Daniel and the Lions’ Den Activities for Kids: Faith, Courage and Prayer Through Music and Play

Helping Children Learn About Courage, Prayer and Trust in God

The story of Daniel and the lions’ den is one of the best-known Bible stories for children.

It includes danger, courage, prayer and God’s protection. However, it should be introduced gently, especially with toddlers and preschoolers.

Young children do not need frightening descriptions of hungry lions or punishment. The lesson can focus instead on Daniel’s faithfulness, his regular prayer life and his decision to continue trusting God when others tried to stop him.

As a mother of three and the founder of Kids Songs Learning Hub, I prefer Bible activities that allow children to move, sing, create and ask questions.

A child might remember the story by:

• roaring like a lion

• acting out Daniel praying

• making a lion mask

• singing a courage song

• matching story pictures

• creating a prayer routine

• talking about what it means to do the right thing

The purpose is not to frighten children into obedience.

The aim is to help them understand that prayer can be part of everyday life and that courage means choosing what is right, even when something feels difficult.

Where Is the Story of Daniel and the Lions’ Den in the Bible?

The story is found in Daniel chapter 6.

Daniel was trusted because he was dependable and responsible. Some other leaders became jealous and tried to find a reason to accuse him.

They persuaded King Darius to create a law saying that people should pray only to the king for a set period.

Daniel continued praying to God as he had always done.

Because he broke the new law, Daniel was placed in a den of lions. The king was deeply troubled, but the law could not easily be changed.

God protected Daniel, and the lions did not harm him.

The following morning, the king discovered that Daniel was alive and safe.

For children, the central themes can be presented as:

• Daniel was trustworthy.

• Daniel prayed regularly.

• Daniel continued to follow God.

• Daniel showed courage.

• God was with Daniel.

• Jealousy can lead people to make harmful choices.

• We should not pressure others to do what is wrong.

Important Words to Explain Before the Story

Some words in the story may be unfamiliar to young children.

Faithful

Being faithful means remaining committed and trustworthy.

Daniel was faithful in his work and in his relationship with God.

Courage

Courage does not mean never feeling afraid.

It means choosing to do what is right even when you feel nervous or uncertain.

Prayer

Prayer is talking and listening to God.

Daniel made prayer part of his daily life.

Jealousy

Jealousy is an uncomfortable feeling that can happen when someone wants what another person has.

Children can learn that having a jealous feeling does not make them bad, but they should not use that feeling to hurt someone else.

Den

A den is a shelter or resting place used by some animals.

In this Bible story, Daniel was placed in an enclosed space with lions.

Why Use Songs and Activities With This Bible Story?

Young children often learn through repetition, movement and play.

A song can help them remember a simple message such as:

“I can pray when I feel afraid.”

A movement game can help them explore words such as:

• brave

• quiet

• strong

• faithful

• gentle

• prayerful

Crafts and picture activities can also help children retell the story without needing to memorise every detail.

Songs and activities should support Bible learning, not replace the Bible story or conversation with a trusted adult.

Daniel and the Lions’ Den Song

Use a short original song that children can repeat easily.

Daniel Prayed Every Day

Daniel prayed every day,

 Daniel prayed every day.

 Morning, noon and evening too,

 Daniel trusted God was true.

Lions rested through the night,

 God kept Daniel safe till light.

 Daniel prayed and Daniel knew,

 God was near and God was true.

Simple actions

• Place hands together for “prayed.”

• Point upward for “God.”

• Hold up three fingers for morning, noon and evening.

• Make gentle lion paws.

• Rest hands beneath the cheek for night.

• Open arms wide for morning light.

For toddlers, sing only the first four lines.

For older children, add verses about courage, honesty and doing what is right.

Daniel and the Lions’ Den Activities for Kids

1. Gentle Lion Movement Game

The activity helps children use movement while learning that the lions did not harm Daniel.

Call out different lion actions:

• walk slowly like a lion

• stretch like a lion

• yawn like a sleepy lion

• sit quietly like a resting lion

• make soft lion paws

• freeze when you hear “Daniel is praying”

Avoid encouraging very loud roaring in small spaces or around children who are sensitive to noise.

Learning conversation

Ask:

• How do lions usually move?

• Were the lions able to hurt Daniel?

• Who protected Daniel?

• How do you think Daniel felt?

There is no need to insist that children name one exact emotion. Daniel may have felt afraid, calm, hopeful or several emotions at once.

