Relay Races

Fairy relay races add energy and laughter to any party. Kids race, balance, dress up, and complete fun fairy challenges while working together as a team. These simple relay variations are easy to set up and can be played indoors or outdoors.

What You'll Need

• Open space indoors or outdoors

• Cones, , tape, or markers to create start and turnaround lines

• Optional props depending on the relay version (butterflies, fairy wings, fairy halo, poly dots, flower petals,mini bell, spoons, cups, etc.

Other Fun Relay Race Ideas

• Fairy Wing Dress-Up Relay

  Players race to put on a pair of fairy wings, run back to teammate and have them put the pair on.

• Mushroom Hop Relay

  Players hop (or step) across "mushrooms" (poly spots or cushions) without touching the ground, then they race back to tag the next fairy.

• Petal Collection Relay

  Players run to a station filled with flower petals, grab a handful (or a set number) and bring them back to build a fairy garden.

• Fairy Dust Spoon Relay

  Players carry a spoonful of "fairy dust" (glitter, sand, or confetti) without spilling it while racing to the finish

• Woodland Treasure Relay

  Players run to collect one fairy treasure (acorn, gem, bell, flower) bring it back and repeat until all treasures are gathered.

• Butterfly Balance Relay

  Balance a butterfly on your finger, walk to a cone, come back and pass it off to next player.

• Fairy Bell Ring Relay

  Players run to a station, ring a tiny bell, then race back.

• Fairy Halo Balance

  Players place a fairy crown on their head while racing to cone and back and handing the halo off to their teammate.

• Enchanted Vine Relay

  Have slap bracelets at the opposite side, players must run to the "vine" (bracelets) and slap onto their wrist and race back to tag next player so they can run to get the "snap vine". Players can keep the bracelet!

Quick Activity Snapshot

• Activity Type: Active Game

• Age Group: 4-10

• Group Size: Best with teams of 3-6 players

• Game Time: 15 minutes

• Competitive or Cooperative: Small competition

Set up & How to Play

1. Divide players into teams. Have each team line up behind a starting line.

2. Set up the relay station. Place a turnaround marker or activity station several feet away from the starting line

3. Explain the challenge. Each relay variation will have a different task for players to complete before returning

4. Start the race. The first player runs to the relay station, complete the challenge, then runs back

5. Tag the next teammate. Once they return, they tag the next player in line who repeats the challenge

6. Continue the relay. Teams keep taking turns until every player has completed the course. Some teams may have to have someone go twice.

7. Finish the game. The first team to complete the relay wins, or you can just play for fun and celebrate when everyone finishes.