Family shoe race
Turn the morning rush to leave the house into a playful ritual with a family shoe race!
Mornings can so easily slip into a chorus of "Come on!" and "We’re going to be late!" - but they don’t have to. The Shoe Race turns this everyday routine into a fun, connecting moment that sets a positive tone for the day.
The concept is simple: everyone races (playfully!) to see who can get their shoes on the fastest before heading out the door. It’s a quick reset that replaces tension with giggles, gets grownups out of autopilot, and helps little ones feel capable and included in the family routine.
You can keep score, add silly winner's prizes like "do a funny dance", or just celebrate everyone’s efforts with a group cheer.
(And don’t forget to let the kids win sometimes!)
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Let everyone know it's time for a Shoe Race! You can make this a dramatic announcement or a cheeky whisper.
Step 2:
Pick a fun way to time it - a kitchen timer, counting aloud, or shouting “Ready, set, go!”
Play
Step 1:
Hopefully this gets everyone running to the door in position
Step 2:
If not, you can get there and slowly add a "Ready... steady..."
Step 3:
On "Go!", race to get shoes on as quickly (and safely) as possible.
Step 4:
Cheer for the winner or celebrate everyone’s effort with a group high-five.
Step 5:
Make it a daily ritual - the perfect playful send-off before heading out.
Extend
Add a Silly Trophy or Prize: A rotating “Fastest Feet” badge or sticker, or just a funny ritual like "winner does a silly dance" or "winner gets to choose someone to make a silly noise".
Musical Start: Play an upbeat song while everyone races to the beat.
Add Funny Rules: E.g. everyone must do a silly dance once both shoes are on!
Slow-Mo Challenge: Reverse the game - who can put shoes on in slow motion?
