Each year my daughter Catie hosts a Kids Camp! Inside this post you’ll find low-prep, super simple Olympic-themed summer activities for kids that she came up with for her Olympic Day at camp.
Nothing says summer camp quite like a full day of Olympic spirit… friendly competition, teamwork, and (let’s be honest) a whole lot of getting soaked in the best possible way. This Olympic-themed camp day is packed with eight activities that cover everything from quiet craft time to full-on water chaos, so there’s something for every kind of camper.
Whether you’re planning this for a youth group, a neighborhood camp, or a community event, here’s everything you need!
From tie-dye crafts to full-blown water games, here’s everything on the schedule for Olympic Day:
- Sharpie Tie-Dye Trucker Hats
- Fruit Loop Necklace Medals
- Drip Drip Splash
- Cup Relay
- Water Balloon Catch
- Build-a-Boat Challenge
- Popsicle Party
- Kiddie Pool Playtime
Toddler Approved is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my Disclosure Policy.
Sharpie Tie-Dye Trucker Hats
Every Olympian needs their gear, and these one-of-a-kind hats are the perfect opening ceremony project.
Materials:
Instructions:
- Give each camper a plain trucker hat and a few Sharpie colors.
- Have kids color designs directly onto the fabric panel of the hat — dots, swirls, and stripes work best.
- Once colored, mist the design lightly with rubbing alcohol using the spray bottle. Watch the colors bloom and blend into a tie-dye effect.
- Let hats dry completely before moving on.
- Adult-assisted step: Once dry, use a hot glue gun to attach sticky patches or appliqués to the brim or side of the hat for a personalized finishing touch. Keep the glue gun in adult hands only.
Fruit Loop Necklace Medals
A sweet (literally) twist on the classic Olympic medal.
Materials:
- Fruit Loops cereal
- Ribbon (cut into necklace lengths)
- Paper medal cutouts (printable or hand-cut cardstock)
Instructions:
- Give each camper a length of ribbon and a small bowl of Fruit Loops.
- Have them string the Fruit Loops onto the ribbon to create a colorful necklace.
- Tie the ribbon ends together and attach a paper medal cutout to the front, centered on the necklace.
- Kids can wear their medal necklace for the rest of camp and snack on a few Fruit Loops along the way! I love this sort of snacktivity!
Drip Drip Splash
A soggy spin on Duck Duck Goose that’s an instant camp favorite.
Materials:
Instructions:
- Have campers sit in a circle.
- One camper is “it” and walks around the outside of the circle holding a wet sponge.
- Instead of tapping heads and saying “duck, duck, goose,” the “it” camper gives a light drip of water on each head while saying “drip, drip…” until they pick someone to “splash.” When they “splash,” they squeeze the sponge on that kid’s head.
- That camper jumps up and chases “it” around the circle back to the open spot.
- Whoever doesn’t make it back to the empty seat becomes the new “it.” Repeat!
Cup Relay
A fast-paced, high-energy relay that’s all about teamwork (and staying somewhat dry).
Materials:
- Small cups (2 per team)
- A large bucket or bin per team
- Water source
Instructions:
- Split campers into two lines/teams, each paired up into partners down the line.
- Each team gets one full cup of water at the start and an empty bucket at the finish line.
- The first camper in line pours their cup of water over their head and into their partner’s cup.
- The partner then runs to pour their cup into the team bucket, then runs back to refill and pass along.
- Continue relay-style down the line.
- The first team to fill their bucket to the marked line wins!
Water Balloon Catch
A team-building classic using beach towels instead of hands.
Materials:
Instructions:
- Pair up campers into buddy teams, and give each pair a beach towel to hold by the corners (one buddy on each end).
- Have another leader or camper toss a water balloon onto the towel.
- Buddies work together to catch the balloon in the towel without popping it, then try to launch it back or to another team.
- For an extra challenge, have teams take a step back after each successful catch to increase the distance.
Build-a-Boat Challenge
An engineering event for your mini Olympians.
Materials:
- Pool noodles
- Duct tape
- Small toys (for “cargo”)
- Kiddie pool
Instructions:
- Give each small team a set number of pre-cut pool noodles and a roll of duct tape.
- Teams have a set amount of time (10–15 minutes works well) to design and build a boat that will float.
- Once built, boats are tested by launching them across the kiddie pool.
- Add small toys as “cargo” to each boat — the team whose boat makes it across the pool while carrying the most cargo without sinking wins.
Popsicle Party
The perfect cool-down moment between water events.
Materials:
- Popsicles (enough for the whole crew, plus extras)
- Napkins or wet wipes
Instructions:
- Gather campers in a shaded spot and hand out popsicles to everyone.
- Use this as a built-in rest break — a chance to recharge, rehydrate, and cool off before the next activity.
- Keep napkins or wet wipes on hand for sticky fingers!
Kiddie Pool Playtime
Free play to close out the Games in true summer style.
Materials:
Instructions:
- Set up one or more kiddie pools with sponges and reusable water balloons scattered around.
- Let campers enjoy open, unstructured water play — soaking sponges, tossing balloons, and cooling off together.
- This works great as a wind-down activity at the end of the day, letting kids play at their own pace before pickup.
Printable Olympic Day Activity Plan
Want a Printable Olympic Day Activity Plan to use as you plan your own camp?
RELATED: Love a good themed activity plan? Grab a year’s worth of simple themed activity plans for toddlers and preschoolers here.
Have your own Olympic Day activity to add? Share it in the comments below!
