Olympic-Themed Summer Activities for Kids

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

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Sharpie Tie-Dye Trucker Hats

Every Olympian needs their gear, and these one-of-a-kind hats are the perfect opening ceremony project.

Materials:

Trucker hats (one per camper)
Sharpies (assorted colors)
Rubbing alcohol
Mist spray bottles
Hot glue gun + glue sticks (adult use only)
Sticky patches/appliqués (letter patches are fun too)

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:

Sponges
Bucket of water

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:

Beach towels (1 per buddy pair)
Water balloons

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:

Kiddie pool(s)
Sponges
Reusable water balloons

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.