10 fun ideas for relay races for kids: Indoors and outdoors

Relay races are one of those classic childhood games that also teach teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Try these creative, laugh-inducing, energy-burning relay races for kids you can do inside and outside. 

Setting up relay races

If you want to host an epic relay race for kids, you must get organized. Before the opening whistle blows, take these steps.

1. Decide on a game

Your teams, location, and equipment will depend on the type of game you want to play. 

• Think about the number of players, their interests and strengths, and what your space can handle.

• Keep it simple, fun, and fair. Ensure everyone can participate.

• Make sure your game, rules, and equipment are all age-appropriate.

2. Choose a location 

Clear an appropriate and safe space for your relay race. Remove any obstacles that could make the race more difficult or dangerous, whether outside or inside.

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3. Form teams

Make sure each side has an equal number of participants. Depending on your theme or categories, choosing teams at random may boost your chances of a more balanced competition.

4. Gather essential equipment

Certain relay games may require specific equipment. For example, you’ll probably need cones or markers to define your racecourse, batons or other items to pass, and other props to incorporate into your race theme. 

Fun indoor relay race ideas your kids will love

Stuck inside? No problem! Try these cool relay races for kids you can do inside to keep everyone busy and happy.

1. Dress-up relay

Equipment: Gather some oversized shirts, neckties or scarves, hats, and sunglasses as your props. 

Instructions: Divide kids into equal groups of players. Forming a line facing each other across a short distance, each player will quickly put on all the clothing items, run across to their team member, remove all the clothing, and tag the next member to continue. The first team to complete the relay wins. 

2. Spoon race

Equipment: For this classic indoor relay race, you’ll need several spoons and something lightweight to place on them, like a ping pong ball or plastic egg. 

Instructions: Line up your equal groups of participants on either side of your course. The starting group will balance the item you choose on their spoon as they maneuver across the course to their teammate. If they drop the item, they can pick it up and continue. This simple race is an excellent test of focused movement and steady hands. 

3. Newspaper relay

Equipment: You need four sheets of newspaper for this indoor race. 

Instructions: Each team lines up on opposite sides of the course and receives two sheets of newspaper. The “runner” must get to the finish line using the newspaper so their feet don’t touch the floor. To do this, they’ll put one piece down, step on it, put the next piece down, step on it, pick up the first piece, and so on. 

4. Crab walk relay

Equipment: You only need to mark your start and finish lines for this race.

Instructions: Create teams of equal crab-walkers. At the start, the first crab-walker will move down the line toward their team member. This relay continues until the first team finishes. 

5. Rock, paper, scissors

Equipment: No equipment or supplies needed!

Instructions: Create two lines of kids on each side of your course. When the race begins, one player from each opposing team will run to the midpoint. In the middle, the two players will play rock, paper, scissors until one player wins. The winner runs to the other side, with the next person on their team taking their place.

Creative outdoor relay race ideas you should try

Don't be surprised if you recognize a few of these as classic relay races!

6. Three-legged race

Equipment: You’ll need bandanas, long scarves, or other fabric to use as sashes. 

Instructions: Pair everyone up into equal teams, with each team standing on opposite ends of the course. Using your sash, tie the first duo’s inside legs together to create the “third leg.” The duo must then learn to communicate and cooperate as they cross the course and tag the next racers. 

7. Potato sack race

Equipment: Collect some good old-fashioned burlap sacks for this race. 

Instructions: Line divided teams up on either side of the racecourse. Once you yell, “Go!” or blow your whistle, each side will jump into their burlap sacks and hop to the finish line, exchanging the sack with the next team member. 

8. Fill the water bucket 

Equipment: You’ll need two buckets for each team and a paper cup for each participant. Poke a small hole in the bottom of each paper cup with a pencil.

Instructions: The teams line up with a whole bucket of water on one end and an empty bucket on the other with a “fill line” market. The player at the front of the line fills their paper cup and pours it into the next person’s cup. This goes down the line until the water is dumped into the empty bucket. The first team to reach the fill line wins. 

9. Tunnel race

Equipment: No equipment or supplies necessary.

Instructions: Each team of equal kids lines up, standing with their legs apart to form a tunnel. The person in the back crawls under the human tunnel and lines up in front. When the first player’s turn comes again, the game is over. 

10. Hula hoop pass

Equipment: Two or more hula hoops.

Instructions: Divide your players into equal teams. Each team gets a hula hoop. At “Go,” the players pass the hula hoop over their heads and bodies before passing it to the next player. The first team to finish wins. 

Discover more games and ways to strengthen family bonds

Whether you need to channel your child’s excess energy or teach them some new skills, you can’t go wrong with relay races. Once you learn why cooperative play matters, you may be as excited as your kids. 

Want more tips and tricks for finding fun activities with your kids? Check out Greenlight® Learning Center for helpful resources on all things fun and family. 

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