Theme days / Teamwork Day

Teamwork Day ideas for OSHC

64 DIY activities for a teamwork day at before and after school care or vacation care, usually run around Summer or Any time / Talk Like a Pirate Day (19 September). Pick and mix, or build a balanced day in one click.

Build a Teamwork Day

Silly Tasks Day · Challenge Day · Teamwork Day +1

Absurd Task Challenges

Teams tackle quirky, open-ended tasks such as building the tallest tower from one sheet of paper, solving problems creatively and laughing along the way.

IndoorModerateSome prepYears 4 to 6 Around the World Day · Great Race Day · Harmony Day +3

Around the World Race

Teams race through country-themed challenge stations, completing a task at each one to learn a little about different places.

EitherHighBig set-upPrep to Year 6 Gross and Messy Day · Messy Play Day · Great Race Day +2

Baked Bean Gumboot Relay

Teams race to carry baked beans in gumboots and fill a container, a gloriously messy relay full of laughs.

OutdoorHighSome prepYears 4 to 6 Rock Band Day · Music Festival Day · Music and Dance Day +2

Band Jam Session

Children form small bands using percussion and simple instruments, practise together and perform a short piece for the group.

IndoorHighSome prepPrep to Year 6 Long Projects Day · Brick Building Day · Block World Day +1

Big Brick Build

Children work on an ongoing large-scale brick build across the day.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Big Kids Club · Long Projects Day · Art Attack Day +2

Big Shared Artwork

Older children choose a theme and plan a large shared artwork, working on it across the term. Gives them real ownership and a finished piece to display.

IndoorCalmSome prepYears 4 to 6 Teamwork Day · Friendship Day · Challenge Day

Blindfold Trust Walk

Partners take turns guiding each other around a simple outdoor course using only spoken directions, building trust and clear communication.

OutdoorModerateGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Wizard School Day · Fantasy Quest Club · Games Day +1

Broomstick Ball Game

A ground version of a flying broomstick sport where teams score by throwing balls through hoops while holding a broom between their legs.

OutdoorHighSome prepYears 4 to 6 Water Play Day · Summer Holidays · Teamwork Day +1

Bucket and Sponge Relays

Teams race through a series of water relays using buckets and sponges, such as sponge passing and bucket carrying.

OutdoorHighGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Feel Good Friday · Friendship Day · Teamwork Day +1

Buddy Obstacle Course

Pairs complete an obstacle course while linked arm in arm, working together to get through each challenge.

OutdoorHighSome prepPrep to Year 6 Pirate Day · Treasure Hunters Day · Escape Room Day +2

Buried Treasure Hunt

Teams follow riddle clues around the yard to dig up gold-painted rocks. A pirate adventure that combines problem-solving and teamwork.

OutdoorHighSome prepPrep to Year 6 Target Games Day · Games Day · Teamwork Day +1

Capture the Flag

Two teams try to grab the other team's flag and bring it home without being tagged.

OutdoorHighGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Long Projects Day · Cardboard Box Day · At the Building Site +2

Cardboard City

Children build an entire city from boxes, adding buildings, roads and parks over the day.

IndoorModerateBig set-upPrep to Year 6 Gladiator Day · Athletics Carnival · Teamwork Day +2

Champion Relay

Teams race through a relay of running, hopping and carrying tasks to earn the title of champions.

OutdoorHighGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Great Race Day · Challenge Day · Obstacle Course Day +2

Checkpoint Roadblock Tasks

Teams stop at checkpoints to complete a mix of physical and brain-teaser tasks before moving on, combining fitness and thinking.

OutdoorHighSome prepYears 4 to 6 Lunar New Year · Japan Day · Teamwork Day +2

Chopstick Relay

Teams race to move pompoms between bowls using chopsticks in a fast relay.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Colour Fun Run · Holi · Rainbow Day +2

Colour Station Relay

Teams race through colour stations, collecting dye on their shirts as they complete relay legs.

OutdoorHighBig set-upPrep to Year 6 Challenge Day · Games Day · Teamwork Day +2

Create Your Own Game

Small groups invent a brand-new game, write the rules and teach it to the rest of the group to play.

EitherHighGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Obstacle Course Day · Ninja Obstacle Day · Teamwork Day +2

Design-a-Course Challenge

Small teams plan, build and test their own mini obstacle courses, then invite others to try them. Children take ownership of the design and the safety rules.

OutdoorHighSome prepYears 4 to 6 Science Day · Inventors Day · Science Week +3

Egg Drop Challenge

Older children design a protective package so a raw egg survives a drop from height, testing their engineering ideas.

