Make your backyard a fun and exciting place for your kids, engage them in various diy backyard games, and keep them entertained all summer. Spice up their outdoor playtime with a scavenger hunt, water balloon toss, sidewalk chalk art, potato sack race, and obstacle course.
These backyard games for kids will not only keep them physically moving but also mentally stimulated as they solve puzzles and compete against themselves or others.
Scavenger Hunt
Treasure hunting around the backyard is now more thrilling than ever! This outdoor game is the perfect way to keep children occupied and curious. With a special version of ‘Scavenger Hunt’, you can create an experience that leads kids on a journey of discovery.
- Utilize clues to guide them to particular locations
- Generate a list of items for them to find
- Boost teamwork by pairing kids or forming small teams
- Provide incentives such as snacks or rewards for completed tasks
- Incorporate educational facts throughout the adventure
- Vary the difficulty based on age and proficiency
For an even more special time, add personal touches like family photos or special treasures. These details make it a more intimate experience, allowing participants to connect with their environment.
By adding in these small touches, your scavenger hunt will become much more than just a game – it can become an adventure that sparks curiosity and awe.
Water Balloon Toss
Water Balloon Toss is a classic outdoor game that kids of all ages love in the summertime! Players stand in pairs facing each other from a distance and take turns tossing a water-filled balloon. The goal is to keep throwing it without breaking it until one of the players drops it.
Here’s a guide:
- Fill balloons with water – not too big, not too small.
- Pair up players facing each other at a set distance.
- Keep tossing the balloon until one person drops it or it breaks.
To make it even more fun, you can set challenges like increasing the distance or alternating hands. Kids will love it, and time will fly!
Water Balloon Toss doesn’t have winners or losers – everyone gets wet and has a blast! But be sure to clean up any tiny balloon particles from the broken balloons afterward.
Sidewalk Chalk Art
If you have a paved area in your backyard, chalk art is one of the best yard games! It helps with motor skills and boosts imagination.
Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a spot with plenty of space.
- Pick out colored chalk sticks based on a theme.
- Outline the design with light colors.
- Fill in with techniques like blending, shading, or smudging.
- Add highlights with white chalk sticks.
- Capture the masterpiece and share it!
Parents can make it even more fun by playing “Guess What I’m Drawing”, adding time limits, or redrawing challenges.
The Outdoor Foundation reports that 64% of kids who spend time outdoors have higher happiness levels.
So add some color and smiles to your pavement with this fun-filled art activity!
Hopscotch
Hopscotch is one of the classic outdoor games for kids!
Here’s what you need to know to start playing:
- Draw the hopscotch pattern: Draw a pattern on the ground using chalk or tape
- Toss a marker: Toss a small object, such as a stone, pebble, or beanbag, into the first square of the pattern
- Hop through the pattern: Hop through the pattern, skipping the square with the marker
- Pick up the marker: Pick up the marker on the way back
- Complete the pattern: Hop through the pattern again, landing on the square with the marker
- Pass the turn: If the player successfully completes the pattern without stepping on any lines or losing their balance, they continue with the next round
- There are variations to the game, such as pattern design and marker toss, and players can create their own rules
The game can be played with one player or with multiple players, and it is often used to develop balance, coordination, and other physical skills in children.
Hopscotch is enjoyed by people of all ages and is a simple and fun way to challenge your kids to get active and enjoy the outdoors.
Potato Sack Race
Potato Sack Race – One of the best outdoor games for kids!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Players can be split into teams or compete solo.
- Each player needs a potato sack they can fit into.
- Mark the start and finish lines.
- Players must jump in their bags from start to finish.
- The first one across wins!
Old-fashioned fun for all ages! Get ready for family memories and laughs.
Obstacle Course
Send your little explorers on an exciting adventure with this thrilling obstacle course! It’s sure to keep their hearts racing and minds engaged.
Set up the course with cones, hula hoops, rope ladders, and tires.
Customize it every time you play, by adding different challenges like crawling under strings and stepping over objects.
The game helps improve kids’ physical and mental abilities while keeping them entertained.
Make your kid’s childhood memories unforgettable by introducing them to these boredom-busting outdoor activities – they’ll be enthralled for hours!
Bean Bag Toss
Cornhole – a classic Bean Bag Toss game – is a fun and interactive game that tests hand-eye coordination in kids.
Here are the main points:
- Players stand at a distance and toss bean bags at the board.
