Getting Ready for a Smooth and Fun Field Day 🎉
Field day is one of the most exciting days of the school year, but it takes the right supplies to pull it off smoothly. I’ve learned the hard way that planning ahead makes all the difference, especially when you are managing multiple stations, student groups, and a full day of energy.
Having the right Field Day supplies for elementary teachers means thinking beyond just outdoor games. You need a mix of outdoor equipment and simple indoor or classroom options in case of schedule changes, weather issues, or downtime.
In this post, I’m sharing 15 must have field day supplies for elementary teachers, 7 outdoor, 7 indoor, plus one bonus classroom resource that makes field day week even easier.
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Table of Contents
7 Outdoor Field Day Supplies ☀️
Whether you’re running relay races or classic lawn games, these outdoor supplies are field day staples. Having reliable setups helps everything run smoother and keeps students engaged from start to finish.
When I plan outdoor rotations, I focus on Field Day supplies for elementary teachers that are flexible, easy to set up, and reusable year after year. These are the ones I keep coming back to because they work.
Quick note, prices and availability on Amazon can change depending on when you check, so it is always a good idea to compare options before purchasing.
1. Multi Game Race Set (Sack Race, Egg and Spoon, 3 Legged Race)
This is a great all in one option if you are running multiple relay stations. You can rotate groups through different races without needing separate supplies for each activity.
Try the CWLAKON 4 in 1 pack for smaller groups, around $30 – $35, or the NSG 84 piece set if you need something for a larger class, around $28 – $35.
2. Tug of War Rope
Tug of war is one of those activities that always gets everyone involved. It works for mixed ability groups and does not require much explanation.
The Franklin Field Day Rope 20ft rope runs about $15 – $25, while the X XBEN 35ft version is a solid budget option at around $15 – $20.
3. Hula Hoops Bulk Pack
Hula hoops are more versatile than most people expect. You can use them for ring toss, obstacle courses, or even musical hoops.
The METIS packs range from $50 to $125 depending on size and quantity, while a set of 12 fabric hoops runs about $65 to $70.
4. Sport Disc Cones
These are essential for organizing your space. I use them to mark start lines, finish zones, and pathways for different stations.
KEVENZ offers a 50 pack for about $13 to $15, and GoSports has a 20 pack with a tote for around $9 to $13.
5. Jump Ropes Bulk Pack
Jump ropes are perfect for both individual challenges and team relays. They are easy to manage and work well for quick rotations.
The Yunsailing 30 pack costs about $15 to $20, while the VIIBASE 10 pack runs around $17 to $23.
6. Self Sealing Water Balloons
If your schedule allows water activities, these are always a highlight. They fill quickly and reduce prep time, which matters on a busy day.
Bunch O Balloons sets range from $23 to $25 for 330+ pcs, and Zuru ones with 200+ pcs cost around $15 to 20.
7. Sidewalk Chalk Bulk Set
Sidewalk chalk is simple but very effective. Use it to label stations, draw hopscotch boards, or mark team areas.
Colorations offers a 50 piece set for about $15 to $17, while Joyin has jumbo chalk packs around $13 to $15.
Having a mix of these Field Day supplies for elementary teachers makes outdoor planning much easier. You can build stations quickly, adjust as needed, and keep the day running smoothly.
I always recommend choosing outdoor field day supplies that are durable and flexible so you can reuse them year after year.
7 Indoor Field Day Supplies 🏫
Rainy day? Half day schedule? These indoor options keep the field day fun going right inside your classroom or gym. I always plan a few backup stations because schedules can shift quickly, and having indoor options keeps everything stress free.
When I choose Field Day supplies for elementary teachers, I look for simple setups that do not need much space and can be reused for indoor recess or centers later on.
1. Sport Stacking Cups
This is a fast paced station that students love. They race to stack and unstack cups as quickly as possible, which works great for short rotations.
The SEISSO 24 piece set is a solid budget pick at about $15 to $20, while Speed Stacks with a timer runs around $45 to $50 for a more structured challenge.
