Spring is in the air.  I know this because I have heard the call of the Cooee bird (the common koel) in my neighbourhood, and that is a sure sign that the warmer weather is here.  I have been spurred on to deep-clean my house, and that got me thinking about our Children’s Church spaces.

As the seasons shift, it’s the perfect time to refresh your Children’s Church space. A well-loved room can become a sacred playground for faith, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re working with a classroom or a multi-use hall, here are some budget-friendly ways to renew your space and reignite hearts.

Create Purposeful Zones That Invite Engagement

Instead of one open area, divide your space into zones.

• Bible Story Circle: A rug, soft seating, and a storytelling chair set the tone for sacred moments.
• Craft Corner: Easy-clean surfaces, organised supplies, and an area for crafts to dry.
• Prayer Corner: A quiet corner with soft lighting, scripture on posters, and Bibles.
• Activity Zone: Open space for praise and worship, teaching and games.

Visual boundaries like curtains, rugs, or low shelves help kids navigate the space with ease.

Use Colour to Spark Joy and Calm

A fresh coat of paint or a few vibrant accents can transform your room:

• Choose spring colours that are also calming, using tones like soft blues and greens, or energising hues like sunny yellow.
• Add removable wall decals with scripture or seasonal themes.
• Cushions, rugs,

When parents see a Children’s Church space that is clean, colourful, and with thought put into its presentation, it assures them that their children are important and well-cared for. 

Decor That Tells Your Story

Let your walls do the talking:

• Display photos of kids and volunteers in action.
• Feature DIY scripture art made by the children.
• Create themed bulletin boards that change with your lessons.

These touches remind kids that Children’s Church is their space and that they belong there.  And when parents see a Children’s Church space that is clean, colourful, and with thought put into its presentation, it assures them that their children are important and well-cared for. 

Rethink Furniture for Flexibility

You don’t need fancy furniture—just functional arrangements:

• Rearrange tables into clusters or a “U” shape for teaching and teamwork.
• Use mobile shelving for easy access and traffic flow.
• Swap adult chairs for kid-sized seating that fits the space.

Check local schools or church members for gently used pieces. Even benches with storage bases can double as seating and supply holders.

Bring the Outdoors In

Spring and summer are bursting with life—reflect that in your space:

• Add nature-themed murals or posters.
• Use potted plants or faux greenery to soften corners.
• Hang sun catchers or paper butterflies made by the kids.

Adapt for Summer’s Rhythms

Summer often brings fluctuating attendance and volunteer schedules, so embrace flexibility:

• Try a Kid’s Club style of curriculum that has a more relaxed approach without compromising spiritual content.
• Move furniture and chairs to adapt the room for different group sizes.
• Plan low-prep activities that still pack a spiritual punch—like outdoor object lessons or storytelling picnics.
• Here in Australia, summer includes Christmas and New Year celebrations.  Start planning now, especially if you will need to present a Christmas item in Big Church.

The arrival of spring and summer may bring a flurry of extra tasks around your Children’s Church space, but embracing the season and all its possibilities will energise your efforts and prepare you for  joyful, fruitful months with your Church kids and their families.

Here are some distinctly refreshing lessons for this season!

Wash the Dishes! Jesus confronts the Pharisees. There’s a playful rhyme to introduce the morning. Dina, the dishwasher, teaches the Memory Verse. Children play a game of cup stacking and decorate party cups filled with treats to share.

Download the free lesson here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Wash-the-Dishes.pdf

Do You Smell? 2 Corinthians 2:14-17. Begin the lesson with a Smell-a-thon. Learn how to spread the aroma of Jesus! The ‘Smell Catcher’ visits to catch the scent of the Memory Verse! Play a game of PONG and make some scented crafts.

Download the free lesson here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Do-You-Smell.pdf