Games That Will Make the Entire Family Feel Like Gold Medal Winners

Go for the gold in your own backyard!

By: Amanda Mushro

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8 Games Fit for an Olympian

If your family has been busy cheering on team USA, you can keep the excitement of the Olympics going by hosting a few games at home. Everyone can be a gold medal winner and the best part of these summer games — there’s no travel, your biggest fans are already with you, and you can create your own activities with items you probably already have laying around your house. Who knows, you may inspire a future Olympian!

Pool Noodle Ponies

Transform a few pool noodles into a pint-sized pony that your little equestrian can ride. To make the pony you’ll need to bend the top of a pool noodle down and tie it with a ribbon to create the pony’s face and the reins. Then, add googly eyes, some ribbon for a mane, and felt ears to complete the pony’s look. Set up an obstacle course inside or outside that kids can gallop, leap, and run through all while riding their pool noodle pony. After a few rides, your Olympians might need to take a nap before the medal ceremony.

Paper Plate Tennis

This activity couldn’t be any easier to make and it’ll be tons of fun for kids of all ages. Just grab a few paper plates, a balloon, and a few craft sticks to whip up your own tennis gear. Play inside or outside and even add a few extra players for even more Olympic team fun.

Basketball Cup

Sure your kids could head outside for a quick game of basketball, but this version is a fun craft and game that can be played indoors too. For this activity, you’ll need a few cups, ping pong balls, and string. Your kids can get really creative and design their own team colors while they decorate. The best part of this Olympic-inspired activity? Kids can play with it even after the games are over!

Hurdles

On your marks, get set, go! Create a hurdle race with a few pool noodles and chopsticks. Kids can dash and jump to the finish line and when they are ready to run again, they can create a new race course.

Balance Beam

It’s always exciting to watch the gymnasts perform during the Olympics — and now, your kids can show off their own skills with this DIY balance beam. For older kids, you can raise up a piece of 2x4, but for younger kids, you can leave the plank on the ground. Need to make the balance beam in a pinch? Pillows and couch cushions make for fun and silly "balance beam" alternatives.

Discus Throw

Do you have a few frisbees laying around your house? If so, you can have your own discus throwing competition. Kids can decorate their discus with tape or colorful paper and when they are ready, have a "judge" measure each of their attempts. To liven up this game, make it silly by having kids toss with their eyes closed, spin them around a few times, have them throw the discus between their legs, or from behind their backs.

Target Practice

Here’s a kid-friendly version of the Olympic sport of shooting. Round up some squirt guns, a few targets, and your Olympians for some outdoor water fun. This one is going to get messy but it will be a blast!

Javelin Toss

All you’ll need for this activity are a few straws and bowls. Give each bowl a point value — or color for younger kids. Then let your kids toss the straw as they go for gold.

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