Bonjour, Olympic fans! Are you and your family ready to embark on a fun-filled adventure from the comfort of your home? The 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games are just around the corner, running from July 26 to August 11, 2024, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate this grand event with your kids. From fun facts to tasty snacks, let’s dive into the world of the Olympics and bring a bit of Parisian flair to your festivities!
You might also enjoy checking out our articles from past Olympics for additional ideas: Celebrate the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics with Your Kids, Celebrate the 2018 Winter Olympics Family Style, 5 Olympic Sports to Try in Des Moines and Host a Family Friendly Olympic Party.
Here’s some fun ideas for enjoying the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics with your kids:
Share Fun Facts About the Summer Olympics with Your Kids
A Historic Revival
The modern Summer Olympics were first held in 1896 in Athens, Greece. The tradition, however, dates to ancient Greece, with the original games held in Olympia as far back as 776 BC!
Ring It Up
The Olympic rings represent the union of the five inhabited continents and the meeting of athletes worldwide. The colors – blue, yellow, black, green, and red – include at least one color from every nation’s flag.
New Additions
Each Olympics introduces new sports. This year, Breakdancing makes its debut! Get your kids to try out some moves and see if they can become the next breakdancing star.
The Largest Sporting Event
The Summer Olympics is the largest sporting event in the world, featuring over 200 nations competing in various sports. That’s a lot of flags and cultures to explore with your kids!
Preview the Spectacular Sports Lineup
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will include 32 sports. Here are a few to get excited about:
- Track & Field: From sprints to marathons, there’s something for everyone.
- Swimming: Watch the world’s best swimmers compete in breathtaking races.
- Gymnastics: Marvel at the flips and twists that seem to defy gravity.
- Soccer: Cheer for your favorite teams and enjoy the global camaraderie.
- Basketball: Catch the slam dunks and three-pointers in thrilling matches.
There’s also archery, fencing, surfing, skateboarding, and more! You can even make a game out of predicting the medal winners with your kids.
Meet the Mascot: Phryge!
This year’s mascot Phryge is based on the traditional small Phrygian hats that the mascots are shaped after. Nicknamed “Phrygi,” this friendly figure embodies the spirit of the Olympics and the values of equality, liberty, and fraternity. Make a Phryge puppet with your kids using craft supplies – red felt for the cap, googly eyes, and a big smile to capture the joy of the games.
Explore the Host City: Paris, France
Paris, the City of Lights, is famous for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. It’s a city rich in history, culture, and delectable cuisine. Here’s a quick family-friendly fact: the Eiffel Tower was almost torn down after the 1889 World’s Fair but was saved because it was useful as a giant radio antenna!
Talk to your kids about the beauty of Paris and why it’s a dream destination for many. You can even do a virtual tour of Paris and show them the stunning architecture and vibrant streets.
Savor the Flavors of France
French Inspired Snack Ideas You Can Make at Home
You don’t have to hop on a plane to enjoy French cuisine. Here are some simple and fun snack ideas to bring a taste of France to your home:
- Croissants and Chocolate Spread: A classic French breakfast treat. Serve warm croissants with a side of Nutella or chocolate spread.
- Cheese and Fruit Platter: Combine different cheeses with grapes, apple slices, and crackers for a delicious and healthy snack.
- French Crêpes: Make your own crêpes at home and let your kids choose their favorite fillings, like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even ham and cheese.
- Macarons: Try your hand at making these delicate French cookies or buy a box from a local bakery for an authentic experience.
French Inspired Local Dining Options in Des Moines
If you’d rather take a culinary trip without cooking, Des Moines has some great options for French dining:
- La Mie Bakery: A local favorite for authentic French pastries and bread. Their croissants and éclairs are a must-try!
- Django: This French-inspired bistro offers everything from escargot to crêpes. It’s a great spot for a family dinner with a Parisian twist.
- The Cheese Shop of Des Moines: Explore a variety of French cheeses and create your own cheese platter at home.
Create Your Olympic Viewing Guide and Schedule
The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics is a fantastic opportunity to introduce your kids to the world of sports, different cultures, and the excitement of international competition. Create an Olympic calendar or schedule, so you don’t miss watching your favorite sport or athlete. Over 5,000+ hours of live Olympic coverage will be shown on NBC. The schedule can be found here.
Vive les Jeux Olympiques!
Featured photo source Paris 2024 – https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024
