Are you excited to watch the Olympics this summer? From basketball, track, swimming, and gymnastics, it’s sure to be an exciting games! However, don’t just watch this summer- challenge your kids by making your own Olympic games at your home!
Basketball
Instead of a full game of basketball, play a game of “horse”. Decide who goes first and have them shoot from anywhere they
like. If they miss, the next person goes. When someone makes a shot, the next person must shoot from the exact same spot. If they make it, it goes on to the next person and they must make it. Whoever misses first then gets an “h”, and so on. The first person to spell “horse” is out. Play on until only one player remains.
Don’t have a basketball goal? Go to a local park or school!
Shot Put
In the backyard, make a boundary line on the grass. Use what you have around the house, such as a piece of rope or even flip flops. Then make a target, such as a hula-hoop or cardboard box, and place it across from the line a distance away. Then have the kids line up and see who can throw the ball the closest to the target!
Track
Use chalk to draw lanes on your driveway. Have the runners start at one side, and two people on the opposite side holding\
the “finish line” (you can use a streamers, painter’s tape, rope, etc). Count down from 3 and see who speeds to the finish, first!
Balance Beam
Place a piece of blue painter’s tape in a straight line on the floor. You can make it as long as you want, and you may also want to place more tape on the sides to make it wider. Participants can then come up with their own routine, but MUST be sure to not to step off the “beam”!
Be sure to award your little Olympians! You can easily make medals by cutting circles out of construction paper and hole punching them to tie with string or ribbon. Decorate them however you like and surprise them at the end.
Not only will this keep your kids active this summer, but it’s also a great way to have family time and make memories that will last for years!
Assistance Provided by Tori Thompson