OutdoorModerateSome prepYears 4 to 6 Brick Building Day · Long Projects Day · Block World Day +2

Giant Brick City

Everyone adds buildings, roads and parks to a shared building brick city.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Puzzle Day · Teamwork Day · Wet Weather Day +1

Giant Group Floor Puzzle

Children work together on a giant floor puzzle, sharing pieces and strategies. Builds teamwork and patience.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Music and Dance Day · Dance-Off Day · Disco Day +3

Group Dance Routine Creation

Small groups choreograph their own dance routine to a chosen song, then perform it for the rest of the service.

IndoorHighGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Teamwork Day · Games Day · Circus Day +1

Group Juggle

Children stand in a circle and pass several balls in a set pattern, working together to keep everything moving without dropping a ball.

EitherModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Teamwork Day · Challenge Day · Games Day

Human Knot

Children hold hands across a circle to create a tangle, then work together to untangle themselves without letting go.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Robot Day · Coding Unplugged · After School Quick STEM +2

Human Robot Coding

One child is the robot and the others give step-by-step arrow commands to guide them across a grid, learning the basics of coding without screens.

EitherModerateSome prepPrep to Year 6 Balloon Day · Wet Weather Day · Games Day +2

Indoor Balloon Volleyball

Teams hit balloons over a low net to keep them off the floor, a gentle indoor version of volleyball suited to all abilities.

IndoorHighGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Inventors Day · Maker Day · Game Show Day +2

Invention Pitches

Groups invent a new product, build a model and pitch it to the room, practising teamwork and confident speaking.

IndoorModerateSome prepYears 4 to 6 Escape Room Day · Puzzle Day · Teamwork Day +1

Jigsaw Race

Teams race to finish identical jigsaw puzzles, working together to sort edges and colours.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Beach Day · Emergency Services Day · Careers Day +3

Lifeguard Rescue Relays

Older children run relays using pool noodles as rescue tubes, learning a little about water safety and lifesaving roles.

OutdoorHighGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Soccer Cup Day · Around the World Day · Games Carnival Day +1

Mini World Cup Tournament

Children play a small-sided soccer tournament with teams representing different countries.

OutdoorHighSome prepPrep to Year 6 Halloween · Ancient Egypt · Teamwork Day +1

Mummy Wrap Race

Teams race to wrap one member from shoulders to feet in toilet paper like a mummy.

IndoorHighGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Ancient Egypt · Halloween · Time Travellers Day +2

Mummy Wrapping Race

Teams race to wrap one teammate from shoulders to feet in toilet paper like an ancient mummy, creating lots of laughter and teamwork.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Junior Chef Challenge · Cooking Day · Challenge Day +2

Mystery Box Lunch Challenge

Teams open a mystery box of safe, simple ingredients and work together to create a lunch for a judging panel.

IndoorModerateBig set-upYears 4 to 6 Obstacle Course Day · Athletics Carnival · Teamwork Day +2

Obstacle Course Relay

Teams race against each other through a simple obstacle course in relay style. A lively team game that suits big groups.

OutdoorHighSome prepPrep to Year 6 Games Carnival Day · Athletics Carnival · Around the World Day +2

OSHC Games Carnival

Teams each represent a country and compete in relays, long jump and silly events, with medals for everyone at the end. A whole-day event full of team spirit.

OutdoorHighBig set-upPrep to Year 6 Water Play Day · Teamwork Day · Summer Holidays +1

Over-the-Head Bucket Fill

Teams pass cups of water over their heads down the line to fill a bucket at the end, racing to fill it first.

OutdoorHighGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Science Week · At the Building Site · Teamwork Day +2

Peg and Pop Stick Tower

Children build the tallest tower they can using wooden pegs and pop sticks, testing balance and structure.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Escape Room Day · Puzzle Day · Great Race Day +1

Riddle Relay

Teams race between stations to solve riddles, sending one runner at a time to collect the next riddle.

EitherHighSome prepPrep to Year 6 Great Race Day · Teamwork Day · Treasure Hunters Day +2

Service-Wide Challenge Race

Teams race through challenge stations around the whole service, collecting clues that lead them to a final finish line.

EitherHighBig set-upPrep to Year 6 Pirate Day · Loose Parts Day · Cardboard Box Day +2

Shipwreck Repair Challenge

Teams patch a cardboard ship using crates, fabric and tubes to make it seaworthy before a pretend storm. Teamwork and creative building.

