After the sugar rush from the cake hits you, there’s only one thing that you need to do- Hit the tracks.
Relay races are known to be outrageously boisterous, fun, and extremely competitive.
They are perfect for people of all age groups.
Tailor-made to ensure minimal efforts and planning while giving maximum amusement, these games are just perfect for birthday parties.
Thus, we bring to you a collection of different versions of the relay race that will make your party a hit.
Birthday Relay Race Games for Kids (Group-Friendly, Backyard Setup)
1. Sponge Relay Splash
A wet and wild race to fill your team’s bucket first!
Requirements:
-
Two buckets per team (one full of water, one empty)
-
Large sponges
How to Play:
Players soak the sponge in the full bucket, run to the empty one, and squeeze out as much water as they can. Tag the next teammate. First team to fill their bucket wins!
2. Balloon Pop Relay
Pop your way to victory—loud, bouncy, and hilarious!
Requirements:
-
Balloons (1 per player)
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Chairs or flat popping surfaces
How to Play:
Each player runs to a chair with a balloon, sits to pop it, then runs back to tag the next player. First team to pop all balloons wins!
3. Egg & Spoon Dash
A wobbly classic with giggles and spills guaranteed!
Requirements:
-
Spoons
-
Eggs (real or plastic)
How to Play:
Each player balances an egg on a spoon and races to a marker and back. If they drop it, they must restart. Fastest team wins!
4. Hula Hoop Tunnel Relay
Wiggle your way through hoops—no shortcuts allowed!
Requirements:
-
3–4 hula hoops per team
How to Play:
Players pass through the hula hoops (either by jumping or crawling), then tag the next player. All must go through every hoop. First full team done wins!
5. Sack Hop Showdown
Old-school race meets modern party energy!
Requirements:
-
Pillowcases or potato sacks (1 per player/team)
How to Play:
Players hop from start to finish line in the sack, then tag the next. First team to finish the full relay wins!
6. Dizzy Dash
Spin, stumble, sprint—prepare for wacky chaos!
Requirements:
-
A bat or stick for spinning
How to Play:
Each player spins around the bat 5 times, then runs to the finish line and back. Tag the next teammate. First team to finish wins (and hopefully stays upright)!
7. Water Cup Relay
Careful… but not too slow!
Requirements:
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Cups
-
Buckets of water
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Empty jars
How to Play:
Players fill a cup with water, race to pour it into a jar, and run back. Team with the most water in their jar after all players go wins.
8. Puzzle Piece Relay
Brains and brawn meet in a speed challenge!
Requirements:
-
Puzzles (1 per team, with equal pieces)
How to Play:
Each player races to grab one puzzle piece, returns to the start, and adds it to the puzzle. Keep tagging the next until the full puzzle is complete. First team done wins!
9. Cone Zigzag Challenge
Speed, agility, and laughter guaranteed.
Requirements:
-
Cones, bottles, or markers to zigzag around
How to Play:
Players run a zigzag course through the cones and back. Tag the next player. Add time penalties for missed cones. Fastest team wins!
10. Costume Change Relay
Silly dress-up + sprinting = total party fun!
Requirements:
-
Large costume pieces (hats, coats, scarves, etc.)
How to Play:
Each player must put on the costume, run a short distance, return, and take it off for the next person. First team to finish in full costume rotation wins!
See Also:
These games are hassle free.
They don’t require you to clean up after the party.
Well, what are you waiting for?
Pull up your socks and put your sneakers on.
It’s game time!!