I still remember the night I planned what I thought was the perfect Activity Day.
I had supplies for eight girls.
A structured lesson.
A cute craft that required “pairing up.”
And then… only three girls walked in.
Three.
Suddenly, everything felt… awkward.
The craft didn’t make sense anymore.
The group activity felt a little forced.
And I found myself scrambling, trying to shrink something that was never designed to be odd numbered.
And I know I “should” say, it’s going to be okay (because it was).
But if you’ve ever sat in that moment—wondering how to make a tiny group feel meaningful instead of uncomfortable—you are not alone.
And here’s the truth most people don’t say out loud:
Small Activity Day groups require a completely different approach.
Why Small Groups Feel So Hard (But Don’t Have to Be)
When you’re working with a larger group, energy fills the room naturally.
And activities feel full.
But in a small group?
- Silence feels loud
- Structure might feel rigid
That can feel like pressure—but it’s actually your biggest opportunity.
Because small groups allow something bigger groups can’t:
Connection.
Not surface-level fun and not just keeping them busy.
But real, meaningful interaction that the kids will remember.
The Lesson I Learned the Hard Way
After that “three kids showed up” night, I stopped trying to scale down big activities.
Instead, I started asking a different question:
“What would feel meaningful if this were one-on-one?”
Like how Jesus builds relatinships.
One-on-one.
That shift changed everything.
Because small groups don’t need more planning.
They need intentional simplicity.
So let’s get started!
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25 LDS Activity Day Ideas for Small Groups
These ideas are designed specifically for 2–5 children.
So there’s no awkward pairings, no forced energy.
Just meaningful, simple connection.
1. “Get to Know You” Question Night
Bring simple question cards like:
- What makes you feel brave?
- When do you feel closest to Heavenly Father?
Let the conversation guide the night.
2. Simple Craft + Conversation
Think:
- Bracelet making
- Scripture journals
- Decorate bookmarks
The goal isn’t the craft—it’s the talking that happens during it.
I’ve learned boys are less interested in crafts, but are more interested in building.
A few building ‘crafts’ might include:
- Pinewood derby cars
- Birdhouse
- Lego building blocks
3. Scripture Story Circle
Read a short story together. Then ask:
- What stood out to you?
- What would you have done?
Small groups make this feel safe and personal.
4. Bake Something Together
Cooking naturally fills silence.
Plus, it creates teamwork without pressure.
5. Gospel-Themed Game Night
Modify simple games:
- Scripture charades
- Gospel trivia
- “Would You Rather” with values-based questions
6. Service Project (Small but Meaningful)
Ideas:
- Write notes to someone in need (or missionaries)
- Assemble small care kits for a new mom or someone sick
- Draw pictures for younger children
7. Testimony Sharing Night
Keep it light and optional.
Even one girl opening up can make the whole night meaningful.
8. Goal Setting + Vision Boards
Talk about:
- Who they want to become
- What matters most to them
- How Christ shapes their identity
9. “Quiet Creation” Night
Set up art supplies and calming music.
Let them create freely while you talk one-on-one.
🚶♀️ 10. Walk and Talk
Take a simple walk.
Side-by-side conversations often feel easier than face-to-face.
💌 11. Kindness Challenge Night
Have each girl:
- Write a note
- Plan one act of kindness
Follow up next week.
🧁 12. Cupcake Decorating Night
Fun, low pressure, and naturally interactive.
📚 13. Read + Reflect
Short story, scripture, or quote.
Then ask one simple question.
🎤 14. “Share Your Favorite” Night
Each girl brings:
- A favorite song
- A favorite object
- A favorite memory
🧩 15. Puzzle + Talk Night
Hands busy = hearts open.
🌼 16. Gratitude Jar Activity
Each girl writes things she’s thankful for.
Take turns reading them.
🧘♀️ 17. “Peaceful Night”
Teach:
- Breathing
- Quiet reflection
- Prayer journaling
🎁 18. Secret Service Assignment
Each girl secretly serves another during the week.
Reveal later.
📸 19. Memory-Making Night
Take photos, create mini scrapbooks.
🧵 20. Simple Sewing or DIY
Small projects feel more doable in tiny groups.
🎶 21. Music + Meaning Night
Play a song. Ask:
- What did you feel?
- What did you learn?
🪴 22. Plant Something Together
Symbolic and memorable.
💭 23. “What Would You Do?” Scenarios
Talk through real-life situations.
📖 24. Personal Progress/Goal Work
Help them individually.
Small groups make this easier.
❤️ 25. Just Talk
No plan. Just presence.
Sometimes that’s what they need most.
What Makes These Work (The Strategy Behind Them)
These ideas aren’t just random—they’re built on 3 simple principles:
1. Keep Hands Busy
Crafts, food, or movement reduce pressure.
2. Lower the Structure
Rigid plans feel awkward in small groups.
Flexibility creates comfort.
3. Focus on Connection Over Perfection
You don’t need a “perfect activity.”
You need a meaningful moment.
A Story That Changed How I Led
A few weeks after that rough night, I tried something different.
No big plan. No complicated setup.
Just hot chocolate and a simple question:
“What’s something that’s been hard lately?”
At first, silence.
Then one girl spoke.
Then another.
And before I knew it, we weren’t “doing an activity” anymore…
We were connecting.
That night, nothing looked Pinterest-perfect.
But it mattered more than any perfectly planned activity I had ever done.
The Real Goal of Activity Days
It’s easy to think your job is to:
- Keep them entertained
- Fill the time
- Follow a plan
But the real goal is simpler—and deeper:
Help each girl feel seen, valued, and loved.
Small groups don’t limit that.
They amplify it.
If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed Right Now
If you’re staring at your calendar, unsure what to plan…
If you’re worried it won’t be “enough”…
If your group feels too small to matter…
Here’s what I want you to remember:
You don’t need more girls.
You don’t need a better plan.
You just need to show up with intention.
Because the girl who comes?
She came for a reason.
And what feels small to you…
Might feel incredibly important to her.
Final Thought
The night only three girls showed up?
It didn’t ruin my plan.
It reshaped my perspective.
Because small groups aren’t a problem to solve…
They’re an invitation to lead differently.
More simply.
More personally.
More meaningfully.
And when you lean into that?
You’ll stop wondering if it was “enough”—
Because you’ll see the impact right in front of you.
Micah Klug is a homeschooling mother to five children and an author. She teaches time-tested solutions to help parents remember what matters most in life, including strengthening their home, faith, and family relationships. To learn how a child who grew up in an authoritarian home is now creating an environment of peace and joy in her own home visit this page. If you want to contact Micah, send her an email here or email [email protected].
