Teaching Bible stories to kids is often most effective when they can see, touch, and interact with what they are learning. The story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den is a powerful example of faith, courage, and God’s protection, and pairing it with a hands-on craft helps bring the lesson to life. This stand-up characters craft allows children to create the main characters from the story and use them to retell what happened in a fun and meaningful way.

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How to Make Stand-Up Daniel in the Lions’ Den Story Characters

This craft is designed to be simple, engaging, and perfect for young learners. Once completed, the characters can stand up on their own, making them ideal for storytelling and imaginative play as kids retell the Bible story.

Materials:

Instructions:

Step 1: Color the Characters
Have children color the Daniel in the Lions’ Den characters. Encourage them to take their time and notice details like Daniel, the lions, and the king.

Step 2: Cut Out the Characters
Carefully cut around each character, including the long rectangular strip at the bottom of each one.

Step 3: Color the Characters (Black and White Option)
If you are using the black and white version, make sure all characters are fully colored before assembling.

Step 4: Make the Stand
Take the rectangular strip at the bottom of the character and gently bend it into a circle so the ends meet. Tape or glue the ends together to create a stand.
For extra support, you can tape or glue the character to a toilet paper roll instead. Repeat this step for each character.

Step 5: Retell the Story
Let kids arrange the standing characters and retell the story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den, talking about how God protected Daniel. If you’re looking for a short lesson option, see the one included below.

View video instructions here.

Daniel in the Lions’ Den – Simple Lesson for Kids

This short lesson works well alongside the craft and is perfect for home, Sunday school, or classroom use.

Opening Prayer

Dear God, thank You for loving us and always being with us. Help us learn from Daniel and trust You, even when things feel scary. Amen.

Main Bible Truth

God protects those who trust Him.

Bible Story – Daniel Chapter 6

Daniel loved God and prayed to Him every day. Some people were jealous of Daniel and did not like that he obeyed God. They made a rule saying no one could pray to God except the king. Daniel chose to keep praying to God, even though he knew it could get him in trouble.

Because Daniel prayed to God, he was thrown into a den full of lions. The king was very worried about Daniel, but God had a plan. God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, and Daniel was not hurt at all. Daniel was safe because he trusted God.

Bible Verse

Daniel 6:22
“My God sent His angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions.”

Discussion Questions

  • Who did Daniel pray to?

  • Was Daniel afraid to pray to God?

  • Who protected Daniel in the lions’ den?

Do the Craft

As kids color and assemble their stand-up characters, remind them:

  • Daniel stood up for God

  • God was with Daniel even when it was scary

Once finished, encourage children to act out the story using their standing characters.

Teaching Tips for Success

  • Keep it short: Kids remember one main truth better than many details.

  • Use repetition: Repeat the phrase “God protected Daniel” during the activity.

  • Encourage participation: Let kids move the characters while you retell the story.

How to Download the Daniel in the Lions’ Den Characters

The Daniel in the Lions’ Den stand-up characters are available as a printable download. Simply download the file, print the pages on regular printer paper or cardstock, and you’re ready to begin. Printing on cardstock will make the characters sturdier, especially if they will be used multiple times for storytelling and play.

Trust in God Craft and Lesson

This Daniel in the Lions’ Den craft and lesson is a simple yet powerful way to help kids understand what it means to trust God. By coloring, building, and retelling the story themselves, children can connect with Daniel’s faith in a hands-on way. It’s a lesson that reminds kids that God is always with them, even in moments that feel big or scary.