olympic gold medal for kidsPlan your own Olympic Games!

Hosting a Kid Olympics can be a great way to get kids in your school or neighborhood up and moving. Kid Olympics are a great idea for:

  • School field days
  • Block parties
  • Classroom projects
  • Birthday parties
  • Library events

Here are some ideas to get you started!

 

Opening Ceremonies

Start off your Kid Olympics with an Opening Ceremony parade. Here's what you'll need:

kid olympic torchOlympic Torch

You can make a simple torch out of a paper towel roll and tissue paper—click here for directions. Designate one (or more) kids to be the official Torch Carrier.

Flags

Copy some world flags out of the encyclopedia, or download some Olympic flag templates here.

Music

Play some good marching music, or hand out instruments (or pots and pans!) so kids can make their own music.

Olympic Mascot

You can make your own Olympic mascot by dressing up a favorite stuffed animal. Click here for some ideas!

 

Olympic Events

There's no limit to the kinds of events you hold in your Kid Olympics, and you can hold them indoors or outside. Here are some sample events:

  • Three-legged race
  • 50-yard dash
  • Marathon (run around the block, school, or other appropriate distance)
  • Gymnastics (create a simple routine including cartwheels, somersaults, etc.)
  • Jump rope competition
  • Water balloon toss
  • Tug of War
  • Long jump
  • Speed walking
  • Egg on a spoon race
  • Discus throw (using a Frisbee)
  • Basketball free-throw
  • Hula-hoop competition
  • Limbo competition
  • Team events like kickball, softball, or soccer

Medals

Make some medals to present to the winners... or to all of the kid athletes. You can make medals out of tin foil or yogurt lids, or click here to download some templates.

 

Closing Ceremony

End your Kid Olympics with a Closing Ceremony parade so kids can show off their medals! You can even make olive wreaths for the athletes, like the ancient Olympic athletes wore.