Backyard Olympics

August 10, 2024

Dear Running Peas Friends,

As the Olympics wrap up and we try to savor every last moment, a fun way to celebrate this special time is hosting your very own backyard Olympics. It’s a great way to get your kiddos outside and engaged in fun, creative and low-key competitive play.  

We’ve hosted a few backyard Olympics over the years with varying activities such as jumping over cardboard boxes (thank you Amazon!), slow dramatic runs (hone those acting skills!), and broomstick pole vault (not as dangerous as it sounds). We’ve also tried a more traditional approach with our daughter’s Pre-K class last year. Her classmates jumped over low hurdles, tossed frisbees for the discus throw, threw a Turbojav for javelin, ‘long’ jumped between cones, and practiced running with friends to ‘break the (painter’s) tape’ at the finish line (a crowd favorite!). 

This year though, with the help of neighborhood friends we expanded the events to include more multidisciplinary activities. It was extra special! We opened with a torch walk using torches of  ice cream cones topped with baked cheetos. The kids took charge and chose basketball toss, soccer goal shots, and a short but quick street bike ride followed by an equally swift run. A sprinkler infused water break ensued (our Running Peas kits dry quick-hooray!) followed by volleyball, badminton, and everyone’s favorite, a rhythmic gymnastics routine using sticks with streamers set to their favorite tunes. And just like our fellow olympians we showed our best olympic camaraderie and cheered each other on! 

For our closing ceremonies, the kids enjoyed some well earned rest and decorated wooden medals made from pre-cut branches and construction paper. You can also use these unfinished wooden medals from Bright Creations.

For more information on backyard olympic fun see here: Active for Life

Happy Running,

Joanie

Founder | CEO Running Peas