2. Daniel’s Prayer Window Craft

Daniel prayed near his window.

Create a simple paper window craft.

You will need

• paper

• crayons

• child-safe scissors

• glue

• folded paper strips

• optional star or cloud stickers

Instructions

1. Fold a sheet of paper in half.

2. Draw two window panels.

3. Cut the panels with adult help.

4. Open the paper like a window.

5. Draw Daniel praying behind it.

6. Add a sky, buildings, stars or clouds.

7. Write a short prayer inside.

Possible prayer:

“Dear Heavenly God, help me to be brave and choose what is right. Amen.”

Safety

Adults should supervise all cutting and gluing.

Use large craft pieces for younger children to reduce choking risk.

3. Lion Face Paper Plate Craft

Create a friendly lion face rather than a frightening one.

Materials

• paper plate

• orange, yellow or brown paper

• crayons

• child-safe glue

• wool or paper strips

• large craft eyes, with close supervision

Instructions

1. Colour the centre of the plate.

2. Add paper ears.

3. Draw the eyes, nose and mouth.

4. Glue strips of paper or wool around the edge for the mane.

5. Write one courage word on the back.

Courage words might include:

• brave

• faithful

• honest

• kind

• prayerful

• trustworthy

Extension

Ask the child to finish this sentence:

“I can be brave when…”

They may say:

• I start something new.

• I tell the truth.

• I ask for help.

• I apologise.

• I pray.

• I stand up for someone.

4. Daniel Story Sequencing Cards

Create simple picture cards showing the main events.

Suggested cards:

1. Daniel works faithfully.

2. The leaders become jealous.

3. A new law is made.

4. Daniel continues praying.

5. Daniel is taken to the lions’ den.

6. God protects Daniel.

7. The king finds Daniel safe.

8. Daniel is brought out of the den.

Ask children to place the cards in order.

For younger children

Use four cards:

1. Daniel prayed.

2. Daniel entered the lions’ den.

3. God protected Daniel.

4. Daniel came out safely.

Discussion prompt

Ask:

“Which part of the story shows courage?”

More than one answer may be reasonable.

5. Courage or Unkind Choice Sorting Game

Create picture cards showing different situations.

Ask children to sort them into:

• courageous and kind choices

• unkind or unsafe choices

Courageous and kind choices

• telling the truth

• asking an adult for help

• including someone in a game

• praying when worried

• saying sorry

• speaking calmly

• helping someone who is hurt

Unkind or unsafe choices

• making up a lie about someone

• excluding someone because of jealousy

• pressuring a friend to do something wrong

• laughing when someone is afraid

• hiding a dangerous situation from a trusted adult

Explain that children should never be expected to handle unsafe situations alone.

Courage can mean telling a trusted adult.

6. Daniel’s Three Prayer Times Activity

Daniel had regular prayer habit.

Use this story to create three simple prayer moments:

Morning prayer

“Thank You, God, for a new day. Help me make kind choices.”

Midday prayer

“God, please help me with what I am doing today.”

Evening prayer

“Thank You for being with me. Please help me rest.”

Children do not have to use these exact words.

They can pray silently, speak one sentence or name one thing for which they are thankful.

Prayer should be encouraged gently, not forced.

7. Lion Number Hunt

Hide paper lions around the room.

Number them from 1 to 10.

Ask children to:

• find the lions

• place them in number order

• count them

• match them to number cards

• identify which number comes before or after another

For toddlers, use numbers 1 to 5.

For older children, write simple addition problems on the lions.

Example:

• 2 + 1

• 4 + 2

• 5 - 1

8. Quiet as a Lion Listening Game

Explain that the lions remained unable to harm Daniel.

Invite children to sit quietly and listen.

Ask them to identify sounds such as:

• footsteps

• a clock

• birds

• traffic

• wind

• someone turning a page

After 20 to 30 seconds, ask:

• What could you hear?

• Which sound was closest?

• Which sound was quietest?

• Was it easy or difficult to sit still?

This can become a calm transition before prayer or story time.

9. Trustworthy Like Daniel Chart

Daniel was known as dependable and trustworthy.

Create a simple weekly chart with actions such as:

• I put away my belongings.

• I told the truth.

• I helped someone.

• I completed a task.

• I used kind words.

• I asked for help when I needed it.

• I remembered to pray.

