The Summer Olympics can be magical for kids and a great time for family bonding. I have fond memories of watching the Summer Olympics with my cousins. In fact, we held a cousin summer olympics one year!
The Olympics provide a fantastic opportunity to introduce your kids to a wide variety of sports, different cultures, and the spirit of global competition. So with the Olympics starting in just over a week here are some fun activities and viewing tips on how to make the most of this special event.
1. Get to Know the Summer Olympic Schedule
- Check Coverage Details: The first step is to check out the schedule. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will be held from July 26 to August 11. NBCUniversal will provide extensive coverage across multiple platforms, including:
- NBC: Primetime and daytime coverage featuring the most popular events live.
- Peacock: Comprehensive streaming with live events, full-event replays, and exclusive content.
- Other Networks: USA Network, E!, CNBC, GOLF Channel, Telemundo, and Universo will broadcast live events and programming throughout the day.
- Create a Viewing Plan: Sit down with your kids and create a plan. Highlight the events that interest them the most and mark them on a calendar.
2. Educate About the Sports and the Athletes
- Learn the Rules Together: Take some time to learn the basic rules and history of the sports you’ll be watching. This can make the viewing experience more engaging and educational.
- Read About Some of the Top Athletes: Knowing some of the athletes’ background, challenges, and achievements adds a layer of emotional investment, making every race, match, or routine more compelling. And, when kids learn about athletes’ journeys, they feel inspired and motivated, which turns the viewing experience into a source of inspiration and joy. For example, knowing Simone Biles’ story of overcoming adversity can make her routines more thrilling to watch, and learning about sprinter Allyson Felix’s record-breaking career can make her races even more exhilarating.
- Catch the Newest Olympic Sport: For the first time in Olympic history Breakdancing will be an Olympic sport. Be sure to watch this historic beginning!!
3. Get Creative with Viewing Parties
- Themed Snacks and Decorations: Create a festive atmosphere with themed snacks and decorations. For example, you can make Olympic ring cookies or decorate the living room with flags from different countries.
- Host a Neighborhood Olympics: Pick 3 – 4 “sports” such as a relay race, long “lawn” jump, or backyard breakdancing, make some Olympic medals out of ribbon and cardboard circles, and invite your neighborhood kids over for the first ever <Insert Your Neighborhood Name> Summer Olympics.
4. Incorporate Educational Activities
- Geography Lessons: Use the Olympics as a way to teach your kids about different countries. You can look up the countries on a map, learn about their cultures, and even try to cook some traditional dishes.
5. Discuss the Values of the Olympics
- Sportsmanship and Perseverance: Use the Olympics as a teaching moment to discuss the importance of sportsmanship, hard work, and perseverance. Highlight stories of athletes who have overcome challenges to achieve their goals.
- Global Unity and Peace: Talk about how the Olympics bring people from all over the world together in a peaceful competition, promoting unity and understanding.
Watching the Summer Olympics with your kids can be a fun and enriching experience. By planning, getting creative, and incorporating educational activities, you can make the most of this global event and create lasting memories with your family. So, get ready to cheer on the athletes and enjoy the Olympic spirit together!
I love these ideas! Such a great way for kids to have fun and learn too!
Thanks Anita! I love watching kids fall in love with sports.