A Bicycle Rodeo

Kids of all ages will have fun with this one as long as they have some sort of riding toy. Even toddlers who just push on the ground with their feet can join in 

Set Up: You will need to find a large open field that is smooth enough to ride on for this gathering. You may be able to get permission to use a school or church parking lot at a time when the facility is not busy. Before the party starts you need to establish a start and finish line for several races of different lengths. Bring some chairs or buckets to use for a barrel race and an obstacle course would be fun too. It will also help if you have a stopwatch and some kind of loudspeaker. 

Invitations: Specify that kids should bring their bikes, tricycles or other riding toy and wear their safety helmet. 

Arrival: As kids arrive, have them check in with a helper who will list their age and divide them into similar skill levels so that the contests will pit kids with like abilities against each other. Older kids can read the list of events and decide which ones they want to try. If you can get a police officer, teacher, or other authority figure to give a little lesson on bicycle safety at the beginning of the party it would be great. 

Main Event: Run the party like a track meet, with one event happening at a time. For example, it makes the most sense to have a 100-meter race for preschooler’s first, then primary kids, and then the oldest group. Have helpers hold a ribbon at the finish line for the winner to reach. If it’s a hot day, be sure to provide umbrellas for shade and lots of water. You can award ribbons as soon as each event is finished, or record the winners and give out the prizes at the end of the party. Have a few events that require skill and not just speed, like a “straight driver” course that has the riders follow a chalk line on the ground and is won by the person with the fewest number of wobbles off the line. You could also have a race to see who can ride a certain distance the most slowly. That is challenging on a two-wheel bike and could be lots of fun. 

Refreshments: You’ll want to provide lots of drinks and typical outdoor foods like sandwiches or cupcakes. Popsicles or other cold treats would be great on a warm day.