Every week until Aug. 24, Active For Life provides parents with activities, crafts, and book recommendations for you and your kids to do at home. This week’s theme is the Olympic Games. Here you’ll find a variety of Olympic Games-themed games and activities, using little to no equipment and materials, that will keep you and your children active, engaged, and having fun! This article is written in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic School Program.
Welcome to Week 4: Olympic Games
Did you know this week would have been the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games? We may not be able to cheer on Team Canada this year, but there are lots of fun activities to get your family in the Olympic spirit! You decide how you want to use these activities: pick one thing to do each day of the week, plan a full day of fun, or just scan through for inspiration and do what sounds fun to you.
Fun fact: The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will now take place one year later, officially opening on July 23, 2021 and continuing through to Aug. 8, 2021.
It’s important for children to participate in a variety of sports and activities because it helps with long-term physical development. The Olympic Games bring excitement and an opportunity to learn about different sports you may not have heard about or tried. This week, we’re sharing games, activities, and resources that will introduce your child to a variety of Olympic sports. Did you know that the number one reason why kids play sports is to have FUN? Remember to focus on the fun factor in order to keep your child engaged and enjoying movement!
Here’s what we’ve got for this week:
Independent play: Create your own gymnastics routine or practice your dribbling.
Arts & crafts: Get creative with making your own Olympic Games Torch and Olympic Rings.
Active family fun: Go on a neighbourhood Torch Relay and try some archery and athletics.
Quiet time: We’ve got book suggestions for all ages—including some written by Olympic athletes!
If you’re up for a full week of Olympics-themed fun, here’s a sample schedule you can follow:
Monday
Opening Ceremony
1. Make your own Olympic Torch
2. Neighbourhood Olympic Torch Relay
Tuesday
1. Golden Rings Archery
2. Team Canada Colouring Pages
Wednesday
1. Gymnastics Routine
2. Bonus: Destination Tokyo Olympic Design
Thursday
1. Olympic Rings Craft
2. Figure 8 Dribbling
Friday
Closing Ceremony
1. Athletics 101
2. Bonus: The PURSUE Series
See the full article and detailed outlines of Olympics-themed activities HERE!