Olympic fun at home: family activities that build connection
The Olympics are more than exciting sports moments—they can also support children’s mental wellness. When families watch the Winter Olympics together, they spend time with each other and have conversations that can help children feel connected and supported.
From cheering on favorite events to watching a new sport and thinking, “Huh… I didn’t even know that was a sport,” these shared moments help kids feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves.
Did you know that watching the Winter Olympics can have a positive impact on your family’s mental wellness, too?
Watching the Olympics can:
- Build a sense of pride in your country or your family’s roots
- Create shared experiences that help families feel more connected
- Encourage movement and trying new activities
- Spark meaningful conversations at home.
“Some of the most important mental health moments happen during everyday family activities,” says Emily Weitz, children’s mental health expert with On Our Sleeves. “Watching the Olympics together gives families a chance to talk about teamwork, trying your best, handling challenges, and celebrating effort—not just winning.”
Because the Winter Olympics only happen once every four years, this is a special chance to make the most of the moment. The activities below were created by On Our Sleeves experts to help families turn watching the Games into meaningful experiences that support children’s mental wellness and strengthen connections.
How to bring the Winter Olympics home
Watch clips of these winter Olympic sports (you can find them on streaming services, watch them on live TV or catch shorter clips on YouTube. Then try these family-friendly activities at home or outside if the weather allows. Feel free to adjust each activity based on your child’s age, abilities, interests, and the space or supplies you have.
The goal isn’t to get it perfect—it’s to enjoy the experience together and build connection!
Try Olympic fun in your home safely
If you’re looking for easy ways to connect with the kids in your life, try these activities inspired by Winter Olympic sports. Each one is designed to encourage movement, teamwork, creativity, and conversation—no special equipment required.
Slide rolled-up socks or a small soft object across a table toward a target. The closest person (or team) to the target gets a point!
Create your own skating routine by twirling, spinning, and gliding in socks on a smooth floor. Play music and let each person show off their favorite move.
Stack pillows and jump over them. You can add a pillow each round or turn pillows into an obstacle course. Make sure the area is clear and safe before starting.
Design your own bobsled on a piece of paper or build one using cardboard and craft supplies.
Find a small hill or incline and climb up before walking or running back down. Take breaks as needed!
Practice passing and scoring goals on the driveway, sidewalk, or hallway. Use a broom as a stick and a tennis ball or puck-shaped item (Tupperware lid, oatmeal lid) to play.
Race from one end of a room or yard to the other. You can try speed walking, running, or skipping as well.
Find a trail to hike or see how many blocks you can go walking around your neighborhood. Bonus points if you talk about what you see and notice along the way.
Hop on one foot or see who can balance the longest. Try switching feet or closing your eyes for an extra challenge
From movement to moments of calm
After active play, it’s important to help children slow down and reset. Some kids may also prefer quieter ways to connect while watching the Olympics—and that’s okay. These calming activities offer a chance to relax, reflect, and still enjoy the excitement of the Games while building emotional awareness and connection.
Figure Skating Figure 8-Breathing: Use your finger to trace a figure 8 on paper or in the air. Breathe in as you trace the first look of the 8, then breathe out as you trace the second loop. This simple breathing exercise can help children calm their bodies and focus their minds.
Watch and Discuss: Choose and watch a sport you have never seen together or aren’t as familiar with. Talk together about what you noticed. Use these conversation starters to get going:
- What rules were confusing?
- If you created this sport, what rules would you add?
- What part of the sport was most interesting to you?
- What do you think is the hardest part of competing in this sport?
Learn and Present: Pick one athlete from the Olympic games to learn more about and share with your family. Kids can read, watch short videos, or explore photos, then present what they learned in their own way. Tips for parents:
- Choose websites you feel are safe and age-appropriate to use for the research.
- Give an outline to fill out to help with their project.
- Offer creative supplies to use like poster board, markers, or construction paper.
Learning from Defeat: Despite all the inspiration at the Olympics, not everyone gets their happy ending. The Olympics are also full of defeat, injuries, and disappointment. This can also be a good time to reflect on how we as humans respond to defeat and how to help your child when they experience disappointment. These moments can be a powerful teaching opportunity for handling situations with emotional regulation, resilience, and empathy. Use these questions to guide the discussion:
- What does it mean to be a sore loser?
- What are healthy ways to act when you lose?
- How can losing help you learn or grow?
- After thinking about what it feels like to lose, how can you be a gracious winner?
The magic of the Olympics only happens every four years, so why not make the most of it! With a little bit of movement, discussion, and discovery of new sports, you are sure to create lasting memories for your family.
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