The story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den is a favorite among children—and for good reason. It’s filled with bravery, suspense, and the powerful message that God protects those who trust Him. This story is not only exciting but also deeply meaningful, offering kids a strong example of faith, prayer, and obedience under pressure.

If you’re teaching this story at home, in Sunday School, or during a Bible lesson, here’s a simple way to break it down for kids, along with an engaging printable activity page available as a digital download.

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Daniel in The Lion’s Den Lesson Objective

Help children understand the importance of trusting God, standing firm in their faith, and praying consistently—just like Daniel.

Bible Passage

Daniel 6
Read directly from the Bible or use a children’s version for easier understanding.

Key Takeaways

  1. Daniel remained faithful to God, even when it was dangerous.
    When the king’s law said no one could pray to anyone but the king, Daniel continued to pray to God just like he always had.

  2. God is with us in scary situations.
    Even when Daniel was thrown into a den of lions, God protected him. God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths.

  3. Our choices can show others who God is.
    Daniel’s courage and faith made the king realize how powerful God truly is.

  4. We can trust God.
    Just like Daniel trusted God in the lion’s den, we can trust God in our own challenges—big or small.

Daniel Lesson Plan Outline

Teaching the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den becomes more impactful with a simple, structured plan. This lesson outline will help you guide kids through the story with meaningful discussion, Bible reading, and an engaging activity to reinforce key faith principles.

1. Opening Discussion (5–10 minutes)

Ask children:

  • What do you think you would do if someone told you not to pray?

  • Have you ever had to do something brave to do the right thing?

2. Read the Story (10 minutes)

Reading from Daniel 6 is the heart of the lesson, and making it interactive helps kids stay engaged and remember what they learn. Here are a few creative ways to bring the story to life:

Choose the Right Version

Use a children’s Bible or simplified translation (The Beginner’s Bible) for younger kids to help them understand the language and meaning.

Use Voices and Expression

Change your voice for different characters:

  • Use a deep, dramatic voice for the king

  • A calm and steady voice for Daniel

  • A growling voice for the lions (let the kids help!)
    Add suspense with pauses and dramatic tones when Daniel is thrown into the lion’s den.

Add Simple Props or Visuals

  • Use stuffed animals or paper lion cutouts to represent the lions.

  • Print or draw a simple picture of a den or a scroll with the king’s law.

  • Create name tags or paper crowns to assign roles (Daniel, King Darius, the officials, etc.).

Let Kids Act It Out

Pause after key parts and invite kids to act out the scenes:

  • Daniel praying

  • The king making the law

  • Daniel being lowered into the den

  • Lions looking scary, then calm

  • The king celebrating when Daniel is safe

This helps kids process the story in a hands-on way.

Ask Questions as You Go

Keep kids thinking with simple questions like:

  • “How do you think Daniel felt right now?”

  • “Would you be scared in a den of lions?”

  • “Why do you think Daniel kept praying?”

Encourage participation and conversation to make the story more personal and memorable.

3. Key Verse to Memorize (Optional)

“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.” – Daniel 6:22

4. Activity Time (15–20 minutes)

Use the Daniel in the Lion’s Den printable activity page to help kids engage with the lesson in a hands-on way. The activity includes coloring, a simple maze, and reflection prompts to help kids apply the story to their own lives.

Printable Activity Page (Digital Download)

To make your lesson even more interactive, you can purchase and download a Daniel in the Lion’s Den activity page designed just for kids. It’s ideal for:

  • Sunday School

  • Homeschool Bible lessons

  • Children’s church

  • Family devotions

Closing Application

Wrap up your lesson by asking:

  • What can we learn from Daniel’s example?

  • When is it hard to trust God?

  • How can God Help us through scary situations?

  • How can we remember to pray every day like Daniel?

Encourage kids to think about a time they need courage or want to stand strong in their faith. Remind them that God is always with them—no matter what they face.

Variation

You could have the kids work on the activity page while you do the lesson.

How Can You Be More Like Daniel?

Daniel’s story shows kids that faith isn’t just for quiet moments—it’s for the bold ones too. Through this lesson and hands-on activity, children will not only remember Daniel and the lions but also learn that trusting God is always the right choice, even when it’s hard. With a little creativity and meaningful conversation, you can help this Bible story come alive in a way kids will never forget.