Backyard Field Day Stations
Set up a full field day with stations — sprints, long jump, ball throw, limbo, sack race — for a competitive outdoor event right at home.
What You'll Need
- 1Cones and markers
- 2Measuring tape
- 3Timer or stopwatch
- 4Hula hoops
- 5Pillowcases for sack race
- 6Softball or tennis ball for throw
- 7Broomstick for limbo
What You'll Need
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
How to Play
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.
Tips
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.
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 60 min, with 20 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: cones and markers, measuring tape, timer or stopwatch, hula hoops, pillowcases for sack race, and 2 more items.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 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 is a more challenging activity that may require advance preparation, special materials, or closer supervision. The extra effort is worth it for the learning experience!
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