Whether you are following the winter or the summer Olympics, your children will likely be excited and eager to try out some of the games on their own. While you probably cannot let them try most of the games in reality, you can offer them the experience of competition and fun by setting up Olympic-themed games at home.
Summer Olympic Games
Replicate some of the summer Olympic games on a warm spring or summer day. Head to the beach and let the kids play beach volleyball. Bring along your badminton set and let them hit the birdie back and forth as well. Let them race across the swimming pool, while "rowing" with large paddles or swimming in various positions. Split them into teams of two and let them play pingpong, or head down to the local park for a game of tennis. Use a toy slingshot and water balloons to allow the kids to participate in archery.
Winter Olympic Games
Depending on the climate in which you live, you may not be able to take your children skiing or sledding. If this is the case, you will have to be creative to give them the winter Olympic experience. Allow them to wear their socks and "skate" around a gymnasium, or on a hardwood floor to simulate ice skating and ice hockey. They can also use roller skates instead of ice skates. Have them put their stocking feet on sheets of construction paper and use wooden dowels or walking sticks to "cross-country ski" across the floor.
Atmosphere
To make your Olympic event feel more official, sing the national anthem first. "Better Homes and Gardens" also suggests looking up the lyrics of other national anthems and singing them, especially those that represent part of your family's heritage. Eat a large pasta dinner the night before the big day to prepare yourselves as the real Olympic athletes do. Work on flags beforehand to march with in a "parade of nations," and display the flags during your events.
Awards
Make gold, silver and bronze medals out of juice can lids, aluminum foil or circles of cardboard, and attach them to ribbons. Depending on the number and age of the children involved, give each child a medal, or keep score during your games and award only the top three contestants in each event. Emphasize good sportsmanship throughout the events, and encourage teamwork where appropriate.
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