Backyard Relay Race for Kids
Run relay races in the backyard with fun twists — carrying an egg on a spoon, running backwards, or crab walking — a thrilling team game.
What You'll Need
- 1Cones or markers for start and turnaround
- 2Plastic egg or ball
- 3Spoon
- 4Flat outdoor area
What You'll Need
Cones, water bottles, or objects to mark start and turnaround points
A plastic egg or ball and a spoon for the egg race
A flat outdoor area with at least 40 feet of running room
How to Play
Set up your relay course in the backyard or a park. Mark a start line and place a turnaround cone about 20 feet away. Runners go down, touch or round the cone, and sprint back.
If you have enough players, divide into two teams. If it's just you and your child, take turns and time each run.
Start with a classic sprint relay. Line up at the start, say "On your marks, get set, GO!" and run to the cone and back. Slap hands as a baton pass.
Switch to an egg-on-a-spoon relay. Place a plastic egg on a large spoon and walk/run to the cone and back without dropping it. If it falls, stop, put it back on, and continue.
Backwards running relay: run backwards to the cone and forward back. This is hilariously difficult and great for body awareness.
Crab walk relay: sit down, hands behind, hips up, and shuffle sideways to the cone and back. This is the hardest one for most kids.
Hopping relay: hop on one foot to the cone, then sprint back. Switch to the other foot for the next round.
Create a "mega relay" that combines all styles: sprint to cone one, crab walk to cone two, hop to cone three, backwards run home.
Tips
Relay races teach kids to wait for their turn, cheer for teammates, and handle winning and losing — social skills wrapped in exercise.
Keep the relay distance short. Twenty feet is plenty for preschoolers. Longer distances lead to walking and lost interest.
If there's only one child, race against a timer instead of each other. "Can you beat 10 seconds?" is just as motivating as racing a sibling.
The egg-and-spoon race is the crowd favorite. Use a plastic egg and a large spoon for smaller hands. Real eggs are messy but unforgettable if you're feeling adventurous.
Rotate who gets to say "Ready, set, go!" Kids love being the official starter.
Age Adaptation Tips
Preschoolers can follow multi-step instructions. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to predict what will happen next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 25 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: cones or markers for start and turnaround, plastic egg or ball, spoon, flat outdoor area.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 3-5 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Does this need to be done outdoors?
This activity is best done outdoors where kids have space to move and explore.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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