A fun, kid-friendly way to celebrate the Games.
by LocalParent

Pan Am/Parapan Am Games
Everyone’s excited about the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games taking place this July and August.
Why not bring some of that excitement home by holding kid-sized games in your own backyard? Make it fun with torch relays, crafts, medal presentation, food and music that mimic the real games and pay tribute to participating countries.
We’ve put together some ideas for a great day of competition and laughs for kids and families in your neighborhood!

Party Pre-Prep
In addition to setting up the games around your yard, you’ll need to do some preparation before guests arrive for all the extras you have planned.
Our party suggestions include making flags from Pan Am countries for kids to wave and to use for crafts, a torch relay around the yard, and medals for presentation at the end of your games.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Crafts for Your Party
Before you start the games, have guests do the finishing touches on the sailboat and the medals.
Decorate the sailboat. Let guests choose a flag from the country they want to represent. Provide a collection of waterproof markers and have kids draw their flag on the sail of the sailboat (for the Sailboat Race) and then attach the mast.
Decorate the medals. Kids can draw the flag or other pictures on their medal, print words or use stickers. Each child will be presented with their own medal for their achievements at the close of the backyard games.

Food for the Games
Fuel your young athletes with our selection of foods and snacks inspired by the countries participating in the Pan Am Games.

Obstacle Course
Pool Noodle Hurdles
Kids jump over the noodle as volunteers hold it at the appropriate height for each child.
Leap Frog
Kids hop like a frog over cushions set up in a line with a space between each.
Ladder Run
Lay a ladder on the ground and have kids walk, run or hop through each rung.
Balance Beam
Kids take turns walking backwards along an 8’ long 2 x 4 laid on the grass or raised on blocks.