Creating your own family Olympic Games is a great way to bring everyone together for fun, physical activity, and a bit of friendly competition. Drawing inspiration from both PBS KIDS shows and real Olympic events, these activities will encourage movement and help kids build perseverance and confidence as they tackle new challenges.
Here are 9 engaging backyard activities to kick off your family Olympic Games!
Move to the Music
Dance and gymnastics are captivating Olympic events that involve practice, creativity, and plenty of movement. With breakdancing debuting in the 2024 Olympics, there’s even more reason to get moving. Check out the “Alma’s Way” episode “Alma the B-Girl” for some dance inspiration.
Freeze Dance: Just like gymnasts hold poses during their routines, you can practice moving and pausing with a freeze dance game. Play a few songs, and when the music stops, everyone must freeze. Those who keep dancing are out and become the family DJ.
Ribbon Dance: Rhythmic gymnasts use various props, including ribbons, in their routines. Make colorful ribbons from old scarves or fabric, and let each family member perform a ribbon dance to their favorite song. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and unique dance moves.
Hopscotch Gymnastics: Gymnasts often incorporate hops and jumps into their routines. Draw a hopscotch grid with shapes like stars or triangles and decide on a corresponding move for each shape. Add music to make it more fun. Toss a small object onto a square, hop to it, and perform the designated move.
Reach a Goal Together
Team sports are a key part of the Olympics and can enhance teamwork and strategy. Check out the “Donkey Hodie” episode “Bongolympics” for ideas on how to keep the fun and determination alive in your games.
Family Relay Race: Just like Olympic relay runners, work together to move an object from start to finish. Use a household item as a baton and add challenges like hopping or balancing for extra fun.
Soccer (Football): Soccer is a global Olympic sport, and you can enjoy it in your own backyard. Set up goals using water bottles or cones and split your family into teams for a friendly match. Watch “Arthur Makes the Team” or “Look What I Can Do” from “Elinor Wonders Why” for team-building inspiration.
Balloon Volleyball: This playful twist on volleyball makes it easier for younger kids to join in. Use a balloon or beach ball instead of a traditional volleyball to practice teamwork and quick reflexes.
Water Sports
Adding water activities to your Olympic Games can provide a refreshing twist and teach kids about perseverance and bravery. Before starting, watch the “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” episode “Safety at the Beach” to cover water safety basics.
Water Obstacle Course: Inspired by the individual medley in Olympic swimming, create a water obstacle course with sprinklers, water buckets, or small pools. Race through the course and time each participant’s run for added excitement.
Water Ballet: Artistic swimmers perform routines set to music. Set up a small pool or use a bathtub, and create a water ballet routine with a partner. Perform your routine for family and friends.
Sailboat Race: Olympic sailors use the wind to guide their boats. Build simple boats from household materials and race them in a bathtub or small pool. See which boat floats and reaches the finish line first.
