Family Olympics

If you're looking for an activity that gets friends and family out and active, consider hosting a family olympics--an afternoon of events that everyone, from toddlers on up, can enjoy together.

The key to a great competition, of course, is the events. Besides the old favorites, such as tug-of-war, others include less traditional events such as cake decorating, flag making, and even mom calling (blindfolded parents have to locate their bleating children). Keep track of the results from each competition. Then hold a quick ceremony at the end of the day to hand out the Grand Champion ribbon to the family that wins the most events. Give yourself a few weeks of prep time; after all, the day itself requires quite a bit of planning. But since a variety of families will be participating, coordinate others to supply refreshments, simple first-aid items (ice and bandages) and decorations.

Click to the next page for some of our favorite competitions. Have a great time, and may the best team win.

Jennifer Harms lives in Englewood, Colorado.