Toddler Field Day Might Be The Cutest Thing Ever

Almost every child participates in an annual Field Day for preschool or grade school.  But why not have a fun day of outdoor games and activities for our pre-preschoolers? I asked myself this question a few months ago and the idea for Toddler Field Day was born.

I suggested the idea to my fellow playgroup moms (such a great group of friends, by the way!) and it was met with enthusiasm. So we picked a date and started planning.

You might be thinking “How can a bunch of two-year-olds compete in organized games?” You’re probably envisioning chaos, tantrums, and messes.

And I had the same thoughts. My expectations were low for Toddler Field Day. Very low. My goal was simply to have a few fun hours outside with the little ones running around, trying new activities, and hopefully not injuring themselves.

So I was pretty much astounded when the tikes actually followed our directions and did our planned games. In fact, they kind of kicked ass at them. Never underestimate the brains and skills of toddlers…and the power of coercion with cookies and juice boxes. Combine these incentives with the herd mentality and you really can make two-year-olds do just about anything.

But our little pre-preschoolers do have short attention spans, so we kept the games to a minimum. We selected the following four activities:

• Egg and spoon race (Using hard-boiled eggs, of course. I’m not that crazy!)
• Three-legged race
• Sack race (Using pillow cases)
• Obstacle course (made with tunnels, cones, jumping ropes, hula hoops, and a skooter)

Watching the little ones take off hopping in their pillow cases and racing with their eggs balanced on their spoons — color me impressed! It was so AH-mazing. I don’t think this group of tots could get any cuter. I almost died from the cuteness.

Oh and did I mention we made matching t-shirts for all the kiddos? A talented mommy (and graphic designer) in our playgroup designed an awesome logo for our Field Day and then we ordered custom imprinted shirts. A dozen toddlers in matching t-shirts = off-the-charts adorableness.

And to complete the day, every child received a little goodie “prize.” Because when you’re two everyone really is a winner.

Take a look at all the fun we had!

Snack break in between games:

This is definitely going to have to be an annual tradition. 🙂