There’s something magical about watching your church transform into a lush, green rainforest filled with excitement and adventure. With Group’s Rainforest Falls VBS 2026, the Amazon comes to life—cascading waterfalls, towering trees, and exotic animals create the perfect backdrop for kids to discover God’s love in a whole new way. But how do you turn ordinary spaces into an unforgettable jungle experience—without blowing the budget?
We’ve rounded up ten creative, volunteer-friendly décor ideas that will make your VBS stand out, spark imaginations, and immerse everyone in the wonder of God’s creation.
1. 🌴 Towering Faux Trees
Build the canopy! Use cardboard tubes, old wrapping paper rolls, or carpet tubes for trunks, then add branches and leaves with green construction paper or faux foliage. Cluster several together for an instant “rainforest” feel right at your entrance.
2. ✨ Tissue Paper Grass Mats
Cover tabletops or floors with crumpled green tissue paper to mimic rainforest grass and understory. It’s inexpensive, easy to work with, and adds vibrant pops of green wherever you need them.
3. 💦 Waterfall Fabric Install
Drape blue shimmery fabric or plastic tablecloths from ceilings or stairways to create a dramatic waterfall scene. Accent with white tulle or fairy lights for extra “splash!” Perfect as a main stage backdrop or photo booth area.
4. 🌱 Overhead Vine Canopy
Run green streamers, paper vines, or even real garlands across the ceiling using fishing line or thumbtacks. The effect? Every child walks through the jungle on their way to Sticky Scripture or Imagination Station.
5. 🎍 DIY Palm Trees
Stack up painted buckets or boxes for sturdy bases, wrap in brown paper for trunks, and fan out palm fronds (real or fake) on top. These are great for marking stations or highlighting entrances!
6. 📦 Cardboard Boulder Props
Paint large cardboard boxes in shades of gray to resemble boulders and rocks. Stack them around Rooted Bible Adventures, Treetop Treats, or wherever you want to add natural “terrain.”
7. 🌀 Hula Hoop Tree Tops
Wrap hula hoops in green fabric or streamers and suspend them overhead for quick, whimsical tree canopies. Hang animal cutouts or vines for extra flair!
8. 🍃 Pool Noodle Vines & Logs
Slice pool noodles lengthwise and wrap with brown or green tape to create lightweight vines or logs. Use them as fun, moveable props for Wild Games or Imagination Station.
9. 📸 Jungle Photo-Op Trees
Create a “puppet tree” or set up a photo corner with large tree backdrops, stuffed animals, or cardboard cutouts of frogs and monkeys. Kids will love snapping memories in their rainforest adventure!
10. 🎨 Animal Character Cut-Outs
Get crafty with oversized quetzals, ocelots, frogs, and monkeys! Download templates from your starter kit or have volunteers sketch and paint. Place them around the room, stage, or snack areas to bring your Rainforest Falls theme to life.
Pro Tips for Decorating Success
- Use What You Have: Repurpose Christmas garlands, green fabric, or artificial plants from past events.
- Layer & Vary: Mix up textures—combine paper, fabric, plastic, and even real plants for a multi-dimensional jungle.
- Light It Up: Simple colored lights or spotlights can make waterfalls sparkle and trees look even taller.
- Label Your Zones: Clear signage and creative station entrances help kids move from one adventure to the next.
Bringing the Theme to Life
Decor isn’t just about looks—it’s about making the message of Rainforest Falls tangible. When kids step into your “jungle,” they’ll feel the excitement and wonder that God’s world inspires. And as they move from Sticky Scripture™ to Imagination Station™ and Wild Games, they’ll experience a setting that reminds them: God’s love is as deep, wild, and vibrant as the rainforest itself.