Relay Race Games
In a relay, each player completes a turn before the next teammate starts. Carrying a beanbag to a marker and back is enough for a first round; stacking cups or finding a picture card gives you a different game with the same turn-taking rules. Below are five relays with supplies, complete instructions and simpler versions, plus a checklist and an example game session.
Set up teams and a place to play
Keep teams small so each child gets more turns. As an example, eight children could play in two teams of four. Show everyone where to wait, where to turn around and where to hand over the prop. Demonstrate one complete turn before starting the race.
Use matching routes and equipment when teams are racing each other. Give every player one turn per round. If team sizes differ, rotate who takes an extra turn so the total number of turns matches. For a shared challenge, let both teams finish without comparing times.
Check the route, furniture, waiting area and weather before choosing a movement game. Don’t assume a hallway has room for two teams passing each other. A table relay keeps the action in one place; the rainy day party games page has other indoor alternatives. For an outdoor party, the summer games and food guide discusses changing the time or moving indoors when conditions do not suit your plans.
Younger guests can use a shorter route, carry instead of balance, or work with a partner. Offer roles such as handing out props or watching, without requiring every child to race. A relay still involves turns and an audience, even without scoring; set out a separate activity children can join and leave using the low-demand activity ideas.
Five relay race games to try
These are suggested versions to adapt to your guests and space. Decide the dropped-object rule and finish rule before each round, and use the same rules for both teams.
Beanbag relay
Have ready: One beanbag and one turning marker per team, plus a marked starting line. Use a route where players have room to go out and return.
The first player carries the beanbag to the marker and back, then hands it to the next player at the starting line. The next player starts after receiving it. The team finishes when everyone has returned and the final player puts the beanbag down at the line. If it falls, the player picks it up and continues from that spot rather than starting over.
For another round, try a task from the printable list above. Keep the route short for younger players, or pass the beanbag along a seated row instead. Return it to the first player before starting a new round.
Spoon-and-ball relay
Have ready: One spoon, one small ball that rests on it, and a turning marker per team. Try the spoon and ball together before the party.
Each player walks to the marker and back with the ball on the spoon. At the starting line, they hand the spoon and ball to the next player. If the ball drops, they pick it up, place it back on the spoon and continue from the drop point. Finish after every player has returned once, then reset the spoon and ball for another round.
Let players use a larger spoon or hold the ball in their other hand if balancing is too frustrating. When players use different versions, aim for everyone to complete a turn rather than comparing finishing times.
Cup Stack Challenge
Have ready: Six plastic cups per team for this example and a table with a place for each team to stack. Players can take turns at the same table without an out-and-back route.
The first player builds a pyramid with three cups on the bottom, two above and one on top, then puts them back into a single nested stack. They step aside and invite the next player to start. If the tower falls, rebuild it before nesting the cups. The team finishes after everyone has built and unbuilt the tower once.
Use three cups in a two-and-one tower for an easier version. Older guests could try a taller tower if you have enough cups, but give both teams the same design when keeping score. Start the next round with all cups nested.
Picture-card relay
Have ready: A matching set of picture cards for each team, a tray at each team’s far marker and a list of the pictures to collect.
Spread each set face up in its tray. Tell the first player which picture to find; they go to their team’s tray, collect that card and return. Name the next picture only after the player is back. Continue until everyone has collected one card. If someone brings a different card, help them exchange it before the next turn begins. Return the cards to the trays between rounds.
For younger children, show a matching picture rather than asking them to read a word. With a mixed-age group, have an older teammate read the instruction aloud. Our scavenger hunt ideas offer other ways to use searching as the main activity instead of racing.
Relay Switch
Have ready: One costume accessory per team, such as a hat, and a turning marker. A beanbag or ball can replace the accessory if guests would rather carry something.
The first player carries the accessory to the marker, puts it on for a pose, takes it off and carries it back. They hand it to the next player at the starting line. Everyone takes one turn; the final player returns the accessory to its starting place. If it falls, pick it up and continue. Put it back beside the line before another round.