Avoid using the chart as a punishment system.

The purpose is reflection and encouragement, not perfection.

Adults should also recognise effort, honesty and improvement.

10. Build a Lions’ Den

Use:

• cardboard boxes

• cushions

• blankets

• large building blocks

• toy lions

• paper figures

Children can create a pretend den and retell the story.

Important safety rules

• Keep the play area open and visible.

• Do not seal children inside boxes.

• Do not place blankets over faces.

• Avoid climbing on unstable furniture.

• Supervise the activity throughout.

Children can place a paper Daniel inside the den rather than entering it themselves.

11. Lion Sound and Emotion Activity

Ask children to make different lion sounds:

• happy lion

• sleepy lion

• surprised lion

• worried lion

• gentle lion

• excited lion

Then connect the activity to emotions.

Ask:

• How might Daniel have felt?

• How might the king have felt?

• How might the jealous leaders have felt?

• What can we do when we feel jealous?

• Who can we talk to when we feel worried?

Teach children that uncomfortable emotions are normal.

What matters is how we respond to them.

12. Prayer Chain Craft

Cut paper strips and write one prayer or gratitude idea on each strip.

Possible prompts:

• Thank You for my family.

• Help someone who is worried.

• Help me be honest.

• Help me show kindness.

• Thank You for animals.

• Help me choose what is right.

Join the strips to form a paper chain.

Add one new strip each day.

Do not write private or sensitive information on a chain that will be publicly displayed.

A Simple Daniel and the Lions’ Den Lesson Plan

This activity plan can be used at home, in church, in Sabbath school or in a small learning group.

Welcome activity

Let children colour a friendly lion picture.

Opening song

Sing “Daniel Prayed Every Day.”

Bible story

Read or retell Daniel chapter 6 using age-appropriate language.

Movement activity

Play the gentle lion movement game.

Main craft

Create the prayer window or lion face craft.

Discussion

Ask three simple questions:

1. What did Daniel do every day?

2. What happened in the lions’ den?

3. What can we do when something feels difficult?

Prayer

Invite children to say one short prayer or listen quietly.

Closing activity

Complete the story sequencing cards.

For young children, keep the whole lesson between 20 and 30 minutes.

Older children may enjoy a longer discussion.

Discussion Questions for Different Ages

Toddlers

• What animal was in the story?

• Can you make lion paws?

• What was Daniel doing?

• Who kept Daniel safe?

Preschoolers

• Why did Daniel pray?

• What did the other leaders do?

• Was Daniel honest?

• What can you do when you feel afraid?

Children Ages Five to Eight

• Why were the leaders jealous of Daniel?

• Why did Daniel continue praying?

• Was the king happy about the law later?

• How can jealousy affect our choices?

• What does it mean to be trustworthy?

• When should we ask an adult for help?

Older children

• Why was Daniel respected in his work?

• What can happen when a law is unfair?

• How can a person remain faithful without treating others disrespectfully?

• What is the difference between courage and recklessness?

• Why is prayer important even when life is going well?

What Children Can Learn From Daniel

Prayer Can Become a Regular Habit

Daniel did not pray only when he was in trouble.

Prayer was already part of his daily routine.

Children can learn that prayer may include:

• gratitude

• asking for help

• praying for others

• admitting mistakes

• listening quietly

• praising God

Courage Does Not Mean Taking Unsafe Risks

Daniel’s courage came from his faithfulness to God.

Children should not be encouraged to place themselves in danger to prove that they trust God.

Teach them to:

• follow appropriate safety rules

• tell a trusted adult about danger

• seek help

• avoid unsafe dares

• pray while also taking sensible action

Jealousy Must Be Handled Carefully

The leaders allowed jealousy to influence their behaviour.

Children can learn healthier responses:

• talk about the feeling

• avoid comparing constantly

• celebrate another person’s success

• ask for help

• focus on their own progress

• choose not to harm or exclude others

Trust Is Built Through Daily Choices

Daniel was respected because he was responsible.

Trustworthiness can be practised through small actions:

• keeping promises

• completing tasks

• admitting mistakes

• returning borrowed items

• using truthful words

• treating others fairly

  
  

Daniel and the Lions’ Den Snack Ideas

Food activities are optional and must be adapted for allergies, choking risks and family preferences.

Lion Face Toast

Use:

• toast

• a suitable spread

• banana slices

• soft fruit

• grated cheese or thin vegetable strips

Arrange the food to create a lion face.