EitherModerateBig set-upPrep to Year 6 Friendship Day · Teamwork Day · Block World Day +1

Silent Friendship Tower

Teams work together to build the tallest tower they can without talking, using only gestures.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Challenge Day · Teamwork Day · Puzzle Day +1

Silent Team Jigsaw

Teams complete a jigsaw without speaking, using only gestures to communicate and cooperate.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Superhero Day · Treasure Hunters Day · Escape Room Day +2

Six Gem Challenge Quest

Six coloured gems are hidden around the service, each guarded by a mini challenge that teams must complete to collect it.

EitherHighSome prepPrep to Year 6 Inventors Day · Big Kids Club · Teamwork Day +1

Solve a Real Problem

Older children identify a real problem at the service and design practical solutions to present to educators.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Space Explorers · Obstacle Course Day · Teamwork Day +1

Space Cadet Training Course

Children work through a space cadet obstacle course with balance, crawling and blindfolded trust challenges, guided by a partner's voice.

OutdoorHighSome prepPrep to Year 6 Challenge Day · Science Week · Science Day +3

Spaghetti and Marshmallow Tower

Teams race the clock to build the tallest freestanding tower from dry spaghetti and marshmallows, testing engineering ideas.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 After School Quick STEM · Science Week · Science Day +3

Spaghetti and Tape Tower

Small teams build the tallest free-standing tower they can from dry spaghetti and tape, learning about triangles, bracing and teamwork.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Inventors Day · Challenge Day · Teamwork Day +3

Spaghetti Marshmallow Tower

Teams build the tallest freestanding tower from dry spaghetti and tape that can hold a marshmallow on top.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Athletics Carnival · Healthy Heart Day · Great Race Day +2

Sprints and Baton Relays

Children run short sprints and team relays with batons, learning how to pass a baton and cheer each other on.

OutdoorHighGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Footy Day · States Day · Athletics Carnival +1

State Colours Team Games

Children split into two state-colour teams for relays and challenges during the winter footy series, building team spirit.

OutdoorHighSome prepPrep to Year 6 Challenge Day · Science Week · At the Building Site +3

Straw Bridge and Tower Challenge

Teams build the strongest bridge or tallest tower using only straws and tape, then test it to see how it holds up.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Big Kids Club · Children's Week · Teamwork Day +1

Student Committee

Older children form a committee that helps plan menus, programs and room jobs, with badges for each role. Gives children a real voice in their service.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Brick Building Day · Teamwork Day · Block World Day +1

Team Build Challenge

Teams build to a theme in a set time and present their creations.

IndoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Great Race Day · Around the World Day · Teamwork Day +2

Team Flag Design

Each team designs its own flag with a name, colours and symbols, building identity and team spirit before a race or games day.

IndoorCalmGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Survival Challenge Day · Challenge Day · Teamwork Day +2

Team Immunity Challenge

Older children compete in teams through puzzle and balance challenges to win a homemade immunity token.

OutdoorHighSome prepYears 4 to 6 Survival Challenge Day · Cubby Day · Camp Out Day +3

Team Shelter Building

Older children work in teams to build a lean-to shelter from branches, rope and tarps big enough for the whole team.

OutdoorModerateSome prepYears 4 to 6 Trail Blazers · Treasure Hunters Day · Teamwork Day +2

Team Trail Challenges

Teams follow a map with marked checkpoints around the grounds, completing a small challenge at each stop.

OutdoorHighBig set-upYears 4 to 6 Athletics Carnival · Teamwork Day · Games Carnival Day +2

Team Tug of War

Two teams pull on a rope to bring the centre marker over their line, testing strength, teamwork and coordination.

OutdoorHighGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Great Race Day · Challenge Day · Teamwork Day +2

Two-Choice Detour Challenges

At each stop of a team race, groups choose between two different mini challenges, weighing up speed, skill and strategy together.

EitherModerateSome prepYears 4 to 6 Frisbee Day · Teamwork Day · Park Day

Ultimate Disc Game

Two teams pass a flying disc down the field without running while holding it, aiming to catch it in the end zone.

OutdoorHighGrab-and-goYears 4 to 6 Water Play Day · Target Games Day · Summer Holidays +1

Water Blaster Ball Push

Children use water blasters to push a light ball across the grass and into a hoop, working out angles and teamwork.

OutdoorModerateGrab-and-goPrep to Year 6 Art Attack Day · Budding Artists · Graffiti and Street Art +3

Whole-Group Collaborative Mural

Everyone adds their own section to a large mural on a shared theme, creating one artwork that reflects the whole group.

EitherCalmSome prepPrep to Year 6 Wizard School Day · Fantasy Quest Club · Magic Day +1

Wizard House Sorting

Children are sorted into made-up wizard houses at a playful ceremony, then work in their houses throughout the day.

IndoorCalmSome prepPrep to Year 6