You don't have to commit to becoming a member of a particular church for your kids to enjoy the benefits of fellowship. Whether you're new to attending church or haven't yet found a home church, there are many ways your children can get involved in church-related activities.

Sunday School

Sunday school isn't just for adults to learn about the Bible. Children as young as two can enjoy age-appropriate Sunday school lessons at church.

Most churches use a Sunday school curriculum that is specifically designed for that age group. Sunday school for kids can include church-related coloring pages, story time, puppet shows and games all centered around a certain Bible lesson.

It's a relaxed environment that lets your kids make friends with other children their age and they'll quickly get excited about going to church and learning each week. However, if you don't attend each week, no problem. Just because it has the word "school" in it doesn't mean you have to be there every Sunday. The lessons are typically independent so that kids can begin to learn about the Bible without your children falling behind if you miss a week or two.

Vacation Bible School

Churches all around the country gear up for Vacation Bible School every summer. Think of it like a day camp with games, activities, snacks, songs, crafts and more. Themes vary from church to church year to year but look around and you'll find camps that may have a sports theme letting kids play everything from volleyball to baseball while learning valuable lessons about religion as well as teamwork or you may find a church that has a spy theme where kids learn lessons about religion while getting to go on spy missions and earn their special spy badges.

There's no limit on the types of Vacation Bible School themes you'll encounter. Keep looking to find a theme that interests your children. Most are free or require a minimal fee for T-shirts or supplies. 

Wednesday Night Dinners

Most churches hold Wednesday night dinners to encourage members and visitors to get together for fellowship, food and fun. Some churches may charge a nominal fee per person to cover the costs of food and drink. There's usually a cap on the amount so a family of 6 or 7 isn't paying too much to attend.

Dining with other members and guests is a casual way to get to know the other families in your area who share common interests. The relaxed environment gives your kids a chance to meet and play with new friends too.

Nursery and Children's Church Services

While you attend church, your younger children can play in the nursery with kids in their age group. You get the chance to go to church without having to hold your wiggly three year old or worrying about your 6 month old crying in the middle of the service. Nursery services are almost always free and many churches have paid childcare workers to take care of the children so you know they're in good hands.

Older children can sit in church for some of the service and then go to the front to hear a special children's message. After the brief children's message, they are dismissed from the main service to attend a children's church service. Usually this is led by a group of volunteers who have a special Bible lesson and activity kids do while the adults sit in the regular service. It's a good way to ease your older children into the routine of sitting in a church service part of the time without forcing them to sit still for the entire hour. They get the best of both, sitting in the sanctuary for half the service and then attending their own children's service.

Missions Outreach

Most churches have special missions they focus on throughout the year. While that can mean sending members to third-world countries, most churches also have missions outreach projects closer to home. They may go sing Christmas carols at a retirement home or plant a garden at a local school. These missions are good icebreakers, especially if you're new to church and want to get to know people outside of that environment and many are kid-friendly so the children can learn about compassion for others.

There are a number of projects churches take on throughout the year so if something doesn't interest your family right now, just be patient. There will soon be another opportunity to get your kids involved at church.