Lion Fruit Plate

Create a lion shape using:

• orange segments

• banana slices

• berries

• soft melon

Cut food into age-appropriate sizes.

Golden Lion Crackers

Use plain crackers with a suitable spread and soft toppings.

Food safety

• Check allergies before serving.

• Supervise young children.

• Avoid hard, round foods that may cause choking.

• Cut grapes and similar foods appropriately.

• Follow local food-safety guidance.

• Do not use food as a reward for good behaviour.

Free Printable: Daniel and the Lions’ Den Activity Pack

Continue the Bible lesson with a printable activity pack children can use away from the screen.

The printable could include:

✓ Daniel story sequencing cards

 ✓ Friendly lion colouring page

 ✓ Daniel’s prayer window craft

 ✓ Courage or unkind choice sorting page

 ✓ Lion number hunt

 ✓ Trustworthy like Daniel chart

 ✓ Three prayer times page

 ✓ Lion movement cards

 ✓ Prayer chain prompts

 ✓ My Courage Prayer page

 ✓ Daniel and the Lions’ Den certificate

Download the printable here: 👉Daniel and the Lions’ Den Activity Pack

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is the Daniel and the lions’ den story suitable for?

The story can be introduced to toddlers, preschoolers and primary-age children.

For younger children, focus on prayer, courage and God’s protection.

Avoid frightening details about the lions or punishment.

Is the story too frightening for preschoolers?

It can be if it is told with graphic or dramatic details.

Use gentle pictures, calm language and friendly lion activities.

Explain that Daniel was protected and came out safely.

What is the main lesson of Daniel and the lions’ den?

The story includes several lessons:

• regular prayer

• faithfulness

• honesty

• courage

• trust in God

• the danger of jealousy

• the consequences of unfair decisions

Choose one or two themes depending on the child’s age.

Should children be taught to ignore laws like Daniel did?

The story should not be used to encourage children to ignore ordinary safety rules, school rules or trusted adults.

Explain that Daniel faced a unique situation where he was being ordered to stop worshipping God.

Children should speak with a trusted adult when they are confused about a rule or believe something is unsafe or wrong.

Can we use lion songs with this lesson?

Yes, provided the song is suitable and does not distract from the Bible message.

Original songs about courage, prayer and God’s care work well.

Check copyright before copying or publishing someone else’s lyrics or recordings.

Can this lesson be used in Sabbath school?

Yes.

The activities can be adapted for Sabbath school, children’s church, home worship or Christian learning groups.

Keep the lesson age-appropriate and follow your church’s safeguarding procedures.

What should I do if my child becomes worried about the lions?

Pause the story and reassure them.

You might say:

“This story has a happy ending. Daniel was protected and came out safely.”

Allow the child to step away from the activity.

Do not force them to look at pictures or act out the den.

Helpful Related Resources

Add links to relevant published pages such as:

• Bible Songs for Kids

• Noah’s Ark Song and Animal Activities

• Creation Songs and Activities for Kids

• David and Goliath Courage Activities

• Free Preschool Printable Library

Final Thoughts

Daniel and the lions’ den gives families an opportunity to talk about prayer, courage, honesty and trust.

Children can explore the story by:

• singing a simple prayer song

• moving like gentle lions

• creating a prayer window

• sequencing the story

• discussing jealousy

• practising trustworthy choices

• making a prayer chain

• saying a short courage prayer

The lesson does not need to be complicated.

Read the story gently.

Choose one song and one activity.

Allow children to ask questions.

Then connect Daniel’s example to a simple idea they can understand:

We can pray, tell the truth, ask for help and choose what is right.

Faith, Educational and Activity Disclaimer

This article is provided for general Christian family learning and educational purposes. It is not theological, medical, therapeutic, developmental or professional educational advice.

Parents, carers, churches and educators should adapt the story and activities to the child’s age, emotional needs, abilities and family beliefs.

Songs, prayer activities and Bible lessons do not guarantee behavioural, emotional, developmental, academic or faith outcomes.

Always supervise children during movement, crafts, food activities and pretend play. Check all materials for choking, allergy, sensory and injury risks.

Do not use this story to encourage children to enter unsafe situations, ignore appropriate safeguarding rules or handle danger without adult help.

Children should be encouraged to tell a trusted adult when they feel unsafe, pressured, threatened or worried.