For Christian families, a sense of community and brotherhood is a big part in practicing the faith. While play dates are often seen as just times that allow children to be around others their own age, it can also be seen as a time to infuse life lessons offered through the Bible.
 
Instead of simple outings to the local park or sitting the kiddos in front of the television, take this opportunity to spread the Word of God in a fun way through activities they can understand. This can be a great way to teach a life lesson that will stick with them long after the play date has ended.
 
Upcoming Holiday Projects
 
It seems that almost every month has a holiday that is celebrated. Take advantage of any upcoming holiday that is around the time of your scheduled play date and prepare a project or activity that will help tie in the meaning of that day.

While it can be pretty simple to think of projects for Christmas and Easter, it can be a bit more challenging to think of activities for other holidays that can help to teach a life lesson. You will find that this challenge will be helpful in enriching your own faith. For instance, if the upcoming holiday is Independence Day, think about how the celebration of freedom correlates with the freedom given to us by Christ.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus —Romans 3:23-24, KJV
 
Noah’s Ark
 
While going to the zoo with a group can sometimes be costly, many zoos offer free guest passes with memberships as well as free general admission for children under a certain age. Also, many libraries offer free passes to residents on certain days of the year.

Taking a trip to the zoo can be a great way to teach children about the story of Noah’s Ark. You can walk through the zoo and have the children point out the animals that may have been on Noah’s Ark and then discuss some of the lessons offered through the story.

There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah —Genesis 7:9, KJV
 
Community Service
 
Teaching the lesson of helping others less fortunate than yourself is something that is best done through action. A great way to make a play date mean more than just time with a friend is by participating in something that is much bigger than just a frivolous day at the park.

Whether it’s participating in a soup kitchen for older children or just picking weeds at a bird sanctuary, there are volunteer opportunities geared towards children of every age. Volunteering to help feed others who do not have the means to feed themselves is a great way to teach children about charity, love for your fellow man and the need to do God’s will.

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again —Proverbs 19:17, KJV
 
Volunteering to help clean a nature preserve can be a great way to teach the lesson of the importance in appreciating God’s splendor.
 
But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind —Job 12:7-10, KJV
 
While sometimes play dates are organized in advanced, they can often spring up with little notice. In these instances, use the play date as a time for sharing love by spreading the word of the Lord through biblical stories geared towards children.