Jul 24 2012

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Posted by Kat

The London 2012 Opening Ceremonies are just 4 days away!

We love the idea of hosting a mini version of the Olympics right in your own backyard. A few events, some healthy snacks and a craft will get your kids in the spirit of the games.

Getting Ready

Let every mini athlete pick a country to represent – this is a great opportunity for kids to learn more about our neighbors around the world! Here are some ideas to get ready:

- Sporty athletic gear, if they’re in the country’s colors even better! Be sure to check clothes for loose strings or buttons that may get caught while playing – safety first!

- Face paint to decorate in your country’s colors

- Print free mini flags at home and attach them to popsicle sticks, straws, or whatever you have lying around the house!

Now you’re ready to compete!

Relay Race

Set up a course around the yard where each athlete passes off the “baton” (a paper towel roll will do) to the next runner. On a hot day you could also add new elements to the relay like running through a sprinkler or splashing in a kiddie pool!

Discus

The discus used in the Olympics is a wooden plate rimmed with metal but we think a frisbee is a good alternative! Compete by seeing who can throw it the furthest or set up targets to see who is the most accurate.

Trampoline

Your Springfree Trampoline is the perfect place to host one of the most thrilling events in the Summer Olympic games! While superstars in the sport like Karen Cockburn, Jason Burnett, Rosie MacLennan and Steven Gluckstein complete breathtaking routines, we always recommend that untrained gymnasts refrain from attempting tricks and flips on the trampoline. Instead, here are some ways to compete:

- Who can complete the most seat drops in a minute?

- Who has the most spectacular star jump?

- Who can jump the longest? Note to parents: kids tend to have the competitive edge on this one

Additional Backyard Olympic Events:

- Swimming

- Cycling

- Jump rope (not an official Olympic sport, but it has to start somewhere!)

- Basketball

- Soccer

Healthy Snack Ideas

After all thatactivity you’re going to need to break for some water and a healthy snack! Over on our Pinterest board we have a collection of post-jumping snacks perfect for your little Olympian.

Photo credit: kayepants on Flickr

Closing Ceremonies + Make Your Own Medals

In the spirit of the Olympics, we think every little athlete deserves a medal. An easy craft is the perfect way to end your Olympic day. We love this make-your-own medal idea from Alpha Mom or you can go the simple route with some ribbon, cardboard circles and metallic paint.

Photo credit: AlphaMom

Be sure to tune in during the Olympics to support the athletes and the sport of trampoline!

Men’s trampoline (qualifications & finals) – Friday, August 3, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. EST

Women’s trampoline (qualifications & finals) – Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. EST

Citius, Altius, Fortius!

Blog From:http://www.springfreetrampoline.com/blog/2012/07/24/london-2012-backyard-olympics/