Family Olympic games ideas are a hit during the summer, especially during an Olympics year. No matter how small or large, young or old, in shape or out of shape people are, these fun indoor games are for everyone.
The six family Olympic games ideas below are designed so everyone can medal in at least one event. The (mostly) indoor games will strengthen family members’ relationships. Plus, they’ll build inter-family bonds through fun, friendly competition.
Begin the family Olympic games with prayer and a Scripture verse. Also light a candle (aka flame) to signify the beginning of the games. The administrators of the games double as the judges. After each event, present a medal to the first-, second-, and third-place winning families.
PRO TIP: See “Go for the Gold” at the end of this article for a cheap, easy way to make medals for these kidmin games.
6 Indoor Family Olympic Games Ideas
1. Banner Bonanza
Goal: Each family creates a banner that reflects their most valuable characteristics.
Supplies:
For each family, fill a bag with:
- craft glue (specified for use with felt)
- scissors
- a 24×36-inch piece of white felt
- 8×10-inch pieces of red, blue, green, yellow, and black felt
- a black permanent marker
- Olympic-style music
Advantage: Everyone wins!
The Game: First, give each family a supply bag. Tell them they have 20 minutes to create a family banner. Using the felt squares, families should create a design with a section for each family member—similar to a family crest. Have family members each tell what they think is their family’s most valuable characteristic. Each person can draw a picture or write a word to describe their characteristic in their section.
After the banners are finished, play Olympic-style music. Have families parade around in a circle to display their banners. Imitate the Olympics Opening Ceremonies. Then award each family member a gold medal for this event.
2. Olympic Hula Hoop Hold-Up
Goal: Each family gets all its members into a hula hoop and races across the finish line.
Supplies:
- hula hoops (1 per family)
Advantage: Families with smaller people.
The Game: First, designate the starting line and use a long piece of crepe paper to mark the finish line. All families line up behind the starting line and begin at the same time. Have all the people in each family get into their family’s hula hoop and race to the finish line. Then award medals to the first three families to cross the finish line.
3. Olympic Piggyback Race
Goal: Dads (or the strongest family members) race to carry each family member across the finish line.
Supplies: none
Advantage: Families with younger or fewer children.
The Game: Have all families line up behind the starting line. The father must carry one of his family members across the finish line with only his feet touching the ground, return for the next family member, and repeat until all family members are across the finish line. Award medals for the first three families to have all their members across the finish line.