Keep the pose optional. You could make this a Photo Pose Dash by having an adult take a picture at the marker for guests who want one, or do the poses without racing. A seated version passes the accessory around a circle, giving each willing child a turn to pose.
Before the first round
Set out the supplies where you will use them so you can lead the game without searching for another prop. The party planning checklist covers the wider shopping, helper and setup jobs.
- Pick one relay and try a complete turn with its actual props.
- Mark the starting line, turning points and places for teammates to wait.
- Count the players and decide how many turns each team will take.
- Put matching supplies beside each team and keep replacements nearby.
- Decide what happens when a prop drops, a tower falls or a card is wrong.
- Practice an explanation you can give in about a minute, then demonstrate it.
- Have a seated activity ready and decide who will collect the relay props.
- Confirm how guests can take part and whether parents will stay using the parent communication checklist.
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An example 25-minute relay session
This is an example game block, not a full party schedule. Its six slots total 25 minutes, including explanations, resets and a break. Adjust or stop it according to the group; leave arrivals, food, cake and pickup outside this block.
- 0:00–0:03 · Show the first relay. Divide the teams, demonstrate the route and explain the handoff.
- 0:03–0:08 · Play the beanbag relay. Let everyone complete a turn; repeat only if the group wants to.
- 0:08–0:10 · Collect props and explain cup stacking. Put the beanbags away and show how to build and unbuild the tower.
- 0:10–0:15 · Play the cup relay. Give each child a turn and reset the cups between rounds.
- 0:15–0:18 · Take a break. Offer drinks and ask whether guests want another relay or a seated game.
- 0:18–0:25 · Repeat a favorite or switch games. Allow five minutes to play and two minutes to collect supplies and gather everyone for the next part of the party.
What to do after the relays
Bring everyone together for food or cake when the relay block ends. If food is still being served, try a guessing game from games to play while waiting for food. For a party moved indoors, the rainy day food ideas include meal and snack options rather than requiring a separate relay-themed menu.
Use team points, silly awards or a cheer for each finished round instead of eliminating players. If you have prizes, decide how you will share them before the games begin. Nobody needs to sit out the rest of the session after dropping a ball.
For a seated backup, try Mystery Bag Guess: put familiar objects in a bag and let willing guests guess by touch. Or play Quiet Bingo with picture or word cards, or Pass the Parcel, removing one wrapping layer each time the music stops. The quiet party games page offers other alternatives for the time before pickup. For a spa-themed party, you could return to headband decorating from the spa activities and food guide after the relays.
If you want a different arrival activity, Freeze Dance uses a speaker and playlist: pause the music and cheer funny poses without eliminating players. Would You Rather Corners lets guests move to the side of the room matching one of two funny choices. Treasure Hunt uses picture or written clues leading to a final shared find. These are separate games, not relay variants; browse party games for a different main activity.
For Balloon Keep-Up, each group tries to keep one balloon off the floor for one minute, with a second only if the group wants the extra challenge. Keep spare balloons nearby and stop before it becomes a chase. Choose props that suit your guests; science party activities offers a different direction if your child would prefer making or testing something to racing.
Relay race questions
How many relay race games should I plan?
Start with one relay to demonstrate, a second option using supplies you already have, and a quieter backup. Repeat a favorite rather than introducing a new game just to fill the time.
How do I keep games from getting too competitive?
Give everyone the same number of turns and use short rounds without elimination. If racing creates arguments, ask both teams to finish their turns together instead of naming a winner. You can also cheer helpful handoffs or inventive poses.
What if kids are different ages?
Use a shorter route or a simpler job for anyone who needs it. A younger child could carry the object in a hand while an older child balances it on a spoon. If those jobs differ, play for a shared finish rather than comparing times.
How long should each game last?
Try a five-minute playing slot, then decide whether to repeat it. The example session allows extra time for explanations and resets. Stop earlier if guests want a break; a timer is a planning aid, not a requirement to keep playing.
What should I do if a game flops?
Finish the current turn, collect the props and offer a seated game, drawing or food if it is ready. You can simplify the relay later, but you do not need to persuade the group to keep playing it.