The Summer Olympics are a global celebration of athleticism, competition, and teamwork. But you don’t need to be an elite athlete to participate in the Olympic spirit! This summer, why not bring the excitement of the games to your home with these fun and active Summer Olympic Games for kids? These activities are not only a great way to get kids moving, but they also teach important values like sportsmanship, perseverance, and teamwork. Plus, they’re easy to organize and can be done with minimal supplies.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, organizing a neighborhood event, or just looking for ways to keep your kids entertained during the summer, these Olympic-inspired games are perfect for burning off energy, learning new skills, and having a blast!

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16 Summer Olympic Games

Bring the excitement of the Summer Olympics to your backyard with these fun, kid-friendly games. Perfect for parties, playdates, or family events, these 16 activities will get everyone moving and cheering!

1. Mini Olympic Track and Field Events

Create your own track and field event in your backyard or local park! Here are some events that can be easily adapted for kids:

  • Sprints: Set up a short track and time the kids to see who can run the fastest.

  • Long Jump: Use a soft landing area like a blanket or sandpit and see who can jump the furthest.

  • Relay Race: Set up a relay course, where teams pass a baton or any item as they race.

  • High Jump: Use a broomstick or pool noodle for a low-bar high jump challenge.

2. Olympic Torch Relay

No Olympics would be complete without the iconic torch relay. Create your own “torch” with a rolled-up orange tissue paper or fabric, and have kids race with it to the next station. This can be done in teams or as an individual challenge, where the torch-bearer must complete a certain distance or obstacle before passing it on. (Check out this cute inflatable torch if you don’t want to make your own)

Tip: For an extra challenge, set up small obstacles (cones, chairs, or soft toys) that must be navigated while carrying the torch.

3. Water Balloon Shot Put

Stay cool in the summer heat with this water balloon (get the instant fill balloons) shot put challenge. Have kids throw water balloons as far as they can. You can measure the distance and celebrate the longest throw, or keep things fun and add creative categories like “most accurate,” “biggest splash,” or “farthest throw.”

4. Tug of War

A classic game that teaches teamwork and strength, tug of war can be a fun addition to your Summer Olympic Games for kids. Use a long rope and divide kids into two teams. The goal is to pull the other team across a designated line. It’s a simple yet effective way to get everyone working together!

5. Olympic Obstacle Course

Design a fun and challenging obstacle course that incorporates activities from the Summer Olympics, such as hurdling, balancing, and crawling under low ropes. You can use household items, like chairs, cushions, and blankets, to create different obstacles. The goal is for each participant to complete the course as quickly as possible.

6. Olympic Art Competition

This event is perfect for kids who enjoy being creative! Have each child design their own Olympic medal, complete with ribbons and their favorite Olympic symbols (like the torch, rings, or flags). Afterward, they can participate in an art show to showcase their creations.

7. Balloon Volleyball

A fun Twist on Volleyball.

Here’s How to Play:

  • Create a “net” using a rope or string, and divide the kids into two teams.
  • Blow up a balloon and use it as the volleyball.
  • The goal is to keep the balloon off the ground and pass it over the net.
  • Kids can take turns hitting the balloon, and the team that lets the balloon touch the ground loses the point.

8. Hula Hoop Relay

In this fun twist on a relay race, kids take turns running from one point to another while hula-hooping. They need to keep the hula hoop around their waist while running or jumping to the next checkpoint. You can set up an obstacle course for extra fun!

9. Egg and Spoon Race

A traditional favorite, the egg and spoon race is simple and hilarious!

Here’s How to Play:

  • Each child must balance an egg (or a small ball) on a spoon and race from the start to the finish line.
  • The first one to cross the line without dropping the egg wins!

Tip: Use plastic or wooden spoons and hard-boiled eggs or foam balls to minimize mess and make it safer.

10. Pillowcase Race

For this game, kids jump into a pillowcase (or potato sack) and hop their way to the finish line. The first one to make it across wins the race! You can even create a relay race with teams to make it more competitive.

Tip: Choose lightweight pillowcases and make sure the ground is clear of obstacles to avoid tripping.

11. Ring Toss

Set up a ring toss game using hula hoops or rings, and place bottles or cones at different distances. Kids take turns trying to land the rings over the bottles or cones. You can score based on distance or accuracy. You can also make a homemade ring toss set.

12. Sponge Relay

For a cool-down activity during a hot summer day, try the sponge relay.

Here’s How to Play:

  • Fill a large bowl with water, and give each kid a sponge.
  • The goal is to soak up the water with the sponge, race to the other side, and squeeze the sponge into an empty container.
  • The team that fills their container first wins!

Tip: Use larger sponges to make it easier to carry water and create a larger race area for added fun.

13. Water Balloon Toss

In this wet and wild game, pairs of kids stand opposite each other and toss a water balloon back and forth. Each time they successfully catch it, they take a step back. The game continues until the balloon bursts, and the last team standing with an un-popped balloon wins.

14. Pin the Olympic Torch

This is a fun twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game. Blindfold the kids and have them try to pin the Olympic torch to a large poster of the Olympic flame. The kid who gets the closest wins!

15. Noodle Throw

Objective: Throw pool noodles through a target or as far as possible!

How to Play:

  • Give each child a lightweight foam pool noodle.

  • Set up a target (like a large hoop, laundry basket, or hula hoop suspended between two chairs).

  • Kids take turns throwing the noodle, aiming to get it through the target or land it closest to a designated marker.

Variation: Create a “discus” version where kids spin once and toss the noodle, Olympic-style!

16. Balance Beam

Objective: Walk across the beam without falling off.

How to Play:

  • Set up a beam using a wooden plank on the ground, a line of tape, or even a pool noodle laid flat.

  • Children must walk across the “beam” from start to finish while balancing.

  • For older kids, add challenges like walking backward, balancing a bean bag on their head, or doing it with one foot slightly off the beam.

Variation: Time each participant or create a relay race using the beam.

Create a Medal Ceremony

Celebrate your Summer Olympics with a fun and festive medal ceremony. You can buy some fun Olympic medals, or have kids wear homemade medals, or use stickers. Don’t forget to play the Olympic anthem as each child stands on the podium to receive their medals!

More Summer Olympic Party Ideas

Turn your Summer Olympic games into a party with a few more fun details:

Why Summer Olympic Games for Kids Are a Great Idea

Not only do Olympic-style games provide kids with a fun way to stay active during the summer, but they also offer several developmental benefits:

  • Physical Activity: These games are an excellent way to improve coordination, strength, and endurance.

  • Teamwork: Whether it’s a relay race or tug of war, many Olympic-inspired activities require kids to work together.

  • Sportsmanship: Emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship—winning with grace and losing with dignity—helps build character.

  • Cultural Awareness: Kids learn about the global significance of the Olympics and the diverse cultures involved.

What Olympic Games will you Play this Summer?

This summer, bring the excitement of the Olympic Games to your home with these fun and simple activities for kids. From mini track and field events to water balloon shot put and obstacle courses, there’s no shortage of ways to keep kids engaged, active, and learning. So grab your supplies, create your own Olympic village, and let the games begin!