Pentathlon (Individual)
This is a collection of games that fit well as pentathlon events in which the participants compete individually.
This is a collection of games that fit well as pentathlon events in which the participants compete individually.
Yo will need: A table, a tennis ball/baseball, a pair of tights (pantyhose), and some objects to knock over (such as water-filled bottles or cans).
This is a hilarious and energetic game, perfect for an outdoor party. Set up water-filled bottles, cans, or any other suitable objects on a table. Place a tennis ball inside one leg of the tights so that it sits at the toe. The participant then puts the tights on over their head, with the ball hanging down in front.
With their hands behind their back, the player must swing the ball to knock over as many bottles or cans as possible, using only head movement, within a set time. You can run the game with one player at a time, or set up multiple tables so several players compete simultaneously.
To make the game even more dynamic, create a course with several tables. The player runs to the first table and tries to knock down an object, then races to the following table to continue. The fastest player to complete all tables wins.
You will need: One or more disc golf discs or frisbees.
Disc golf is an easy, active outdoor game suitable for all ages. Play it on a lawn, in a garden, at a park, or in any open space using creative targets.
Players throw discs toward a selected target, such as a tree, swing, soccer goal, kiddie pool, or any marked spot on the ground. Points can be scored by hitting the target, landing closest to it, or completing fun challenges, like getting the disc into a pool or getting it stuck in a specific bush. You can create your own scoring system, for example, assign 3 points for the closest throw, 2 points for second place, and 1 point for third.
Here are some ways to play:
Set up multiple targets and play them one by one like golf holes, scoring each round before moving on.
Create a longer course with one distant target. Players take turns throwing until they reach it; the lowest number of throws wins.
Remember to keep targets safe, get creative, and most importantly, have fun!
You will need: A soccer ball.
Here is a simple kicking game best played outdoors, in a backyard, garden, or any open space.
The aim is to kick the ball at chosen targets, such as a tree, a garage door, a swimming pool, or a specific bush, or under a table. There are two easy ways to play:
Set up several targets and count how many kicks it takes each player to hit them. Fewer kicks result in a better score. The player with the lowest total wins.
Choose one target and give each player three kicks. Score 1 point for hitting the target once, 2 points for hitting it twice, and 3 points for hitting it three times. Switch targets and repeat the process.
Use whatever safe targets you have nearby and get creative!
You will need: A soccer ball and plastic bottles filled with water.
Bring a little friendly competition to your outdoor play with this fun and easy game, perfect for a lawn, park, or field day event, and an excellent activity for kids' birthday parties, too!
To prepare, fill several plastic bottles with water to give them some weight, and then place them at a suitable distance from the kicking line. You can arrange the bottles in any formation you like.
Players take turns kicking a soccer ball toward the bottles, with each player getting three attempts. Do not reset the bottles between kicks; only reset them between players. The objective is to knock over as many bottles as possible.
Players earn 1 point for each bottle they knock over. The player with the highest total score after everyone has had their turn wins!
You will need: A game set of Kubb blocks.
Kubb Tower Building is a fun and easy game perfect for summer parties and makes a great addition to a Pentathlon event. It’s suitable for all ages and is best played outdoors on a table, in your backyard, or at a local park.
You won’t need the full Kubb setup; just the Kubb blocks will do. The goal is simple: build the tallest tower possible.
Version 1 – One Kubb at a Time
Players take turns trying to build the tallest tower possible. Each player adds one Kubb to the tower and then steps back. If the tower remains standing after ten seconds, they may add another Kubb. The game continues until the tower falls. The highest stable height recorded before the fall becomes the player’s final score. Then, it’s the next player’s turn. The player who builds the tallest stable tower wins.
Version 2 – Time Limit
Each player has one minute to build the tallest tower they can. Any building style is allowed, and players may restart if the tower falls. The final height must remain standing for ten seconds after time runs out. The tallest tower wins.
Don’t have a Kubb set? You can borrow one from a friend or easily find one online.
You will need: A Kubb game set (or a few wooden blocks and batons).
Kubb is a popular lawn game (especially in Sweden) that’s perfect for backyards, parks, and other outdoor spaces. Typically played as a strategic team game, Kubb can also be adapted into various mini-games with a bit of creativity. Compete individually or in teams.
Here are some examples of mini-games you can play with Kubb.
Arrange five kubbs in a line away from you, spaced about 3 feet (1 meter) apart, with the king at the far end. For two teams, create two identical lanes with the king centered between them.
These variations make Kubb a fast-paced, skillful, and competitive game that’s fun for all ages. Challenge your kids, friends, colleagues, or family to see who has the best aim!
You will need: Chairs, cotton balls, bowls, and something sticky, such as hair wax or Vaseline.
This party game is a lot of fun for both kids and adults, and the best part is that everyone can participate, regardless of age. It’s easy to set up, hilarious to play, and just as entertaining to watch for those who aren’t competing. While it’s often played outdoors, it works just as well indoors as long as there is enough space.
To prepare for the game, set up two chairs for each player or team, placing them at least seven feet apart. On one chair, place a bowl filled with cotton balls; on the other, an empty bowl.
Before the game begins, apply a small dab of, for example, petroleum jelly or sticky hair wax to the tip of each participant’s nose. This is their only “tool” for transporting the cotton balls - no hands allowed!
The goal is to move as many cotton balls as possible from the full bowl to the empty one using only their noses. Players can shake, nod, or swing their heads to help drop the cotton balls into the bowl, but their hands must stay out of the game!
The player who transfers the most cotton balls in 2 minutes wins.
To play in teams, set up two chairs per team and turn it into a relay. One person at a time will take a turn moving cotton balls for about 30 seconds to a minute, then tag the next player. Continue this process until all team members have played or until a specified total time has elapsed (such as 5 minutes). The team with the most cotton balls in their bowl at the end wins!
You will need: Plastic bottles and small balls (such as tennis balls).
Are you looking for an outdoor game that’s easy to set up but challenging to master? This fun tossing game is perfect for playing with friends or family.
Begin by filling 5–7 plastic bottles with water to add weight. Arrange the bottles in a row, leaving some space between each one, and place a tennis ball on top of each bottle. Ensure that the setup is on a flat, stable surface, such as a level lawn, bench, or table.
Players take turns tossing tennis balls, aiming to knock the balls off the bottles without tipping the bottles over. Each player gets the same number of throws as there are bottles.
Scoring:
The player with the highest score wins!
You will need: One boot (or “welly”).
Welly Boot Throwing (also called Welly Hoying) is a hilarious outdoor game that’s perfect for family gatherings, garden parties, or pentathlon events. Play it on a lawn, in a garden, or in an open field.
The goal is simple: throw the boot as far as possible!
Here are some ways to play:
Pro tip: Helmets can make this safer and add to the laughs. Expect funny throws and lots of competition!
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