Throwback’s Playbook for Field Day Games and Activities
Who We Are
What makes Throwback the ultimate field day company? For over a decade, we've been the architects of fun, orchestrating field days for families, schools, and companies. The nostalgic group activities of our youth are what inspire the games we use to bring people of all ages together.
Our beginnings are as a fitness studio in the heart of Manhattan. Our unique approach to exercise featured elements from classic childhood games into workouts. Over the years, we expanded our activities to make events adaptable for any group. That includes games for teams that want a physical outing as well as those looking for more of a mental challenge.
Today we host field days in dozens of cities across the country. That includes school field days, birthday parties, and corporate team-building events. We've hosted groups ranging from a handful of participants to several hundred. And our corporate clients include everyone from Blackstone to Google to the NFL.
Our focus with each event remains the same... friendly competition and team fun!
The Art of Field Day Fervor
Here are our top themes for making each field day a success:
Event leadership
Balancing preferences
Dos and don'ts of field day games
Event Leadership
Organizing field day events for adults is much more than scattering sports equipment across the grass and hoping for the best. Without direction, participants will find themselves aimlessly wandering. Many may opt to sit out from lack of interest or understanding. That’s where the pivotal role of an event leader comes into play.
An expert host transforms a field day from a mere gathering into a dynamic, inclusive, and energetic experience. They are not just organizers; they are the energy that keeps the event dynamic and engaging. Throwback coaches, with their foundation in fitness and team dynamics, are experts in motivation. They're the directors of the day's activities, ensuring matchups are fair and enthusiasm is high.
These leaders should quickly gauge the energy of the group, adapt activities on the fly, and keep enthusiasm at a peak. They explain the rules clearly, encourage fair play, and foster a spirit of friendly competition.
Throwback event leaders are skilled at crafting matchups that are balanced and fair. This creates an environment where every game is competitive yet enjoyable. Coaches keep the momentum going, smoothly transitioning from one activity to another,
Our advice to anyone planning a field day is to not underestimate the value of a dedicated leader. They are a key ingredient to turning a collection of games into a cohesive, spirited and unforgettable experience.
Harmonizing Game Selection
Creating an engaging field day event hinges on a carefully curated blend of activities. Compare a DJ curating a playlist to match the energy of his or her audience. A field day host should select games to cater to the group. That may involve mixing physical exertion, mental agility, and creative expression to cater to a wide array of tastes and talents.
The key is to strike a balance that caters to varying levels of fitness and skills. Selecting activities that allow everyone to shine, from the former athletes to the strategic thinkers, is important.
To ensure a dynamic yet comfortable level of engagement, we position our game intensity at a moderate level. We set the stage for inclusivity by leaning on 4 or 5 on an intensity scale from 1-10. This allows for bursts of energy in some activities while providing thought-provoking challenges in others. A measured approach keeps the adrenaline in check, fostering a competitive yet enjoyable atmosphere.
Consider endurance when planning the length of the field day. As adults, we sometimes think we have the same stamina as our younger selves. But extending the length of play doesn't always mean more fun. A two-hour event often hits the sweet spot, providing a healthy dose of competition and camaraderie without the exhaustion.
The secret to a memorable field day is all about balance. Throwback tailors the schedule to match the group's pulse, ensuring the tempo of activities maintains energy without draining it. With careful timing and well-rounded games, we craft an experience where every participant leaves with an endorphin high!
Essential Field Day Games: Top Picks and Recommended Passes
Diving into the heart of field day fun, our years of experience have given us insights into the games that spark the most joy. We've sifted through the classics, identifying which ones truly stand the test of time and which are better left in the past. Plus, our passion for innovation has led us to develop exclusive games, each with a unique Throwback twist.
First up, our go-to traditional games that have stood the test of time, promising fun and camaraderie.
Classic Field Day Games
We begin with the timeless favorites -- traditional games that you're sure to remember from childhood. Here are some of the youthful gems that are still fun for adults:
Capture the Flag: A beloved staple of field day, this game combines tactical thinking, agility, and stealth
Arrange the play area using cones to outline boundaries, a center line, and designated zones for each team.
Distribute an identical set of flags or bandanas within the end zones of both teams.
Teams start the game positioned behind the midfield line on their side.
As the game kicks off, participants dash into enemy territory aiming to snatch a flag.
A successful flag capture allows a player to return it to their territory
Victory goes to the team collecting the most enemy flags in their zone by the end of the game
Photo Scavenger Hunt: A modern twist on the classic scavenger hunt, blending exploration with technology and teamwork
Play in rounds, with each round challenging teams to snap a photo of a specific item located within the park
Teams set off to find and photograph the item, racing against each other and the clock
The first team to return with the correct photo wins the round
For variety, later rounds can require teams to physically bring back items
Examples include a stone larger than a fist or a twig shaped like a letter
Tug-of-War: This classic contest showcases teamwork and physical strength, appealing to participants of every age
Set up by placing a long rope on the ground and having teams line up at each end
Secure a bandana at the rope's center as a visual marker
Attach other bandanas 3 feet from the center on both sides, marking where team members should stand.