- Points are given depending on where the bag lands.
- Designs can be added to make it more exciting.
This game can be tailored to any skill level. The distance can be adjusted for older kids. Smaller bags can be used for younger children.
Ring Toss
Ring toss is a fun outdoor party game for kids at backyard parties. Throw rings onto pegs and get ready for some exciting competition. Don’t have any pegs? Bottles make great pegs for this classic game!
Here are 3 things to keep in mind:
- Put the pegs apart. Change the distance, depending on the age group and skill level.
- Pick the right type of ring. Use plastic or create your own with pipe cleaners.
- Change the rules for more players. Have more than one peg or pair players into teams.
Add something extra! Try glow-in-the-dark rings or assign point values. Get your party started with these twists and variations.
Musical Chairs
The music fades and the little ones dash to find a spot in the game we all know and love – Musical Chairs. It’s a classic game of dancing around when the music plays, then quickly securing a seat when it stops. The last person standing wins!
5 Fun Facts About This Popular Game:
- Chairs or squares reduce space constraints.
- Great for developing hand-eye coordination.
- Kids can play without adult supervision.
- Modify with sound effects or English learning words.
- Parents or supervisors can join in too!
It’s a fun and energetic activity that promotes competitiveness among kids. Plus, it requires minimal preparation and instructions, perfect for large groups of children.
Balloon Pop
Place lots of filled-up balloons in the playing area. Separate kids into teams, or let them play alone. Set a timer. Tell them to sit or jump on the balloons to pop them. The one with the most popped balloons wins!
Put in a few small prizes, like candy or stickers, to make it more exciting. Just remember to watch out for allergies and have an adult supervise.
Pin the Tail on the Donkey
It’s time to get the classic fun backyard party game started! Blindfold children one by one, spin them around three times, then give them a pinned tail and let them try to pin it in the right spot.
Place the donkey picture on the wall or surface and set a timer for each kid.
Prizes can be given to those who succeed in getting closest to the correct spot. Don’t miss out on this amazing game at your next gathering!
Slip N’ Slide
Children now can have fun with the perfect outdoor game, a popular summer activity – the Glide and Slide! All they need is a water-infused strip. This thrilling solution offers a refreshing aquatic experience – no need to go to the pool.
To do it, follow the 3-step guide.
- Select a grassy, even area free from sharp objects or rocks.
- Secure a large tarp to the ground with stakes or weights.
- Coat the surface with water and dish soap for the desired slippery effect.
You can up the excitement with inflatable toys. This way you can add creative elements to make the activity more engaging.
The Slip n’ Slide was created by Robert Carrier in 1961 with help from his son. It has since become a summertime must-have for families everywhere!
Water Table Play
Water-based activities are an awesome way for kids to have outdoor fun! Let’s explore the unique water-activity nature provides.
- Young ones can splash, dump and pour with cups, buckets, or other dishes.
- They can also assemble floating toys, such as rubber ducks.
- For older kids, add colored gelatin to the table for a learning experiment.
- Messy play? Add sand or dirt mix-ins for an extra texture.
- Teach kids cleanliness by washing plastic fruits or animals.
This activity is educational and entertaining. It helps toddlers explore their senses and develops eye-hand coordination.
Sprinkler Fun
Bring on the summer with some wet and wild water activities for your kids. Water play has many benefits for children; it helps them stay active and healthy and develops their physical and cognitive skills.
Here are some unique ideas:
- Sprinkler Tag: Set up some sprinklers and get your kids running around.
- DIY Water Balloon Pinata: Fill balloons with water, attach them to a clothesline or tree branch, give blindfolds, and let the kids whack away until they burst.
- Pom-Pom Wash: Drop pom poms into a kiddie pool, give kids spray bottles with soapy water, and let them wash away.
- Splash Ball Homemade Activity: Cut up sponges into small pieces, tie them with rubber bands, and create colorful balls.
- Slithering Snake Pool Game: Put pool noodles in the pool and watch your child slither like a snake.
- Beach Ball Race: Kids can race beach balls across the pool using their noses.
Studies prove that team sports develop confidence, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills. They are great for kids and adults alike!
Check out some fun team sports activities below:
Soccer
Soccer is a fun outdoor game for kids. It creates lasting memories and teaches invaluable skills.
Here are some of its benefits:
- Improves physical abilities – boosts motor skills, coordination & cardiovascular fitness.