2. Balloons Bulk Pack
Balloons are one of the easiest ways to set up multiple activities. You can run balloon keep up, relay passes, or even a gentle balloon stomp game.
A 120 pack costs about $10 to $18, while a 400 pack gives you more flexibility for larger groups at around $20 to $23.
3. Colored Ping Pong Balls Bulk
These are perfect for quick and creative stations. Students can do toss into a bucket, straw blow races, or transfer challenges using cups.
A Tadick Plastic Ping Pong ball of 100 pack runs about $15 to $19, while a smaller 50 pack is around $10 if you are working with a smaller class.
4. Bean Bags Classroom Set
Bean bags are quiet and easy to manage indoors. You can use them for balance challenges, target toss games, or simple coordination activities.
XIPEGPA Small 27 pack costs about $15, while Super Z Outlet of 12 pack is around $14 for smaller setups.
If you are planning more ideas like this, I shared even more simple setups in my Indoor Recess Ideas Any Teacher Can Handle post. It pairs really well with these stations.
5. Juggling Scarves Classroom Pack
These are surprisingly engaging for upper elementary students. They move slowly, which helps build coordination and keeps frustration low.
A scarf and ball set from Oazoxcx costs around $17 to $19, while a 14 pack of scarves from Corvelico is about $14 for group use.
6. Classroom Parachute
This is always a highlight station. You can run popcorn games, team waves, or group coordination challenges in a gym or large classroom.
Most 12 foot parachutes cost around $25 to $29 and are easy to store after use. You can check Sonyabecca Parachute and NARMAY.
7. Colored Pencils Class Pack
This is my go to for a calm transition or cool down period. It gives students a quiet option after high energy activities.
A Crayola class pack of 240 costs around $59 and lasts all year. If your class has an early finisher station during field day, this is a great fit and pairs perfectly with the Field Day Activity Packet below!
Having a mix of indoor options like these ensures your Field Day supplies for elementary teachers cover every situation. I always keep a few ready because weather and schedules do not always go as planned.
It also helps to choose supplies that can double as classroom tools later, so you get more value from each purchase.
Bonus: The Perfect Field Day Activity Packet for Your Classroom 🎯
If you’re looking for something to keep students engaged before the excitement hits or after they come back in from the field, this no prep Field Day Activity Packet is exactly what you need.
It includes:
• Coloring pages for quick calm down time
• Word searches and mazes for early finishers
• A reflection sheet to wrap up the day
I have this on my website (LINK HERE) or if you have Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) account, you can check it there as well HERE!
It is a great addition to your Field Day supplies for elementary teachers, especially during those in between moments.
Quick Field Day Questions Teachers Always Ask ❓
What do you do on field day at school?
Field day usually includes rotating stations with games, relays, and team challenges. Students move in groups and participate in both active and cooperative activities. A mix of outdoor and indoor options keeps the day balanced and manageable.
What supplies do you need for field day?
You need a combination of outdoor and indoor materials like cones, ropes, balloons, and simple classroom tools. Choosing the right Field Day supplies for elementary teachers helps you run stations smoothly without constant resets or confusion.
How do you organize field day stations for elementary school?
Keep it simple and structured.
• Assign groups and rotate on a timer
• Use clear station signs and boundaries
• Prep materials in bins ahead of time
Having reliable Field Day supplies for elementary teachers makes transitions faster and easier.
What are some fun indoor field day activities for the classroom?
Try stacking cup races, balloon challenges, bean bag toss, and ping pong relay games. These require minimal space and setup but still keep students engaged and moving.
What should teachers wear on field day?
Go for comfort and practicality. Athletic shoes, breathable clothes, and a hat if you are outside. I also like wearing fun teacher shirts for spirit. If you need ideas, check out my T-shirt for Teachers post for easy options.
Ready, Set, Field Day Fun 🎉
With the right mix of outdoor and indoor picks plus a simple classroom packet, your 15 go to Field Day supplies for elementary teachers can make the whole day run smoother.
Save or bookmark this post so you can come back when planning. Grab the Field Day Activity Packet to make those in between moments easier.
I would love to hear your favorite ideas too. Drop them in the comments. Happy field day planning! ☀️
