[Childcare] Unique event ideas to try at a sports day
A sports day is a precious once-a-year occasion where you can witness children’s growth.
Classic events are fun, but here we’ll introduce some unique, slightly unusual ones!
With quirky movements and creative ideas, kids can enjoy practicing even more.
You’ll also see more moments that bring spontaneous smiles to parents watching.
If you mix these events in between the standard ones, the whole sports day becomes even more entertaining.
By all means, create a sports day that leaves the children saying, “That was so much fun!”
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[Childcare] Unique Event Ideas for Sports Day to Try (31–40)
Go! Go! Summer

A refreshing summer-themed competition! Introducing ideas for Go! Go! Summer.
Some teachers may be looking to plan competitions with a summer theme.
These ideas are perfect for that.
Prepare items such as inner tubes, a river made from decorative tape, baskets, fish made from colored plastic bags, and fishing rods made from umbrella handles.
Cross the river made from decorative tape while wearing an inner tube.
You’ll want to focus on the children’s excited, thrilled expressions.
Be sure to give it a try!
Play Park Together

In the interactive exercise “Let’s Play Park Together,” parents and children can try all kinds of movements: holding hands and jumping, cradling the children like treasures, playing bowling, and more.
Since you can switch roles in the bowling activity, if the parent plays the pins and does some funny moves, it might bring out smiles from the kids.
Finish by lifting the children up high for a grand finale! It’s sure to make a wonderful photo opportunity.
It may look difficult, but there’s actually not much dancing involved, so even one-year-olds should be able to enjoy it fully.
tug of war

A classic crowd-pleasing event! Here are some ideas for a tug-of-war.
Many parents and teachers may remember competing in tug-of-war when they were young.
Why not hold a tug-of-war as a timeless activity that still gets everyone excited? As each team comes up with strategies and puts them into practice, it can be a great opportunity for children to grow.
They can learn a lot by understanding winning and losing and by keeping promises while participating.
Give it a try!
I ended up doing it.

Let’s try moving like animals and insects to the melody of “Alps Ichiman-jaku.” Use your whole body to express the characteristics of different creatures.
The uniquely adorable movements of one-year-olds are sure to warm the hearts of those around them.
Doing this together with parents or guardians will make it even more fun for the children.
At the end of the song, the children will say “We did it!” to their caregivers while sharing a hug or a high-five.
It’s an event that highlights the children’s cuteness right up to the finish.
Animal Race

Let’s step into character and play! Here are some ideas for an Animal Race.
Many children find it fun to pretend to be animals.
This time, try racing while transforming into a frog, a bear, or even a baby together with parents or guardians! Sports days can feel different from the usual routine, and many children may get nervous—but participating alongside a parent or guardian can help them feel more at ease.
Preparing headbands or costumes will likely boost their excitement, too.
[Childcare] Unique Competition Ideas to Try at a Sports Day (41–50)
Ball-collecting competition

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!
Core circuit

Balancing is fun! Here are some ideas for a core-strength circuit.
The core refers to areas like the chest, back, abdomen, and lower back, as well as the muscle groups that support them.
Training the core can help improve posture stability, balance, and overall athletic performance! Incorporating a core circuit into activities could help children grow both mentally and physically.
Holding poses together while cooperating with parents or friends can also create meaningful bonding time.



