It’s summer and the kids are home. Time for some fun outdoor games!
It’s summer and the kids are home. Time for some fun outdoor games! Sometimes parents feel like we have to keep our kids entertained with trips to the zoo, museums, splash pads and anywhere else they want to go. But with some creativity and team work, you can build any of these 11 outdoor games right in your backyard. Don’t miss my favorite–number 9!
Outdoor Games for Tons of Backyard Fun
1. STRIKE!
Use the porch, deck, sidewalk or driveway for your very own bowling alley. All you need is a flat surface, empty water bottles and a ball. There’s not a moment to spare.
2. Hit the Target
Hit one or all of the targets on this passing practice tarp. Just cut holes of various sizes in a tarp, line the edges with duct tape and assign points to each hole. Your aspiring athletes can practice football, soccer, pitching and more.
3. Squirt Gun Games
Kids love to get wet when it’s hot, so try squirt gun water races. Pull out some string, plastic cups, tape and scissors for a simple way to beat the summer heat. “Water” you waiting for? Get a 12-pack of water guns at Amazon–plenty for everyone!
4. Pop On Over
Set up a balloon dart board using a wood board or cardboard box. Tape or staple some balloons to the board and you’re ready to take aim. For extra fun, fill the balloons with small Dollar Tree prizes.
5. Bean Bag Toss
Set up a game of cornhole as seen below, or your own version of a bean bag toss. Use plastic bowls, self-made point value labels, and a bean bag or similar small, soft toy (you could even roll up a pair of socks). Increase the space between bowls to make it more challenging.
More Outdoor Games to Try
6. Play Kick Croquet
Real croquet is always fun but can be a bit too challenging for little hands. Set up your own larger soccer version with pool noodles and wire hangers. Who won’t get a kick out of kick croquet?!
7. Ring Toss
Construct your own ring toss game. It’s easy to do and a lot of fun! Be creative with your rings–use rope, pool noodles or whatever you can think of to make the rings.
8. NERF Games
Build a backyard Nerf arena. This game requires Nerf guns and assembly of various targets spaced throughout the backyard. Give each target a point value. The player with the most points after going through the arena wins. Or play against a timer. The player with the most points when the timer goes off wins.
9. Angry Birds
How about backyard Angry Birds? Paint six or eight cans to look like those pesky pigs. Use a slingshot to knock over the cans. Load your slingshot with Angry Birds Splat pack. If you don’t have a slingshot, try good old-fashioned throwing.
10. Concentration
Boredom is no match against a backyard matching game. Use cardstock or foam board to create the cards. Let the kids help design and color them. This is a great game for a non-windy day!
11. Yard-zee
Play a giant game of Yahtzee in the backyard. Buy an awesome Yard-zee set at Amazon, or make your own. No question you’ll have a full house with this backyard activity!
Want more outdoor game ideas? See my post on DIY outdoor games for everyone!
