These are simple racing games, but they are loads of fun.
Paper Race
You'll need a start line and a finish line - how far apart is up to you. If space is a little tight you could put a marker out which players have to round before returning to where they started. You will also need a piece of paper for each pair of players - about an A4 size is good.
Put player's name into a bowl. Draw out two at a time to form pairs. Pairs line up back to back with a piece of paper between them.
At the signal to start the game teams race to the finish line without dropping the paper. If they do they must begin again.
First one over the finish line wins.
Balloon Race
You'll need a start line and finish line as before. Again you can put a marker out which players have to round before returning to where they began. You will also need a balloon (blown up) for each pair of players.
Again put player's names into a bowl and draw out two at a time to form pairs. Each pair stands side by side and links arms with the other of their pair, and line up at the start line, one of the pair holding the balloon in the unlinked arm.
At the signal of the start of the game pairs tap the balloon in the air back and forth between them at the same time racing for the finish. If the balloon touches the ground the pair must begin again. Pairs cannot cross the finish line until their balloon has. First pair across the finish line wins.
If it's a windy day tie a small weight to the bottom of the balloon to stop it from being carried off.
"Log" Race
For this game you will need a long straight track with separate start and finish lines. Racing around a marker won't work for this game.
As before, draw pairs from names in a bowl. You will also need a large grassy area eg a sports field. Since the games is played on grass wearing old clothes would be a good idea.
Pairs take their socks and shoes off and players assemble in pairs at the start line. Each pair of players sits on the ground toe to toe with their partner.
Pairs then role/race to the finish line with their toes/feet touching the whole way. If players seperate from their partner they must return to the start line and begin again.
First pair over the finish line wins.
For more ideas try An Adventure Game.
