It’s easy to transform a simple relay race  into a fun, silly or challenging party game for kids of all ages.

Here are the basic rules of a relay race with suggestions to making the race party theme related, or just a little more fun. Keep in mind the team relay races work best with children over four years old and with at least six children at the party. You may need to include adults in the race to form even teams…that’s okay.

Game Materials:

• Start and Finish markers for each team – cones, baskets, yard stakes, milk crates or chairs.
• The items you’ll need for this game are dependent on the type of race you are having. For example: eggs and spoons, cotton balls, oranges… see the suggestions below for more details.
• Whistle
• Prizes

Before the Party:

1. Set up the start and finish markers for each team.
2. Make sure the race path is clear of debris or any unwanted obstacles.
3. Prepare props such as spoons,eggs, balls, baskets of costumes…see suggestions.
4. Prepare prizes (optional) – larger prizes for the winning team and concession prizes for all of the racers…it’s a party after all so keep it fun for everyone!
5. Make sure your camera is ready to go, because you are going to want to take pictures and video. Assign an adult helper to do this job.
6. Have a “Plan B” in case you are forced to play your game in a smaller space.

Party Time:

1. Divide the players into teams with an even amount of players.
2. Line the teams up at their respective start line.
3. Explain the rules and objective…demonstrate if necessary.
4. Blow the whistle to start the race.
5. The first racer from each team will run to a marker and return to their teammates to send off the next runner. Often the runners perform a task such as carrying an egg with a spoon.
6. The first team to finish, wins.

The possibilities for making this game theme related are endless.
For example….If it is a construction theme party, use a toolbox as the finish marker and give each team an equal amount of kid-safe plastic tools. Each runner races to the toolbox to put their tool in and then returns to send the next racer.

Relay Race Variations

• Teams can race carrying an egg (plastic or real), cotton balls or peanuts in a spoon.
• Race hopping on one foot.
• Race in groups of two running back to back with an orange in between players.
• Race while rolling a hula hoop, around an obstacle at the marked finish and then return to give the hula hoop to the next runner.
• Carry water from one big bucket to another using a small beach pail. This is great for a firefighter party.
• Players race while balancing books on their heads. This is good for a dress-up tea party or royal princess party.
• Race while holding a teacup on a saucer (plastic tea set of course).
• Race while balancing a gumball on a spoon…great for a Candy Land Party.
• Dinosaur party? Play the spoon and egg race with plastic eggs decorated to resemble ancient eggs. Try larger wooden spoons for younger children.
• Construction Party? Teams can race to put tools in a toolbox one at a time, or move a pile of dirt from one location to another using a sand pail.

One Response to “Relay Race Party Game”

1. Space Alien Birthday Party | Kids Parties 1-2-3 says:

   April 21, 2011 at 2:00 am

   [...] a moon rock relay race game where the players race to move a pile of small [...]