As a parent, I know how quickly the years fly by. One minute, they’re toddling around in diapers; the next, they’re moody tweens too cool to hang out with mom and dad. But we have the power to pump the brakes through cherished days carved out for connection. Like an epic, theme-packed family field day overflowing with laughter and friendly competition. A day for work schedules and overbooked calendars to melt away, with only play on the agenda.
When I picture my crew grown up and gone, living out dreams scattered worldwide, I hope they’ll take a timeout to reminisce about Field Day 2020. Like the sack race with cousin Joey spectacularly face-planting at the finish. Or the dance party where even Grandma joined the Macarena. My favorite moment still makes me laugh. But more importantly, those memories will keep our family bonds strong despite miles.
If you’re also ready to create lifelong memories with an unforgettable DIY field day, here’s how to start.
Pick a Date and Location
Survey calendars for a clear weekend or summer day free of conflicts. Then, decide on your venue – maybe the backyard, a park, or some trails. Account for things like shade permits if needed in public spaces, etc. With WHEN and WHERE in place, the fun details can unfold!
Choose a Theme
A creative theme essentially sets the stage, building atmosphere for an unforgettable Field Day. Hold a family brainstorming night and get input from everyone, making sure to incorporate interests across ages.
Classic Olympic events, zany game shows, and favorite sports movies make fun inspirations. For a touch of adventure, consider a pirate-themed Field Day, where swashbuckling activities abound, and everyone can dress up in their favorite pirate costume, adding a dash of whimsy to the day’s festivities. Use it to guide activities, music, decorations, costumes, and menus.
Plan Competitions
Brainstorm activities tailored to your family’s favorites while allowing individual talents to shine. Relays, tug of war, water balloon tosses, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts…endless options! Consider friendly heats and timed trials with fitness trackers, handicapping, and age divisions to keep it engaging across generations.
You’ll also want prizes to award at the closing ceremony. Homemade medals or themed trophies let all competitors feel like champions. For a special MVP splash, check out personalized football trophies available from reputable vendors online.
Get Creative Prepping Equipment and Prizes
Making your own decorations and prizes adds extra meaning while getting the kids involved. Have everyone craft themed ribbons, medals, and trophies from art supplies and thrift store finds. Let little ones go wild designing awards to give out during the closing ceremony.
For equipment like cones, hula hoops, and water balloons, explore local party stores for any on-theme gems fitting your chosen motif.
And don’t forget the cameras! Capture candid moments of competition and camaraderie with fun instant film or a designated family photographer. Print favorite snapshots for a commemorative scrapbook to flip through for years of laughs and “remember whens!”
Cue Up a Killer Soundtrack
An upbeat playlist around your theme will set a lighthearted tone all day. Invite everyone to contribute their favorite peppy songs, sure to spark smiles and silly dances. Award sporadic song requests to competitors who successfully finish challenges adding to the atmosphere.
Plan Snacks and Food
They’ll surely work up fierce appetites out there competing, so snacks are a key part of planning. Brainstorm tasty treats vibrant with color that pop out on themed tableware. Balance sweet options like rainbow fruit skewers with more nourishing bites like veggie cups, yogurt dip and granola for well-rounded energy.
Consider mixing up cool beverages too – let the kids concoct their own signature Field Day Smoothies blending fruit, juice and protein powder.
Set it all up festively buffet-style for a spread enabling easy access with minimal disruption to the fun. Just make sure to snap some photos of the spread alongside candid competition shots. When reminiscing later about this extraordinary day, the pictures of their eagerly fixed plates will make everyone smile, igniting vivid sensory memories of the flavors and scents that fueled all the action. Almost like they’re getting a whiff of the sunscreen, grass, and Popsicle-tinted air all over again! It’s typically acceptable to serve kids snacks at a commercial playground, which not only keeps energy levels high but also enhances the overall experience of outdoor activities, making it more memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Most importantly, soak up every second of this quality time together! Belly laughs, grass stains and inside jokes are what Field Day’s all about. Before you know it, this will be the day they reminisce about fondly decades down the road.
Don’t just take my word though – round up your kids, blast that theme song and let the family fun begin! Childhood days speed by quicker than expected. But an afternoon of play could deliver heart-filling memories to outlast any prize gathering dust on a shelf. You owe it to your future selves to find out firsthand!
