Summer games played in the backyard are fun for kids of all ages. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of our favorite relay games, along with variations.

Get outside and play!

Classic Relay Race

• All you need is a starting line, a finish line, and something to serve as a baton to be passed from player to player (a glow stick is fun to use at night!)


• To play, divide all the players into an equal number of teams. A good number is three or four runners per team.


• Line up the runners from each team along the race route. For example, if there are four players on each team, have one player stand at the start line, another stand 25 yards ahead, another 25 yards beyond, and the last player 25 yards beyond that (which should be 25 yards before the finish line).


• At the starting signal, the first runner in line on each team sprints to the second runner while carrying the baton. Upon reaching the second runner, he or she passes the baton, and the second runner dashes for the third runner, who then passes the baton to the fourth runner. The fourth runner heads for the finish line.


• The first team to reach the finish line without dropping the baton wins!


• VARIATION: For smaller spaces, use a start/finish line and a turn-around line. Players begin the relay lined up at the start/finish line, run to the turn-around line, then back to the start/finish line – then the next player in line repeats the pattern. Adjust the distance between the start/finish line and the turn-around line based on the ages and ability of the players.

Crab Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line and a turn-around line.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team crawl backward on their hands and feet from the start line to the turn-around line. At the turn-around line, they stand up and run back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players tag the next runner in line, who then crawls backwards, repeating the pattern.


• The first team to successfully complete the pattern and cross the finish line first, wins!

Kangaroo Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line and a turn-around line.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team hop from the start line to the turn-around line. At the turn-around line, they turn around and hop back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players tag the next runner in line, who then hops to the turn-around line, repeating the pattern.


• The first team to successfully complete the pattern and cross the finish line first, wins!


• VARIATION: Turn this relay into a One-Foot Relay! Instead of hopping on two feet, have the players hop on one foot to the turn-around line, then hop on the other foot back to the start/finish line.

Oasis Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, and one plastic cup filled with water for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team jump from the start/finish line to the turn-around line, trying to spill as little water as possible. At the turn-around line, they run back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players pass the cup of water to the next runner in line, who then jumps to the turn-around line, repeating the pattern.


• The team with the most water in their cup at the end of the race wins!

Firefighters’ Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, a bucket filled with water, an empty bucket, and a plastic cup – one of each for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team scoops a plastic cup of water from their bucket and runs to an empty bucket at the turn-around line, trying to avoid spilling any water. At the turn-around line, they pour the water from the cup into the bucket, and then sprint back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players pass the cup to the next runner in line, who then scoops another cup of water from their bucket, and repeats the pattern.


• The team that transfers all their water from one bucket to the other bucket first, is the winner!

Newspaper Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, and two sheets of newspaper for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team lays down one sheet of newspaper in front of them and steps onto it. They then lay down the second sheet of newspaper and step onto that, while they turn around and pick up the first sheet of newspaper. Players continue to the turn-around line, only by stepping from sheet to sheet. At the turn-around line, they continue the pattern back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players pass the sheets of newspaper to the next runner in line, who then repeats the pattern.


• The team who successfully completes the pattern first, wins the race!


• TIP: Have extra sheets of newspaper available in case of rips and tears.

Don’t Lose Your Marbles Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, a teaspoon and a marble for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team places a marble into their teaspoon, then runs from the start/finish line to the turn-around line, trying not to lose their marble! At the turn-around line, they run back to the start line, again trying not to drop the marble.


• At the start line again, the players pass the teaspoon and marble to the next runner in line, who then repeats the pattern.


• The team to complete the pattern first without dropping their marble, wins!


• NOTE: If a marble is dropped during the race, the player who dropped the marble must return to the start/finish line and begin their turn again.


• VARIATION: Instead of using a teaspoon and a marble, use a large spoon and a raw egg! Just make sure to have plenty of eggs on hand – you’ll need them!

Sponge Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, buckets filled with water, empty buckets, and a sponge for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line. Place a bucket filled with water at this line and an empty bucket at the turn-around line – do this for each team.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team uses a sponge to soak up as much water as possible from the bucket of water, then runs to an empty bucket at the turn-around line. At the turn-around line, they squeeze out the sponge into the empty bucket, and then sprint back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players pass the sponge to the next runner in line, who soaks up water from their bucket, and repeats the pattern.


• The team that transfers the most water from one bucket to the other bucket first, is the winner!

Scooter Board Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, and a scooter board for each team.


• Line up each team’s players behind the start/finish line, each with a scooter board.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team sits on the scooter board and races to the turn-around line. At the turn-around line, they turn back to the start/finish line as quickly as they can.


• At the start line again, the players pass the scooter board to the next player in line, who sits down and repeats the pattern.


• The team that crosses the finish line first, wins the race!