Use a soccer cone to align with the center bandana, serving as the midpoint indicator
As the battle begins, teams tug on the rope, aiming to pull the opposing team's far bandana across the cone first to claim victory
Egg and Spoon Race: This lively race challenges participants' balance and quickness, suitable for all ages and abilities
Arrange the racecourse with cones to mark the starting and finishing points.
Teams form a queue at the start, with the initial racer receiving a spoon and egg.
At the start signal, the first participant from each team races to the far cones and back, balancing the egg on the spoon.
The player faces a penalty task if the egg falls
This could be restarting or completing three jumping jacks, before proceeding
Continue the race in a relay manner, with each team member taking their turn until everyone has gone
Blindfolded Maze: An adventure that tests trust and communication, as players navigate a course without their sight
Design an obstacle course with a variety of checkpoints to step in along the way; hula hoops are a good option for checkpoints
Players navigate through the course, 1 blindfolded teammate at a time
The sighted individuals give verbal instructions to help their blindfolded teammate navigate the course safely
After one teammate finishes, the next player at the starting line pulls down their blindfold and begins the course
The team that gets all their players through the course first is the winner
Egg Toss: A delightful test of precision and gentle hands turning a simple egg into a token of trust between partners
Form teams of two and stand face-to-face at a manageable distance apart
Start the toss with one player lobbing the egg to their partner
After each successful catch, the catcher takes a step back, widening the gap
If the egg breaks, that team is out
The game continues until one team remains, triumphing over distance and fragility
Noodle Fling: A cheeky game that turns the simple act of tossing a pool noodle into a test of coordination and planning
The goal is to transport a pool noodle from the starting line to the finish line using only throws
Players must throw the pool noodle to their teammates without walking, running, or stepping while holding it
Teammates must catch the noodle without letting it touch the ground
If the noodle hits the ground, the team must start over from the beginning
Teams must strategize the best way to pass the noodle to the finish line
The first team to successfully get their noodle across the finish line without ground contact wins
Be Careful With These Games
Many of us have played these games in the past, and they may seem to be great choices for adult field days. But, despite the nostalgia these games evoke, we've seen that they aren't as fun to play as grown-ups.
Potato Sack Race: A beloved childhood relay that doesn't quite suit adult players. The relentless hopping is risky and can lead to strained ankles and falls.
3-Legged Race: Once a playground staple, this game often leads to trips and falls, with adults facing a higher risk of injury than kids. Pairing adults with significant weight differences can also introduce safety concerns which is why we discourage this one.
Dodgeball: This gym class classic can still be fun for adults, but it's tough to play outdoors. Without a back wall for balls to rebound, players will get quickly exhausted chasing them down.
Water Balloon Toss: A fun and refreshing game for the summer months, but with caveats. Filling enough water balloons for a large group can be quite an undertaking. Plus, getting soaked and spending the rest of the field day in wet clothes can turn some players off.
Unique Throwback Favorites
Our custom-designed activities have risen to become fan favorites for their fresh take on adult play. While we keep the full recipes for these games under wraps, we're excited to share a teaser of what makes our field days unique.
Here's a peek at some games that you won't find anywhere else. Games that guarantee laughter, camaraderie, and an unforgettable group experience.
Battlechips: Try to knock down opposing players’ chips while also protecting your own
Hint Hunt: Race in relay fashion to discover hints scattered across the field, employing these insights to crack each round's puzzle
Falcon's Flight: Race to collect cones in this frenetic, relay-based competition, putting a fresh spin on a classic childhood game
Pass Parade: Team up to transport all members to your team's end zone using your throwing, catching, and blocking skills
Wordlock Mystery: A turn-based puzzle game where teams vie to uncover a hidden 6-letter keyword
Need Planning Help and More Field Day Ideas?
Organizing a successful field day lies in the details. Selecting the right games, handling logistics, and ensuring participant engagement is critical.
At Throwback, our specialty extends beyond mere entertainment. We excel in crafting an atmosphere that captivates every attendee, making everyone feel integral to the event's success. We tailor or approach to meet the diverse needs of each group, creating experiences that resonate with everyone!
Let the experts take the lead on your next event. Partnering with Throwback gets you this:
Bespoke Field Day Design. Our team designs your event with your group’s unique characteristics in mind, from corporate ethos to activity preferences.
Tried and True Execution. Field days are our specialty so we'll handle the nitty-gritty details so you can focus on the experience.
Exclusive and Interactive Field Day Activities. Discover our unique selection of games, crafted in-house for an experience you won't find elsewhere.
Professional Hosts. Throwback coaches, with their foundation in team dynamics, are experts in motivation. They're the maestros of the days activities, ensuring matchups are fair and enthusiasm is high.
Hit the ‘Plan your field day’ link below to get in touch and let's start planning an awesome field day!