Grinnell emphasizes widespread participation and enjoyment of intercollegiate athletics, intramurals, individual activities, club sports, and outdoor recreation. The Physical Education Complex houses a swimming pool, tennis courts, 200-meter track, handball-racquetball courts, basketball courts, weight room, and steam rooms. Outdoor facilities include six tennis courts, a 400-meter track, and playing fields. Students also use local golf courses and bowling alleys.

Both men's and women's teams are nicknamed the Pioneers to reflect Grinnell's early involvement in intercollegiate sports, dating from the late 1860s. Today Grinnell's men's and women's teams compete primarily with other members of the Midwest Conference composed of institutions in a three-state area: Grinnell in Iowa; Knox, Lake Forest, Monmouth, and Illinois College in Illinois; and Beloit, Carroll, Lawrence, Ripon, and St. Norbert in Wisconsin. Men's teams compete in cross country, football, soccer, basketball, golf, tennis, baseball, swimming and diving, and track (indoor and outdoor). Women compete in volleyball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, basketball, cross country, golf, softball, and track and field (indoor and outdoor).

Intramural competition covers many sports, with coed, men's, and women's teams made up of students as well as faculty and staff members. The Department of Physical Education provides a variety of individual and group activities, emphasizing lifetime sports, recreational skills, and physical fitness. Students with interest in sports not offered at the varsity level have developed a strong club sports program that features 20 different teams.

The Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) visits locations throughout Iowa and offers trips to various parts of the country during academic breaks. Activities include cycling, horseback riding, backpacking, skiing, spelunking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and rock climbing. Camping and water-sports gear may be checked out for recreational use. Campus members of the Environmental Interest Group promote environmental awareness and engage in nature-oriented activities.