LDS Primary Activities: A Guide for Children's Activity Leaders
LDS Primary activities are weekday activities for children ages 3 to 11 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They include occasional activities for all Primary children and regular Valiant activities (often called Activity Days) for children ages 8 to 11. They should be fun, help children follow Jesus Christ, and have at least two adults present.
New to a Primary calling? Read the safety rules section first. It covers the two-adult rule, protection training, and restrooms, and those apply to every idea on our LDS Primary activity ideas and Activity Days ideas lists.
What is Primary?
Primary is the Church's organization for children. "The Primary organization helps God's children prepare to return to His presence" (General Handbook 12.1). On Sundays, children ages 3 to 11 attend Primary for 50 minutes, with singing time and classes, while nursery serves children from 18 months to 3 years.
Primary classes are organized by age on December 31 of the previous year:
| Age on Dec. 31 of previous year | Class |
|---|---|
| 2 | Nursery (children join at 18 months) |
| 3 | Sunbeam |
| 4 to 6 | CTR 4, CTR 5, CTR 6 |
| 7 to 10 | Valiant 7, Valiant 8, Valiant 9, Valiant 10 |
Children generally advance from Primary into Young Women or the deacons quorum in January of the year they turn 12.
What kinds of weekday Primary activities are there?
The General Handbook describes three (General Handbook 12.2.1.3):
1. Activities for all children (ages 3 to 11)
"Primary presidencies may occasionally hold activities for all children ages 3 to 11. These activities help children participate in God's work of salvation and exaltation. Activities should be fun and engaging. They build testimonies, strengthen families, and foster personal growth." See our LDS Primary activity ideas.
2. An annual community service activity
"Primary presidencies may also organize an annual community service activity. Where possible, this activity focuses on serving children. Valiant-age children can help plan it. The activity provides children an opportunity to invite friends and ward members to join in community service."
3. Valiant activities (ages 8 to 11)
"Beginning in January of the year they turn 8, children may begin attending Valiant activities." Many members still call these Activity Days. Key guidelines:
- Held two times a month when possible, usually not on Sundays or Monday evenings.
- Boys and girls normally meet separately, but may combine for certain activities or where there are few children.
- Leaders may plan an annual super activity with games, service, workshops, and other activities.
- No overnight stays, including super activities.
- Paid for by the ward budget, allocated according to the number of children.
See our LDS Activity Days ideas for 50 Valiant activity ideas.
Who leads Primary activities?
- Primary presidency. Plans activities for all children and oversees Primary under the bishopric's direction.
- Valiant activity leaders. Can be the children's Primary teachers or other members the presidency recommends and the bishopric calls. "Leaders can be two women, two men, or a married couple" (General Handbook 12.3.6).
- Parents. The handbook emphasizes that parents have the primary responsibility to teach their children. Inviting parents to activities strengthens families.
How do Primary activities connect to the Children and Youth program?
The Children and Youth program is a resource for children ages 8 to 11. "Beginning in the year they turn 8, children are encouraged to complete at least one goal in each of the four areas each year." (General Handbook 12.2.1.4) They can use Personal Development: Children's Guidebook to set and record goals. Importantly, leaders "should not track the children's goals or progress." Activities can support goals without turning into checklists.
What are the safety rules for children's activities?
The General Handbook is specific about safeguarding children (General Handbook 12.5 and chapter 20):
- Two responsible adults. "When adults are interacting with children in Church settings, at least two responsible adults should be present."
- Protection training. "All adults who work with children must complete the children and youth protection training within one month of being sustained". They "repeat the training every three years thereafter." See Protecting Children and Youth.
- Restrooms. During Primary, a young child must be taken to the restroom by a parent or legal guardian; leaders and teachers should not take children into the restroom.
- Youth do not teach in Primary, including as substitutes.
- Parental permission. Children may not participate in a Church activity without the permission of their parents or guardians. Written consent is necessary for activities that include an overnight stay, lengthy travel, or higher than ordinary risks.
- Role-playing. Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost are not portrayed, and children may portray the Savior only in a Nativity scene.
Comparison: Primary activities at a glance
| All-Primary activities | Valiant activities (Activity Days) | Community service activity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages | 3 to 11 | 8 to 11 | All Primary children; Valiant-age help plan |
| Frequency | Occasionally | Twice a month when possible | Annually |
| Groups | All together or by age | Boys and girls normally separate | All together; invite friends |
| Overnights | Not typical | Never | Not typical |
| Planned by | Primary presidency | Valiant activity leaders | Primary presidency with Valiant children |
How do you plan activities for such a wide age range?
- Use stations and rotate small groups every 10 to 12 minutes.
- Pair older children with younger ones as helpers.
- Keep activities short: 60 to 90 minutes.
- Invite parents, especially for children under 8.
- Plan for children with special needs by talking with parents in advance. The handbook asks leaders to make a plan with parents and the bishopric so every child can participate.
- Open with prayer, as the handbook asks for all activities.
Where are the Primary activity idea lists?
- LDS Primary activity ideas. Thirty activities for all children ages 3 to 11, with a rainy-day plan and costs.
- LDS Activity Days ideas. Fifty Valiant activity ideas for ages 8 to 11, plus super activity formats.
- Church scavenger hunt ideas. Meetinghouse, scripture, and service hunts with sample clues.
- Church trunk or treat ideas. Forty themes for a ward Halloween night kids love.
Do children's activities need permission slips?
