How to throw a ‘Baby Olympics’

What’s cuter than baby Olympics? Trick question - nothing!

We put together a "baby Olympics" and it was absolutely adorable (+ easy!) Here's how we pulled it off (and how you can too;)

Watch the video version here:

5 Must-Haves for a backyard "Baby Olympics"

Putting on a baby Olympics doesn't have to be complicated. It's a great way to get some sunshine as a family and invite friends over for some fun! We kept our budget small and the setup simple. Heres's what we did:

1. Sprinklers

There are a lot of water sports in the Olympics, but most of them aren't super baby-friendly. Skip swimming, and bring out your sprinkler instead. It's a great way to cool the kids down, and it's versatile for several different activities. Here's what you can play:

Sprinkler Obstacle Course: turn on the sprinkler and let the kids run through! If they get wet, they have to start over - first person to make it through without getting wet wins!

2. Pool Noodles

Pool noodles are the most versatile supply you'll need for a baby Olympics! They are cheap, easy to set up, and useful all summer long. Here's what you can create with a few pool noodles:

Balance Beam: All you'll need is 2 stakes (or small American flags) and 1 pool noodle! Poke a stake on either side into the grass, so the pool noodle is pinned to the ground. I used cheap, small American flags as stakes - so it's festive! Kids can balance as they walk along the beam.

Obstacle Course: Only pool noodles needed for this activity! Sit on the side and wave the pool noodle back and forth. Your kids have to run through without getting hit! Great to tailor for different ages.

3. Plastic Balls

Some cheap plastic balls are so versatile for a backyard baby Olympics. They float in the water and are easy to clean up! Here's what you can do:

Shot Put: Have the kids line up, each holding a ball in their color. At the count of 3, each kid throw their ball as far as they can. Whoever throws it the farthest wins!

Collect All the Colors: Fill a kiddie pool with water and dump all the balls inside. Assign each kid a color (Ava, you get pink!). Count down from three and race! The kid who collects all the balls in their color first wins.

4. Streamers + Flags

Backyard baby Olympics aren't just about the games you play - it's about the decorations too! Surfing through what other "Pinterest moms" have done - I felt overwhelmed. I don't have time to build an American themed balloon arch!

Streamers are the perfect middle ground. I bought some red streamers and hung them from the trees. I also used them for a finish line in a classic foot race for the kiddos!

Flags are also a great options - they are so affordable, and I used them for everything. They stick into the grass easily, and kids love waving them around.

5. A Closing Ceremony

It's not a baby Olympics without a closing ceremony! I bought these plastic gold medals to hand out to each kid (no losers on my watch) and had each kid stand on the steps as we handed them out. It was the cutest.

Summer Baby Essentials

A backyard baby Olympics is a great way to get your kids excited about exercise this summer. It gets your whole family outdoors, and involves them in the Olympics. We hope this guide is doable (and not as overwhelming as the ones I found;)

As you enjoy summer with baby, it's important to stay organized + prepared on the go! Here are a few essentials you don't want to miss:

Wet Dry Bag

Our Wet Dry Bag is the #1 diaper bag accessory for the summer. With a waterproof main compartment, it keeps the mess separate from the rest of your diaper bag. Store wet swimsuits, dirty diapers, and soiled clothes inside. When you get home, just toss in the wash for easy cleanup! It's perfect for summer. Order from our 4 color options here!

Car Caddy

Another must-have for summer with littles? The car caddy! Our Diaper Caddy is versatile and we love packing it in the car for summer. Pack diapers, a changing pad, wipes, car friendly snacks, and water bottles inside. They are easy to access on the go and keep things organized! Order here.

Park-Friendly Diaper Bag

Lastly, our Birch Bag Diaper Backpack is the best diaper bag for the summer. Featuring stroller hooks with easy snaps, insulated bottle pockets to keep milk cold, and 10+ pockets for all your summer essentials - they are ideal for neighborhood walks, traveling with babies, and any summer activity. Pick from our options here!