5 Unique Ways to Explore Bible Stories with Your Family This Summer

Yes, this is a classic. But what if you could see a live-action version of this on a stage in surround visuals and hear it in surround sound as a musical theater production? Branson, Missouri, is likely the most family-friendly location in the country. If you like good music, entertainment, delicious food, and hiking and camping, this place has it all. In addition, a Christian theater called Sight and Sound is doing a live dramatization of David’s story with professional actors, real animals, stunning visuals, and an amazing musical score this year. They change up the story every so often, so you don’t necessarily see the same Bible story every year. It takes viewers on a fantastic, abridged journey of David’s life from shepherd boy to his battle with Goliath, to becoming Israel’s king, and his tragic choices in connection to Bathsheba. Since this is a Christian theater, you don’t have to worry about any of your personal values being violated. To check out the trailer for this amazing dramatization, click here.  

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Sight&Sound Theaters

Another classic is Noah’s story. And another situation whereby the family can see it as a live-action drama with surround visuals and surround sound. There is also a Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Can you imagine how they would go about pulling off loading up an ark full of real animals on a stage and a massive storm? That being said, they’ve done this production in the past, and it has been updated. This year is the 30th anniversary. This exciting, abridged version of Noah’s story takes you on a journey from life before God called Noah to build the ark, to the specific calling and instructions on how to build it. It also throws in some artistic license for how people might have responded, and those 40 days and nights at sea. To see a trailer of this production, click here. For more information on the production, click here.

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Sight&Sound Theaters

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is another great vacation spot for the family, especially if you’re into Southern Gospel music. Biblical Times Dinner Theater is another surround sound, surround visual experience, but live animals are not included. They rely more on holographic and projection technology to create a sense of immersion in the story. With this venue, the first half of the show is a concert, and the second half for this year is the abridged story of Daniel. Just as Sight and Sound does, Biblical Times changes up the story every so often, so they’re not necessarily doing the same story every year. Dinner is included in the price of the ticket. For more information, click here. 

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Biblical Times Theater

From Saul / Paul’s journey on the road to Damascus through the book of Acts, The Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek, Ohio, is doing a musical production this year that chronicles a dramatization of exciting highlights from the life of Paul, both before and after his conversion experience. Though the family-owned venue has been around since the 1970s and has done many shows in the past, this particular show is an exciting first original musical. The Ohio Star Theater includes a buffet in the price of the ticket for the show. There are also museums, shopping, miniature golf, and other activities to do in or near the area. For more information, click here.

Photo Credit: ©Dutchman Hospitality

If you’re more into staycations, or maybe just looking for more than a one-time event in connection with Bible stories to explore with your family this summer, there are a few videos out there worth checking into if you still own a DVD player. Depending on the age of your kiddos, there’s a Heroes of the Bible Pureflix collection that includes the stories of Sampson, Esther, Daniel, Peter, and the book of Ruth. There’s also a Heroes of the Bible collection produced by Big Ideas / VeggieTales that includes the stories of David, Esther, and Daniel. One more possibility is a movie dramatization of Ruth’s story aimed more at older teens and adults. If you like the idea of Sight and Sound but don’t want to travel, they offer a streaming service of their productions so that you can watch in the comfort of your home on your large-screen television. 

Reading the stories in the Bible before watching them will give a great foundation, while seeing them acted out can provide fresh insights and revelation. Mom or Dad can help the kids connect the relevance the stories still have today. Whether you choose the field trip option or have a family movie night with popcorn and maybe a campout in the backyard, taking the time to explore Bible stories with the family during the summer will create lasting memories while deepening the knowledge and faith of the kids. 

Photo Credit: ©YouTube/YippeeKidsTV