This game is like freeze tag with a twist. One person is “It” and tries to tag others. Everyone wears a red or white flag (or ribbon) on their waist or back.
When you’re tagged, you freeze and wave your flag in the air. Another player can unfreeze you by grabbing your flag and giving it back.
The game goes on until everyone is frozen or time runs out. It’s a fast, fun game that gets everyone running!
Beaver Tail Relay – Kids race while balancing a bean bag “tail” on their backs.
Each player balances a bean bag or small pillow on their lower back or waist – this is the “tail.” They must race to a line and back without letting it fall.
If it drops, they must stop and put it back before running again. You can play in teams and make it a relay.
It’s great for laughs and helps with balance and speed. Everyone will enjoy waddling like beavers!
Mountie Says – A patriotic version of Simon Says.
This game is just like “Simon Says,” but with a Canadian twist!
One player is the “Mountie” (like a police officer). The Mountie gives commands like “Mountie says hop on one foot!” or “Mountie says salute the flag!”
But if they don’t say “Mountie says” first, and someone does the action, that player is out. The last one still playing becomes the next Mountie.
Poutine Potato Sack Race – Sack races, but kids balance faux “poutine” on a plate.
Kids hop in big sacks like a classic potato sack race. But here’s the twist – they must also carry a paper plate with fake poutine (made of brown paper fries and white paper cheese curds).
If the poutine falls off, they have to stop and fix it before going on. You can race one at a time or do a relay. It’s all about balance, speed, and lots of laughs!
RCMP Hat Toss – Toss bean bags into Mountie hat targets.
This is a fun and simple game anyone can play. Give each player a few coins (or make pretend toonies if you don’t want to use real money).
Set up a small target, like a bucket, plate, or chalk circle on the ground. Players take turns tossing their coins. The one who lands closest to the middle wins!
You can also give prizes for the most accurate throws. It’s great for hand-eye skill and fun for all ages.
These activities help kids cool off while staying active. From sliding and splashing to tossing sponges and finding icy treasures, there’s something for everyone.
These games are messy, silly, and super fun on a sunny Canada Day afternoon.
Maple Syrup Water Balloon Fight – Red-colored water balloons.
Set up a Slip ‘n Slide in your yard. At the end, place a big target, like a mat or circle made from rope. Kids take turns running and sliding on their bellies.
The goal is to stop as close to the center of the target as possible – just like curling!
You can give points based on how close they get. It’s slippery, silly, and super fun!
Fireworks Sponge Toss – Use star-shaped sponges in a water relay.
Cut sponges into fun shapes like stars or fireworks. Dip them in buckets of water.
Kids toss the soaked sponges to their teammates in a relay line. Try not to drop them!
When the sponge reaches the end of the line, the last person runs it back. You can race other teams or just play for fun. It’s a great way to cool off and practice teamwork!
Moose Antler Sprinkler Dash – Run through sprinklers shaped like moose antlers.
Set up a sprinkler in your yard and decorate it with cardboard or pool noodle “moose antlers.” Turn on the water and let the kids run through!
You can make it a race, an obstacle course, or a free-play zone.
If you want a challenge, have them carry a cup of water while running through the sprinklers without spilling too much. It’s a silly, splashy way to beat the heat!
Ice Fishing Game – Kids “fish” cubes with prizes from kiddie pools.
Make Bingo cards with Canadian symbols like maple leaves, moose, beavers, Mounties, hockey sticks, and the flag.
Call out the items one by one. Kids mark the picture on their card if they have it.
The first person to get a full row or column shouts “Bingo!” and wins a prize.
It’s easy to play and fun for all ages – even parents and grandparents can join in!
Group and Team Games
These games are great for big groups of kids!
They help kids work together, cheer each other on, and have fun as a team.
Some are silly, some are sporty, and all of them are full of energy. Everyone gets a chance to join in, whether they’re racing or solving fun challenges.
Great Canadian Trivia Relay – Teams answer trivia and run between questions.
Split the kids into two teams. Set up trivia stations with fun Canada questions (like “What’s the capital of Canada?” or “What animal is on the nickel?”).
One player from each team runs to the first station, answers a question, and runs back to tag the next teammate.
The team that finishes all the questions first and gets the most right wins!
Capture the Flag – Canada Edition – Use red vs. white teams.
Divide players into two teams: one red, one white.
Each team hides a flag (use red and white scarves or paper flags). Players must sneak into the other team’s area, grab their flag, and bring it back without getting tagged.
If you’re tagged, you go to “jail” and need a teammate to free you.
It’s a classic game with a fun Canadian twist that keeps kids moving and working together.
Team Moose vs. Team Beaver Tug-of-War – Classic rope tug-of-war.
This game is fun when it starts to get dark and adds sparkle to your Canada Day evening!
Before it gets too dark, hide glow sticks around your yard or park. Once the sun goes down, give each kid a bag or bucket.
They will search and collect as many glowing sticks as they can. You can use different colors and give bonus points for certain ones.
It’s like a treasure hunt with lights, and kids love the glowing prizes!
Campfire Story Circle – Share tales or fun Canadian facts.
Gather the kids in a circle near a (real or pretend) campfire.
Take turns sharing fun stories, silly jokes, or cool facts about Canada. Adults can tell legends, and kids can make up their own tales.
You can even hand out marshmallows or snacks to enjoy while listening. It’s a cozy and calm way to wind down the day.
Shadow Charades – Silhouette games with flashlights.
Set up a flashlight against a wall, fence, or sheet. One player stands in front and acts out a word using just their shadow.
The others try to guess what they’re pretending to be.
You can act out animals, sports, or Canada Day themes like “maple tree” or “hockey player.”
This quiet game is great for laughs and works perfectly after sunset.
Sing-O-Canada Karaoke – Sing along to Canadian classics.
Set up a simple karaoke machine or use a phone with speakers. Kids can take turns singing their favorite Canadian songs.
Some ideas: “O Canada,” “Skinnamarink,” or songs by famous Canadian artists like Justin Bieber or Celine Dion (with adult help).
Let them sing solo, in duets, or as a group. It’s a fun, musical way to celebrate!
Star Gazing Challenge – Count stars or find constellations in the northern sky.
Lay out blankets and look up at the night sky. Challenge kids to count how many stars they can see.
Use a star chart or app (with an adult) to find real constellations like the Big Dipper or the North Star. You can even spot satellites or wish on a shooting star!
It’s a peaceful way to end your Canada Day celebration.
Conclusion
Canada Day is all about fun, family, and celebrating what makes Canada great.
With these exciting Canada Day games, you can make the day even more special!
From creative crafts to water games and team challenges, there’s something for every child to enjoy. These activities are simple, playful, and full of Canadian spirit.
Whether you’re hosting a big party or just playing in the backyard, these games will help kids make happy memories.
So, get outside, laugh a lot, and enjoy every moment of your Canada Day celebration together!
Engage With Us
We’d love to hear how your Canada Day celebration went!
Did your kids enjoy the games? Do you have a favorite activity from the list, or maybe one we should add next time?
Share your fun moments, photos, or game ideas with us in the comments below. Let’s inspire other families to make the most of their Canada Day, too. 🍁🎈
