives a correct answer and chooses a block, rotate that cube to display the correct emblem, X or O. (Behind-the-scenes joke: Though the winning team sees its emblems in a row, the other team actually has theirs in a row on the back side. I guess we’re all winners!)
What DIY oversized games have you tried in your ministry? Share your creative ideas in the comments below!