Most Primary activities at the meetinghouse do not need written forms, but parents must still know and approve. Field trips involving lengthy travel or higher-risk activities need written consent using the Church's Permission and Medical Release form (General Handbook 20.7.4).
For an off-site field trip, you can text parents one Ward Waivers link. They read the details and sign on their phone, and you see who still needs to sign. It does not replace any official form your bishop or stake president asks you to use. Set up your activity. See our Forms & Safety hub.
What does a year of Primary activities look like?
There is no required calendar, but a sample year helps new presidencies see how the pieces fit together:
| Season | All-Primary activity | Valiant activities (twice a month) | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Indoor field day in the cultural hall | Prayer rocks, first aid basics, board games | Baptism and Confirmation Preparation meeting near the start of the year |
| Spring | Easter "He Is Risen" walk | Garden cups, kite day, cards for homebound members | Valiant super activity (optional) |
| Summer | Primary picnic | Bike skills rodeo, nature walk, science night | Annual community service activity |
| Fall | Trunk or treat with the ward | Scavenger hunt, fire safety, cookie service | Temple and Priesthood Preparation meeting for Valiant 10 children |
The Baptism and Confirmation Preparation meeting and the Temple and Priesthood Preparation meeting are described in General Handbook chapter 12. They are meetings rather than activities, but planning them alongside your activity calendar helps the presidency see the whole year.
How can Primary leaders involve parents?
The handbook teaches that "parents are responsible to teach their children the gospel and help them live it," and that Primary leaders "support parents in this responsibility". Activities are a great way to do that:
- Invite parents to stay for activities with younger children, and to help at Valiant activities.
- Share what children learned with a quick message afterward.
- Plan family activities where parents and children serve or play together.
- Be sensitive to children whose parents cannot attend or who lack family support for gospel living, as the handbook asks.
What tips help new Primary leaders?
- Complete the protection training first. It is required within one month of being sustained.
- Learn every child's name. The handbook asks bishopric members to learn the names and home circumstances of each child; leaders can do the same.
- Start simple. A well-run, simple activity beats an elaborate one that stresses everyone out.
- Keep a supply box. Crayons, paper, tape, stickers, and a first-aid kit go a long way.
- Communicate with the bishopric about budget and calendar early.
- Ask experienced leaders. The stake Primary presidency provides orientation and ongoing support.
How can Primary activities help children invite friends?
The handbook lists inviting friends as one way children can share the gospel, including inviting them "to attend church, activities, or baptisms". Fun, low-pressure activities like a field day, a service project, or a trunk or treat are easy for children to invite neighbors and classmates to. Give children simple invitation cards, welcome guests by name, and send families home with information about the next activity.
How do Primary activities support Sunday learning?
Activities work best when they connect to what children are learning at church and at home. Primary teachers follow the Come, Follow Me curriculum, and the music leader chooses songs each month that reinforce gospel principles. An activity that acts out a scripture story children studied that month, or that includes a song they are learning, helps them remember it. A short message to parents afterward lets families continue the conversation at home.
Sample messages to Primary parents
Two weeks before an all-Primary activity
Hi Primary families! Our Primary activity is Saturday, March 14, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. All children ages 3 to 11 are invited, and friends are welcome. Parents of Sunbeams and CTR 4 and 5 children, please stay or be close by. Questions? Text Sister Lee at 555-0101.
Day before
Reminder: Primary activity tomorrow at 10:00. Please use the restroom at home first, and pick up at 11:30 sharp. Thank you!
For a Valiant activity off-site
Valiant activity this Wednesday is at the city library, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Two leaders will be there. Please drop off and pick up at the front entrance.
Planning timeline for an all-Primary activity
| When | Steps |
|---|---|
| 6 weeks out | Presidency picks a theme tied to Come, Follow Me or a Primary song; discuss with the bishop |
| 4 weeks out | Budget approved; building reserved; stations assigned |
| 3 weeks out | Recruit at least two adults per room or station; confirm protection training |
| 2 weeks out | Send the first parent message |
| 1 week out | Gather supplies; plan an indoor version if anything is outside |
| Day before | Reminder text |
| Day of | Set up 45 minutes early; open with prayer; count children at every transition |
Frequently asked questions
What ages are in Primary?
Children ages 3 to 11 attend Primary, and nursery serves children from 18 months to 3 years. Children generally advance into Young Women or the deacons quorum in January of the year they turn 12.
What are Valiant activities?
Valiant activities are weekday activities for children beginning in January of the year they turn 8, usually twice a month. Many members still call them Activity Days.
How often should Primary have activities for all children?
The General Handbook says Primary presidencies may occasionally hold activities for all children ages 3 to 11. There is no required schedule.
Can Primary activities include sleepovers?
Valiant activities, including super activities, do not include overnight stays. Overnight activities are not part of the Primary program.
How many adults must be at a Primary activity?
At least two responsible adults should be present whenever adults interact with children in Church settings. All adults working with children must complete the protection training.
Who pays for Primary activities?
The ward budget pays for Primary activities and supplies, and the bishopric ensures the budget for boys and girls is sufficient and equitable.
Can boys and girls do Activity Days together?
Boys and girls normally meet separately for Valiant activities, but they may combine for certain activities or in locations with few children.
Do Primary activity leaders need training?
Yes. All adults who work with children must complete the Church's children and youth protection training within one month of being sustained and repeat it every three years.
Ward Waivers is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These resources provide general organizational information, not legal advice. Follow current Church guidance, local leader direction, and any required official forms.