Summer is here, and what better way to keep our kids active and entertained than by hosting our own backyard Summer Olympics? Whether your kiddos are aspiring athletes or just love to play, these Olympic-inspired activities and crafts are sure to be a hit. So, let’s dive in and make this summer one to remember!
1. Olympic Torch Relay
Kick off your summer Olympics with a torch relay. Create a torch using a cardboard tube and tissue paper flames. Have kids take turns running with the torch around the yard or neighborhood. This is a great way to build excitement and get everyone moving right from the start.
2. DIY Gold Medals
No Olympic event is complete without medals! Create DIY gold medals using cardboard circles, metallic paint, and ribbon. Let the kids decorate their medals with glitter and stickers. After each event, hold a medal ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
Crafting Tip: Use a hole punch to create a hole at the top of the medal and thread the ribbon through for easy wearing.
3. Olympic-Themed Crafts
Set up a craft station where kids can make Olympic-themed decorations. Provide materials like construction paper, markers, and glue to create Olympic flags, Olympic rings, and laurel wreath crowns. These crafts can double as decorations for your backyard Olympics.
Crafting Tip: Display the crafts around the yard to enhance the Olympic atmosphere and showcase their hard work.
4. Backyard Obstacle Course
Transform your backyard into an Olympic arena with a fun obstacle course. Use pool noodles, hula hoops, and cones to create challenging yet enjoyable stations. Kids can crawl under pool noodle arches, hop through hula hoops, and zigzag around cones. Time each run to add a competitive edge!
Pro Tip: Incorporate different exercises like jumping jacks, bear crawls, and crab walks for an extra fitness boost.
5. Water Balloon Shot Put
Beat the heat with a water balloon shot put contest. Fill up water balloons and have kids take turns seeing who can throw theirs the farthest. Mark the distances with cones or chalk to keep track of the leading throws.
Safety Note: Ensure the area is free of any sharp objects and encourage kids to throw gently to avoid any mishaps.
6. Synchronized Swimming on Land
For a hilarious twist, try synchronized swimming…on land! Play some music and have kids create a synchronized routine using dance moves and funny poses. It’s a fantastic way to encourage teamwork and creativity while getting in a good laugh.
Variation: Record their routines and have a mini film festival where everyone can watch and enjoy each other’s performances.
7. Backyard Breakdancing Battle
Embrace the newest addition to the Olympic Games with a backyard breakdancing battle! Also known as "breaking", this event makes it's debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Play some upbeat music and let the kids show off their coolest moves. Create a makeshift dance floor using a large piece of cardboard. Judge their performances on creativity, rhythm, and style.
Dance Tip: Encourage kids to watch breakdancing tutorials online beforehand to learn some basic moves and get inspired. Also, make sure there are no staples in the cardboard!
8. Healthy Energy Bites
Keep the little Olympians fueled with healthy energy bites. Mix oats, peanut butter, honey, and mini chocolate chips to create delicious, no-bake energy bites. These snacks are perfect for a quick energy boost between events. Click HERE for a recipe!
Recipe Idea: Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra nutritional punch.
When visiting local businesses and events in Springfield, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all of your friends!
Macaroni KID Springfield is a free local events calendar, weekly newsletter, and website focused on family-friendly events and resources in the Greater Springfield, Missouri area. We gather all the local family-friendly events and activities happening in Springfield so you can find them all in one place!
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