[Senior Class Events] A collection of game ideas to liven up a sports day for 5-year-olds

bread-eating contest

bread-eating contest

Many kids love bread! Bread-eating races are a blast because the prize is clear and tangible.

You can hang the bread from a pole, but it’s even better to have a teacher hold it by hand so the height can be adjusted.

Kids can run on their own, or do it piggyback-style with a parent.

It’s a game everyone can enjoy, letting participants experience the joy of winning a prize!

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Tani Satoko

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Goldfish Migration Circuit

Tomobe Kindergarten Sports Day Event Description No. 6: “Goldfish Moving Operation”

Finish together as parent and child! Here’s an idea for a Goldfish Migration Circuit.

You’ll need homemade scoops (poi), two kiddie pools, goldfish made from colored plastic bags, and red-and-white flags.

Many children may feel nervous in the unusual atmosphere of a sports day, right? Participating in the event together with a parent can help ease those nerves a bit.

This event requires teamwork between parent and child! Let’s successfully move the goldfish while calling out to each other.

The cute costumes are another highlight, too!

Mini triathlon

Rita, age 2 – Parent-child event at the sports day

We’d like to introduce a parent-child event modeled after a triathlon.

This is a parent-child activity: first, transform into a rabbit and make a lively start by jumping! Next, jump over the big box in front of you and crawl through the tunnel made of streamer tape.

After you pass through, the guardian gives the child a piggyback ride, and once you grab the prize medal, you’re at the finish line! Feel free to customize the events leading up to the finish according to the children’s interests and attention.

For preschoolers, trying it solo is also recommended.

Ball-collecting competition

🧡 [Parent-Child Play • Boost Motor Skills] Three birds with one stone just by having fun—sharpen decision-making, quickness, and stamina! “Ball Collecting Race” ✌ For toddlers to lower elementary school students [Parent-Child Exercise]

Let’s incorporate activities that develop motor skills! Here are some ideas for a ball-collecting race.

There are likely many opportunities to use balls during exercise time.

By using familiar balls in competitions, children can develop their motor skills.

This time, we’re introducing a ball-collecting race that children can try together with parents or teachers, helping them build decision-making skills and quickness.

Competing while following rules can also provide a chance to learn social skills.

Be sure to give it a try!

Borrower Competition

Reiwa 3 (2021) Matsuyama Minami High School Sports Day 'Borrowed Person Race'

Borrowed-item races are a staple, but this one is a “borrowed-person” race.

Just as the name suggests, you borrow people, not things.

Bring along teachers, parents, or kindergarteners who fit the theme and aim for the finish line! The great thing is that everyone can join in and have fun together.

Adults and kids alike can enjoy it, so it really livens up the sports day! Do keep in mind that some might be shy, so try not to set overly difficult prompts.

You could also mix in rules from the regular borrowed-item race.

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Araki Jakkan

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Let’s deliver flavors of the world!

Turn the recipe cards and start cooking! Bring flavors from around the world! Here’s an idea to try.

Sports Day is a special event that happens once a year.

How about competing while learning about the world? Let’s have parents and children work together to make dishes from around the globe as they overcome items like hurdles and balance beams.

Through pretend play, you can create happy memories of joining a fun event together—making American hamburgers, Japanese osechi, Italian pizza, British sandwiches, and more.

Giant ball rolling

Preschool sports day parent–child event: Giant ball rolling (ōdama korogashi) – Japan

Giant ball rolling is a game that really heats up when done as a team competition! When adults join in, the height difference makes ball control more challenging—that’s part of the fun.

Let’s all work together while paying attention to our calls and chants.

Decorating the ball with your preschool’s original designs can add to the enjoyment.

Adults should make adjustments—like crouching slightly—so children can reach and touch the ball.

Which team will be the fastest? It’s the kind of event that makes adults unintentionally get serious.

Because falls and collisions are a concern, make sure the children get plenty of practice on their own beforehand.

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tsukada moe

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