Skip to Content

Go for the Gold with an Olympics-Themed Kids Party

I always get excited when it’s an Olympic year, and 2016 is no exception! The Rio Summer Olympics kicks off on August 5th, and I’m already counting down the days until my DVR is filled with gymnastics, track and field and diving competitions around the clock!

If you have a kid who is a stellar athlete, loves sports AND has a summer birthday, why not throw your little one an Olympics-themed bash? Or maybe you’re thinking about having a get together to watch one of your favorite sports. The Olympics is a great gender-neutral theme, and there are SO many fun activities you can do with the kids! Follow my tips and ideas for planning an Olympics-themed kids party that’s worthy of a gold medal!

Olympics-Themed Party Table

Make an Olympic podium. I made my DIY Olympic podium out of storage bins from Target. I purchased one large and two small milk crates, and I flipped them upside down and spray painted them white. I then used my Silhouette CAMEO cutting machine to cut out the Olympic rings and numbers using Expressions Vinyl. My entire podium cost about $58—DIY for the win!

Olympics-Themed Kids Party

Send out gold medal invitations to set the mood. I found these adorable gold medal invitations from Belly Bean Cards on Etsy. Aren’t they to die for? Just perfect for an Olympic party!

Gold Medal Birthday Party Invitation

Dress the part of an Olympic champion. Have kids wear Team USA gear to make your party really festive. My kids are wearing adorable USA tanks that I found at Target for $6.99 each. You can also make headbands from  laurel, olive or other similar leaves. I used real branches, bent them in a circle and taped them together in the back. Award your guests a gold, silver or bronze medal upon arrival! I found my Olympic medals on Amazon.

Olympics-Themed Kids Party

Set an award-winning table. I purchased gold paper plates and added the Olympic rings.

Olympics-Themed Kids Party

Use the Olympic rings as party decor. I found these plastic Olympic rings on Oriental Trading, and they make a quick and decorative centerpiece for your table.

Olympics-Themed Kids Party

Make an Olympic flame. I filled a gold mint julep cup from Save On Crafts with red, orange and yellow tissue paper. You could use this as a centerpiece as well.

Olympics-Themed Kids Party

Create Olympic floral arrangements. Along with my DIY flame centerpieces, I also made these floral centerpieces by adding the Olympic rings to plain white vases. These florals also represent the bouquets of flowers the Olympic athletes are given on the podium.

Olympic Rings Floral Centerpiece

Host crafting competitions. Bring out each child’s inner competitor by having some games or crafting competitions. I found this ring-shaped ice cube tray at Target, and the kids used Crayola Model Magic to create their version of the Olympic rings.

Olympics-Themed Kids Party Games

They each had their own way of creating the rings, and it was really fun to see them express their creativity!

Olympic Rings Kids Craft

Serve Olympics-themed food. I used another gold mint julep cup to hold an Olympic flame created with red, orange and yellow sweet peppers—great for party snacking!

Olympic Torch Inspired Food Display

Incorporate Olympics signage and phrases into your party. I found this Olympic rings printable from Renata’s Sunny Studio on Etsy and then added “Go for the Gold” on top. You can also incorporate fun signage for your buffet and dessert tables like I did below—I called my dessert table “The Finish Line” for obvious reasons!

Olympics-Themed Kids Party

Olympics-Themed Kids Party

I hope your Olympics-themed kids party takes first place this summer on the Road to Rio!

Olympics-Themed Kids Party

DiscoverNet | 9 Festive Recipes That Deserve a Gold Medal

Monday 26th of July 2021

[…] How easy is this fun snack? Cut up veggies, buy some gold torch cups and add ranch for Olympic-inspired bites. See the whole party over at Project Nursery. […]

Kendell Griffin

Thursday 8th of July 2021

Where did you purchase the Olympic ring stickers on the gold plates? What a fun birthday party theme!

25 Olympic Themed Party Ideas Worthy of a Gold Medal – Health And Care

Thursday 20th of May 2021

[…] DIY Olympic Podium […]

Olympic Party for Kids - The Global Kid's Clan

Monday 26th of October 2020

[…] Podium- Entertaining by Emily gives tips for a DIY medal podium and other fun […]

The BEST Olympic Activities for Kids + Free Printables - Canary Jane

Wednesday 24th of January 2018

[…] Go for the Gold with an Olympics-Themed Kids Party […]