Every two years, we’re gifted with a sports event spectacular that’s really fun to watch with the kids. Whether it’s the Summer or Winter Olympics, we’re able to cheer on our country to bring home the medals and introduce our kids to sports they may not be exposed to otherwise. Sure, we can turn on the TV and watch football or hockey. Still, having the ability to see the best-of-the-best in sports like fencing, running, long jump, diving, and more are what makes the games so exciting.
The 2020 Olympics had to be delayed, and it was up in the air a little bit on if they would be able to happen. But we’re all in luck because the time is finally just around the corner. Of course, it’s the best news for the athletes and their teams — they’ve been training for the event for years. And as we get set to settle into our living rooms and cheer everyone on, why not take a moment out of it by creating an at-home DIY competition event, too?
We’re all short on time, but we all need to have as much fun as possible, making a DIY Olympics at home the perfect event to focus some time on. They don’t take a lot of prep work or props; just some outdoor space (though some can work indoors), a few items, and everyone will be able to show off their abilities and strengths —maybe it will be the spark that ignites a kid’s interest in a new sport.
Here are 15 games and other ways to make a memorable DIY Olympics competition right at home.
Archery
Archery is one of those sports that kids really only get interested in if they’re given the opportunity to play or watch experts do what they do best. While the DIY version won’t be the real bows and arrows there are a few ways to do this at home. Play archery sets are available in many stores, but can easily be recreated at home by practicing hitting targets first. Put out some empty soda or water bottles, all lined up, and see who can hit them the best with a bean bag.
Fencing
There are a lot of rules when it comes to participating in fencing. This sport is fun to watch on TV because it’s one we don’t get to see often. This can be done at home in the backyard, and it can be as simple as using pool noodles in place of the swords. Fight to find out who wins and make a fun tournament out of it.
Golf
Golf is one of the fun sports to watch and can easily be adapted for at-home competition. Parents can make it extra fun by using fly swatters or kitchen spoons as the golf club and pingpong balls as the golf balls. The course can be set up around the backyard or make a course inside if the weather is bad.
Handball
We’ve all heard of soccer and handball has similar rules. Instead of kicking the ball to the other team’s goal, players use their hands to throw them. This can be made fun for kids of all ages by using balloons filled with water to give the balloons the weight to make it into the goal. Of course, it could be played with a real handball — or even a soccer ball.
Basketball
Kids have likely played basketball, but we can do this one with a twist to make it easier to play at home if we don’t have a basketball net. Instead, grab two laundry baskets and use them nontraditional nets. For the ball, make it harder with a pingpong ball or water balloons on the days where it’s hot and the kids need to cool down.
‘Equestrian’
Chances are we’re not going to be able to jump hurdles while on the backs of horses, but this can be modified to make it a DIY version at home. Kids can get the giant balloons or exercise balls and pretend it’s the horse. To compete kids will need to bounce their way through a course, over obstacles and do it faster than everyone else to win.
Trampoline
Some kids are super lucky to have a trampoline in the backyard, and if that’s the case, it’s perfect to start some of the basic moves and work their way up to how the athletes do it in the Olympics. For safety reasons, kids can’t be doing the same moves as the gymnasts, but they can start small and have fun rating each other’s moves.
Shot Put
Who would have known that being able to throw heavy items could take athletes so far? Shot put is often overlooked in the sport world, but the people who compete in the highest levels are incredible at what they do. Have fun with a DIY version at home by leveling up what is being thrown and see how far it can go. A feather? A potato? A water balloon? So many options to make it memorable.
Relay Race
If there’s going to be a large but safe group of people participating in the DIY Olympics, having a relay race can be loads of fun. If there’s not a lot of space to make it worthwhile, switch to a beanbag race or a three-legged race. These will be more about perseverance than speed or distance. And chances are it will end with some deep belly laughs.
Hurdles
If the family hasn’t been able to watch a hurdle race yet, put that on the summer to-do list because the athletes make it look oh-so easy. Host a DIY version at home using various hurdles with difference sizes and shapes. Think laundry baskets, pylons, balloons, bales of hay, or pool noodles. This will help make it harder and harder as everyone makes it through the track to help in choosing a winner.
Water Polo
There is nothing better than having a pool to cool down with in the summer and if the family is lucky enough to have one or knows someone with a pool, water polo is a sport that would be the perfect way to cool down while leveling up the competition. Parents can get creative with the nets and ball that’s used.
Diving, Modified
We know that most people don’t have access to a diving board and pool but having this competition inspired by diving just needs a large water slide and a hose. Find a hill and roll the slide down the hill, make sure it’s wet (or even add some soap for extra fun,) and turn it into a competition of who can get down the water slide the fastest — or who can do the best tricks while sliding down.
Long Jump
It’s one of the games that kids play at school when the school has organized a track and field event and there are so many ways to turn it into a DIY competition at home. There can be an actual long jump event where kids and parents can try and see who is able to jump the farthest. Or, it can be modified to add a fun twist similar to floor is lava where the competition is who can stay off the ground.
Shooting
There are some people who have won a lot of medals in target shooting, which is another Olympic sport. The objective is to hit a target, often from quite a distance. To make this DIY at home — and safe — turn it into a water gun target competition. The setup can be hitting paper targets, or blowing out candles with the water gun and scoring the kids and adults based on accuracy.
End With a Medal Ceremony
One of the most rewarding parts of the Olympics for many athletes is being able to stand on the podium and receive the medal marking their accomplishment. So to ensure the DIY Olympics have the same spirit, hold a medal ceremony. The gold medal winner can choose a song to play in place of the national anthem.
It’s all about making memories and the kids and adults can all use some extra fun this year, so get creative and have fun!
