‘hood Magazine is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases.
The Summer Olympics are just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than by hosting your very own Backyard Family Olympics? This fun and engaging event is perfect for families of all ages. Simply modify each “event” as needed! It’s a fantastic way to spend quality time together, enjoy the outdoors, and create lasting memories.
Host a backyard Family Olympics with other families (each family would be its own Country), or with just your family (each person would be their own County)!
Here’s how you can turn your backyard into an Olympic arena for an amazing day of fun!
Setting the Scene
To make your Backyard Family Olympics feel like the real deal, start with some simple decorations and preparations:
Flags and Banners: Create flags for each participating “country” (family member or team) using fabric or construction paper. You can also get blank flags already made that are simple to decorate.
Opening Ceremony: Kick off your event with an opening ceremony. Play some Olympic theme music, parade around the yard with your homemade flags, and even light a DIY “torch” (a decorated flashlight or a stick with tissue paper flames).
Medals and Awards: Make your own medals using cardboard, paint, and ribbon. Award them at the end of each event to celebrate everyone’s efforts. Or, you can buy a big pack of gold, silver, and bronze medals to give out online!
Fun Events to Include
Tailor the events to be fun, safe, and age-appropriate. Here are some ideas of what some of your events could be:
Running Races
Sprint: A classic short-distance race.
Long-Distance: Depending on the ages of those participating, add a longer race in as well! This could be as simple as racing around the block to a mile race for families with older children.
Three-Legged Race: Pair up and tie legs together for a hilarious race.
Obstacle Course: Set up cones, tunnels, and other obstacles to run around, over, and through. Use whatever you have in your backyard to create something fun, it does not have to be fancy!
Water Games
Sponge Relay: Teams race to fill a bucket with water using only a sponge. Have another bucket filled with water for teams to refill their sponges with.
Water Balloon Toss: Partner up and toss water balloons back and forth, stepping further apart with each successful catch.
Squirt Gun Shots: Find lightweight objects in your home that could be knocked over by a squirt gun spray (if used with enough accuracy). Something like a toilet paper roll would work well. Set them up for a shooting competition using squirt guns. Make sure to establish a line they cannot gross!
Throwing Events
Softball Throw: See who can throw a softball the farthest.
Frisbee Toss: Aim to hit a target or see who can throw the frisbee the longest distance.
Challenge Throws: Hang paper plates up in a tree and see how they can throw with the most accuracy.
Jumping Events
Long Jump: Mark a starting line and see who can jump the farthest.
Sack Race: Use old pillowcases or burlap sacks for a hopping race to the finish line.
Gymnastics
Balance Beam: Lay a piece of wood on the ground and see who can walk across without falling off. Use time if needed to judge.
Floor Routine: Encourage everyone to perform simple gymnastic moves like somersaults and cartwheels set to music.
Keeping the Olympic Spirit Alive
To keep the event feeling like the Olympics, here are a few additional tips:
Team Uniforms: Create simple matching shirts or headbands for each “country.”
Scoreboard: Keep track of points and winners on a chalkboard or whiteboard.
Photo Booth: Set up a simple backdrop with Olympic-themed props for fun family photos.
Healthy Snacks: Offer fruits, veggies, and water to keep everyone energized and hydrated.
Closing Ceremony
End your Backyard Family Olympics with a closing ceremony. Play music, hand out medals, and celebrate everyone’s achievements. Really lean into the theatrical elements and you not only will have a blast, but your children will create an amazing lasting memory. Take a moment to share what everyone enjoyed most about the day and plan for future family competitions.
Hosting a Backyard Family Olympics is not only a fun way to celebrate the upcoming global event but also a fantastic opportunity for family bonding and physical activity. So gather your supplies, rally your family, and let the games begin!
