Fun field day activities and games for kids

How to plan the best field day activities ever

Field day. It’s a day kids look forward to all year!  

How to plan a successful field day

A little planning goes a long way in making sure field day runs smoothly! The key is to have a solid game plan, so everything stays organized and fun for both students and staff. Start by making sure teachers running each station know exactly what their activity is all about, whether it’s competitive, just for fun, or focused on teamwork.  

Important reminder:

If you’re holding a field day off-campus, don’t forget to plan for the logistics. Think about how you’ll transport supplies, students, and staff. Make sure there are rest areas, shade, and bathroom facilities available, so everyone stays comfortable throughout the day. 

Field day essentials checklist

Activity supplies: 

• Hula hoops

Health and comfort supplies: 

With a little preparation, you’ll set the stage for an exciting, stress-free field day that kids will remember long after the school day is over. 

Classic field day activities

The best field day games are simple to set up, easy to explain, and tons of fun! Most require very little equipment, making them a breeze to organize. To keep things moving smoothly, divide students into groups and have them rotate through each game at the same time. A set schedule with clear time limits for each station will help ensure that every group gets a turn at all the activities. 

1. Potato sack race

Setup: Mark a starting line and a finish line. Give each participant a sack (burlap sacks or large pillowcases work great!). 
How to play: Players hop inside their sacks, holding them up with both hands. At the whistle, they hop as fast as they can toward the finish line. First one to cross wins! 
Variations: 

• Younger students: Let them race in pairs, holding hands for extra support. 

• Older students: Add an obstacle course element, like hopping around cones or over small hurdles. 

2. Tug-of-war

Setup: Lay a long rope on the ground with a center marker (like a bandana). Mark two boundary lines on either side. 
How to play: Divide students into two equal teams. Each team grabs one end of the rope and pulls! The first team to pull the center marker over their boundary line wins. 
Variations: 

• Younger students: Have a teacher or older student act as a “helper” on each team to even things out.

• Older students: Try a multi-round tournament with different matchups to determine the ultimate tug-of-war champions.

3. Egg and spoon race (no mess version!)

Setup: Mark a start and finish line. Hand out plastic Easter eggs and disposable spoons.
How to play: Each player balances their egg on a spoon and carefully races to the finish line without dropping it. If the egg falls, they must stop, place it back on the spoon, and continue.
Variations:

• Younger students: Let them hold the spoon with both hands for extra stability.

• Older students: Make it harder by having them walk backward or weave through cones.

4. Beanbag toss

Setup: Lay out hula hoops at different distances and assign each one a point value. Give each player a set number of beanbags. 
How to play: Players take turns tossing beanbags into the hoops, trying to land them inside to earn points. The player (or team) with the most points at the end wins!
Variations:

• Younger students: Use larger targets or let them stand closer.

• Older students: Add a time limit or require them to hit each target in order.

Unique and creative field day games

While the classic field day games are always a hit, adding a few fresh activities each year keeps students excited and eager to participate. Here are some fun, creative games that will add a new twist to your event!

1. Water balloon toss

Setup:

• Fill a kiddie pool with pre-filled water balloons to keep them from popping too soon.

• Have students pair up and stand a short distance apart.

• Mark a start line and a designated playing area to keep everything organized.

How to play:

• Partnered students toss a water balloon back and forth. If the balloon stays intact, they both take a step back.

• The game carries on until only one pair remains with an unbroken balloon.

Modifications:

• For younger students: Let them start closer together and take smaller steps back.

• For older students: Add a challenge! Have them toss the balloon over their shoulders or catch it with one hand.

2. Dinosaur egg transfer

Setup:

• Use two long ropes (or pool noodles) held parallel to each other as a "track."

• Place a playground ball ("dinosaur egg") between the ropes.

• Have teams of 3–4 students work together to guide the egg to a finish line.

How to play:

• Students must carefully tilt and move the ropes to roll the ball along the track without dropping it.

• The first team to successfully transport their "egg" to the finish line wins!

Modifications:

• For younger students: Use a larger, slower-moving ball to make it easier.

• For older students: Add obstacles to navigate around or make the course longer.

3. Human ring toss

Setup:

• Choose one student to be the "target" (they can stand on a marked spot or wear a fun costume like a hula skirt or a pool float).

• Give the other students inflatable pool rings to toss.

How to play:

• Players take turns tossing rings, trying to land them over the target person.

• The first player to successfully "ring" the target wins!

Modifications:

• For younger students: Let the target sit or kneel to make it easier to aim.

• For older students: Have the target move side to side or spin slowly for an added challenge.

Make field day unforgettable

With a mix of classic fun and creative games, you can make field day fun for all ages and abilities. Whether students are dodging water balloons, guiding dinosaur eggs, or aiming for a human ring toss, these games will bring laughter, excitement, and a little friendly competition to your learning adventure.

Non-competitive and inclusive field day activities

Field day should be a fun-filled experience for ALL students—not just those who love competitive or high-energy games. Some kids may have physical limitations, while others simply prefer a more relaxed approach to activities. That’s why it’s important to offer low-pressure options that ensure every student feels included, engaged, and excited to participate.

Here are a few laid-back, stress-free field day activities that encourage creativity, mindfulness, and fun—without the pressures of competition!

1. Water marble hunt

Setup:

• Fill a kiddie pool with water and scatter marbles along the bottom.

• Have students sit around the pool with their feet in the water.

How to play:

• Using only their toes, students "fish" marbles out of the pool and place them in a small bucket.

• The goal is to see how many marbles they can collect within a set time—or just for fun!

2. Bubble blowing contest

Setup:

• Give each student a bottle of bubble solution and a wand.

• Find an open area where bubbles can float freely.

