Birthday Party Games: Olympic Theme - Part 2

This is the second in a three part series on Olympic themed birthday party games. If you’re interested in how we made team uniforms, had an opening ceremony (with a “torch” and everything!), and our first two Olympic events, read Birthday Party Games: Olympic Theme - Part One. If you want to read about our final events and award ceremony, read Birthday Party Games: Olympic Theme - Part Three.

Now on to more Olympic themed birthday party games!

Event #3: Blanket Volleyball

For this event, you need two blankets of equal size and a large beach ball. Give each team a blanket and have them hold it around the edges so it’s taut. Then place the ball in the middle of one of the Olympic team’s blanket, instructing them to serve the ball by quickly lifting their arms at the same time so the ball is flung through the air to the other Olympic team’s blanket. The other team then catches the ball in their blanket and launches it back the same way. If one team lets the ball touch the ground, the other team gets a point. Definitely give the kids some practice shots so they get the hang of it first!

Event #4: Leap Frog

Not only is this game a classic, you don’t need to buy anything for it! Free fun always gets bonus points in my book. In case it’s been awhile since you’ve played Leap Frog yourself, here’s a brief recap of what we did. We had each Olympic team line up one behind the other. Then they kneeled on the ground and put their heads down. (Ever the worry wart, I told all the kids to tuck their hands in so no one’s fingers got stepped on.) The last person in each line started the game by standing up and leaping over each child in front of them. When they got to the front of the line, they kneeled with their head down. The leaping continued until the first team reached the orange cone. While I have a lot of pictures of the kids leaping, this one of my hubby demonstrating the game was just too good to keep to myself!

Event #5: Balancing Relay

All you need for this event are two small stuffed animals. We used Webkinz because as I said before, my kids are crazy about them. By this point, you’re probably seeing a pattern here with all these relays, but when it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The kids loved them! Give the kids a stuffed animal, spoon, whatever, and they don’t mind running back and forth between the same orange cones all afternoon. Anyway, each child took a turn balancing the stuffed animal on their head in typical relay fashion. WARNING! What was atypical about this event was all the cheating! In the spirit of the Olympics and good sportsmanship, our cheers went from “Great job!” to “Hey! Let go of the animal!”

Event #6: Crab Walk Relay

This is a lot of fun to watch! So fun, that I forgot to take a picture of this Olympic event. Each child participates in the relay by walking like a crab. This means they “walk” with their hands and feet while their backs are parallel to the ground. Easier said than done!

While the Olympic events so far were a lot of fun, I have to admit I saved the best ones for last. Cheap ploy to get you to read Birthday Party Games: Olympic Theme - Part Three? Yup. Seriously though, you don’t want to miss out on the best event of the day!

If you’re looking for more Olympic theme activities, check out this Olympic rings craft.

If you’re looking for an Olympic theme cake, check out this American Flag cake recipe!

If you’re looking for birthday party games that aren’t the Olympic theme, check out these birthday party games.