[Senior Class Events] A collection of game ideas to liven up a sports day for 5-year-olds
The sports day is an important event that serves as the culmination of kindergarten life for the eldest children.
There are events where children can showcase their individual growth, performances that unite hearts with their peers, and activities that deepen bonds with parents—so it can be hard to choose.
Selecting events that bring smiles to everyone is an important task for teachers as well.
Here, we introduce activities like the Hula Hoop Relay and Ice Cream Lick that foster teamwork while being fun.
Find ideas for a wonderful event that will stay in the children’s hearts.
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Team Competitions (11–20)
relay race
Let’s compete seriously while following the rules! Here are some ideas for a competitive relay.
The events for the older class are really thrilling, aren’t they? Among them, relays are something that can excite both children and adults.
Watching them aim for first place while keeping their promise to run the designated course is sure to be moving! Including a competitive relay in your sports day can really highlight the children’s growth.
It’s a good idea to decide on rules in advance, such as how to pass the baton and how to overtake.
Class relay race
The class relay race is one of the hallmark events of a school sports day.
Lines are drawn on the playground or in the gym, and children compete in speed as they run while handing off the baton.
Not only each runner’s speed but also the synchronized movements and unity with teammates will lead to victory.
Because it’s a sport where one person cooperates for everyone and everyone cooperates for one person, it can be a great opportunity to deepen bonds with friends in kindergarten or nursery school.
The cheers for the athletes giving it their all will be passionate, too.
Try making it one of the events that enliven the sports day for the oldest children in their final year at the school.
Competitions that parents and children can enjoy (1–10)
Big Pants Race
When it comes to highly competitive races that help deepen bonds with guardians and friends, the Dekapan Race is a classic.
Pairs of two put their legs into one oversized pair of pants and run toward the finish line.
Coordinating their steps leads to victory, making it a perfect activity for older kindergarteners.
Calling out “Ready, set!” together and matching each other’s running pace will help them run smoothly.
You can split into red and white teams for a team competition, or include it as a parent-child event.
Why not try this event that brings to mind the lively sight of older children running with energy?
Mikoshi race
Let’s have the teachers and children make an original portable shrine (omikoshi) and use it like a relay baton for a race! If you divide the parents evenly among the teams carrying the omikoshi, it becomes a fun parent-child event that encourages cooperation.
Teams that move in sync are faster, so you won’t know which team will come in first until the very end—so exciting! Since falling could lead to contact with other children, keep practicing to carry it carefully and steadily.
It will be a sports day where the children’s earnest efforts leave a lasting impression.
Caterpillar Race
A parent-child race where the pair crawls inside a cardboard caterpillar and aims for the finish line.
The system is simple, but because the single, connected sheet of cardboard won’t move smoothly unless you synchronize your movements, it’s not just about speed—matching your rhythm as a team is crucial.
Since adults and children differ in reach and strength, a key point is how well the parent can get down to the child’s level.
Because neither side can dominate too much, this event really excites the crowd at sports festivals and is a highly recommended parent-child competition.
Parent-child cavalry battle
A parent-child cavalry battle that deepens the bond between guardians and children while getting the audience excited, too.
Parents and children participating in the sports day form pairs, and once the parent carries the child on their back, they’re ready to go.
The rule is to snatch each other’s hats that the children are wearing.
You can make it an individual match that continues until only one remains, or color-code teams and make it a team competition.
Clear communication between parent and child is the key to victory.
Consider adopting this event idea that really showcases the oldest children in action.
Ball-carrying race
This is the “Ball Carry Relay,” where you transport a ball without dropping it.
A parent and child hold the ends of a sheet of newspaper and carry a rubber ball placed on top.
If you drop it, you start over.
If you pull too hard or run, the newspaper might tear, so be careful and match your pace as you carry the ball.
It should be exciting as a team relay, too.