How to play:

• Students take turns blowing bubbles, trying to create the biggest bubble or the longest-lasting bubble before it pops!

3. Sidewalk chalk art

Setup:

• Choose a sidewalk, parking lot, or concrete area as the "art zone."

• Provide plenty of sidewalk chalk in different colors.

How to play:

• Each student gets their own space to draw, doodle, or create a masterpiece!

• You can also set a theme (like "summer fun" or "school spirit") for inspiration.

4. Mindfulness and relaxation station

Setup:

• Set up a shaded tent or quiet area away from the noise and activity.

• Provide calming elements like soft music, comfy seating, and mindfulness activities.

How to play:

• Students can take a break, color in mindfulness books, work on puzzles, or simply relax.

• This station is great for students who get overstimulated or need a moment to recharge.

Why inclusive activities matter

Provide a mix of high-energy and relaxed activities to encourage participation from every student without pressure or competition. When students feel seen, heard, and included, they’ll walk away from field day with great memories, no matter their interests or abilities.

With thoughtful planning, you can make field day a day that truly celebrates all students—because fun should never be one-size-fits-all!

Team-building activities for field day

Field day is the perfect opportunity to encourage teamwork, communication, and student problem-solving skills while having fun. These particular field day activities help students work together, think creatively, and build stronger connections with their classmates.

1. Pass the water relay

Setup:

• Line up teams in a row, each student holding an empty cup.

• The first player fills their cup with water from a bucket and passes it over their head to the person behind them.

• The last person in line dumps whatever water is left into a final container.

How to play:

• The team that fills their container the fastest or has the most water left at the end wins.

2. Giant Jenga

Setup:

• Use oversized wooden blocks or foam-stacking bricks to create a giant Jenga tower.

• Teams take turns removing one block at a time and placing it on top without letting the tower fall.

How to play:

• The team that successfully removes and stacks the most blocks before the tower tumbles wins.

3. Trust walk

Setup:

• Pair up students, giving one a blindfold or having them close their eyes.

• Create a simple obstacle course using cones, chairs, or rope to mark the path.

How to play:

• The sighted partner must guide the blindfolded partner only using verbal instructions to navigate the course.

• The goal is to complete the course safely while building trust and listening skills.

When organizing teams, prioritize inclusivity by mixing different ages, abilities, and personalities. The goal is to encourage teamwork and ensure everyone feels valued, not just the most athletic students. By offering a variety of exciting student activities, you can create a field day experience where everyone gets to shine.

Tips for running a smooth field day

Field day takes a lot of planning and coordination, but with the right preparation, you can create a fun, organized, and stress-free event for students and staff alike. The PE Specialist has a great blog on planning an awesome field day, and here are a few key tips to keep in mind.

1. Plan the activities

• Decide on all the station locations and create a clear rotation schedule so teams move smoothly from one activity to the next.

• Consider a natural progression for each station to prevent bottlenecks and keep energy levels balanced.

• Have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather or other disruptions.

2. Recruit volunteers

• Field day requires extra hands, so start recruiting early.

• Ask colleagues, send an email blast to parents, and check if any high school students need volunteer hours.

• Assign volunteers specific roles so they know exactly what to expect on event day.

3. Prep your teachers and volunteers

• Provide maps, station instructions, starting positions, and award details in a simple packet for easy reference.

• Hold a brief meeting before field day to answer any last-minute questions and ensure everyone feels prepared.

4. Prep your students

• In the week leading up to field day, talk about sportsmanship and the importance of supporting friends and teammates.

• Help students practice the art of graceful losing so they can handle competition in a positive way.

• Explain how the awards ceremony will work and reinforce the idea that participation and effort matter more than winning.

5. Capture the memories

• Assign a volunteer to photograph or video the event to create a highlight reel.

• Sharing a recap video or slideshow after field day can be a fun way for students to relive the excitement and look forward to next year!

• Keep these in mind, and your field day will run smoothly and successfully, creating a day full of memories, teamwork, and fun for everyone involved.

FAQs about field day activities for your elementary students

How do you plan a successful field day for all students?

A great field day starts with clear goals, whether it’s focused on fun, fitness, or team building. Creating a mix of competitive, non-competitive, and inclusive activities ensures that every student can participate and enjoy the event.

What are some easy-to-set-up field day activities?

Classic games like sack races, tug-of-war, and obstacle courses require minimal setup and keep students engaged. Using simple equipment like cones, hula hoops, and water balloons makes organizing the event both fun and manageable.

How can field day be more inclusive for all students?

Incorporating non-competitive games like a bubble-blowing contest, chalk art stations, and buddy walks allows every student to participate at their comfort level. Offering adaptive versions of traditional games ensures that students of all abilities feel included.

What are some unique and creative field day games?

Mixing in fresh activities like Human Ring Toss, Giant Tic-Tac-Toe, and Hula Hoop Pass keeps students excited and engaged. These games provide a fun twist on the traditional while promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills.

What are the best ways to keep field day running smoothly?

A well-structured event schedule with station rotations helps keep things organized and prevents long wait times. Ensuring hydration stations, shaded rest areas, and clear event instructions creates a stress-free experience for students and staff.

Make all your field day activities fun with School Outfitters

A well-planned and engaging field day is an opportunity for students to build teamwork, sportsmanship, and lasting memories. By mixing classic games with creative and inclusive activities, you ensure that every student, regardless of skill level or preference, can enjoy the day.

Looking for supplies to bring your field day vision to life? Get a quote on some of School Outfitter’s favorite school furniture, sports equipment, and more that’s sure to make your event a success. And if you need more inspiration, explore our other blog articles for additional planning tips and activity ideas!