Backyard Field Day Stations

Cones and markers for stations

Measuring tape

Timer or stopwatch

Hula hoops

Pillowcases for sack race

Softball or tennis ball for throwing

Broomstick for limbo

Set up 6-8 stations around your backyard or park. Space them out so there's room at each one. Label each station with a sign or numbered card.

Sprint Station: mark a 30-foot course. Time each runner with a stopwatch. Record the times.

Long Jump Station: mark a take-off line. Each person gets 3 attempts at a standing long jump. Measure from the line to where their heels land. Record the best jump.

Ball Throw Station: stand at a line and throw a softball or tennis ball as far as possible. Measure the distance. Three attempts, record the best.

Hula Hoop Station: spin a hula hoop and count how many rotations before it falls. Three attempts, record the best.

Sack Race Station: hop in a pillowcase from a start line to a cone and back. Time it.

Limbo Station: two people hold a broomstick. Lower it after each round. Record the lowest height each person can pass under.

Score each station: 1st place gets 3 points, 2nd gets 2, 3rd gets 1. Add up totals for an overall champion. Award medals, ribbons, or silly trophies.

Let every participant rotate through every station. The variety means everyone has a chance to shine at something.

Field days create lasting memories. Even simple backyard versions feel like major events to kids.

Record every result on a scoresheet. Kids love seeing their numbers and comparing them to their last field day.

Include a mix of skill types so different kids can win different events. A fast runner might not be the best hula hooper, and that's the whole point.

Add a water station (for drinking) and have sunscreen ready. An hour of outdoor activity in the sun requires hydration breaks.

Do this quarterly and keep the records. Watching their sprint time drop and their long jump distance increase over months is incredibly motivating.