- Nurtures social skills – teamwork, communication & sportsmanship.
- Bolster’s mental health – self-esteem, leadership qualities & accepting wins & losses.
- Maintains discipline – strict rules & regulations teach proper conduct.
Playing soccer encourages independence & social bonds, building confidence & friendships.
Basketball
Basketball is a great all-year-round activity – played both indoors and outdoors. It’s an awesome way to develop physical fitness, coordination, problem-solving skills, and strategy. Plus, it’s versatile – people of all shapes and sizes can join in on the fun!
Each game fosters a sense of healthy competition and sportsmanship. Beginners should start by learning how to dribble, pass, shoot, and perform footwork.
With the right guidance and dedicated teammates, it’s easy to pick up the basics and become a skilled player.
Teamwork is at the heart of basketball – individual performance takes a backseat to successful collaboration. Even a smaller team can outshine its larger opponents if they work together.
Frisbee Football
Frisbee football, is a popular team sport that combines elements of soccer, basketball, and American football with the use of a frisbee.
The game is played on a rectangular field with end zones at either end, much like American football. A team scores a point when they catch the frisbee in the opposing team’s end zone.
Players may pass the frisbee to each other by throwing it, and the frisbee must be caught in order to maintain possession. However, players are not allowed to run with the frisbee, they must pass it to their teammates instead.
Frisbee football is a fast-paced, high-energy game that requires teamwork, communication, and strategy. It can be played indoors or outdoors and is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
Volleyball
Volleyball is an awesome game to play and gets the whole family involved! Played with a lightweight ball and a net between two teams, it’s a great way to improve reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork.
The aim is to hit the ball over the net as many times as possible without letting it touch the ground. As kids play, they can learn new techniques like spiking, serving, or blocking. It’s a great tool for teaching communication and cooperation.
Kickball
Kids Love Kicking Ball!
Kickball is a great way for kids aged 6-12 to build their physical development. It helps with coordination, balance, and agility. Plus, it encourages teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship.
Families can also enjoy kickball during picnics or outdoor outings. Parents can host tournaments or leagues to challenge kids and build their skills.
Be creative and add twists to traditional kickball rules. Make sure kids wear proper footwear and carry water while playing. This not only keeps them safe but reminds them to stay hydrated.
Turn your backyard into a playground and have your kids begging to go outside!
Creative Backyard Activities For Kids
To add some excitement to your kids’ backyard adventures, try incorporating some creative backyard activities with solutions like gardening, nature exploration, outdoor art projects, DIY bird feeders, and building a fort.
These sub-sections offer a range of options that allow your child to express their creativity while learning about nature and expanding their curiosity.
Gardening
Boost your kid’s outdoor activities with a horticulture activity! It’s a great exercise for their green thumbs and teaches them about plant life cycles and how to look after living things.
Encourage them to plant yummy fruits, veggies, and herbs in their garden bed. Help them out by assisting them to put seedlings, cuttings, or bulbs into pots and planters. For added fun, add miniature fairy gardens or creative scarecrows!
Gardening will help young botanists develop their skills in soil science, biology, and art. Let their naturalist streak run wild as they discover the beauty and importance of plants, while also having the bonus of fresh produce come harvest season.
Finally, let them explore the outdoors and all its wonders – just try to keep them away from Fido’s favorite spot!
Nature Exploration
Unlock the Wonders of the Outside!
Encourage your kids to explore the amazing outdoors. Add nature activities to backyard playtime to open new doors for learning and discovery.
Provide chances to spot wildlife in their natural environment. Depending on where you live, you could set up a bird feeder or make a small pond that attracts amphibians, turtles, etc. Create a scavenger hunt with clues leading to plants and objects to develop observation skills.
Make it more interesting with binoculars, magnifying glasses, and such, to get a closer look at plants and animals. This will fire up curiosity and start conversations about nature.
Outdoor Art Projects
Outdoor creativity for kids is a great way to explore nature and use their imaginations!
Activities like:
- Painting rocks.
- Making collages with leaves.
- Creating nature sculptures.
- An experiment in a fun sensory bin filled with kinetic sand or flour.
These projects can help children build fine motor skills, plus boost their self-esteem. Parents and caregivers can also use these activities to bond with their kids.
DIY Bird Feeders
Kids can have fun in the backyard by making ‘homemade bird feeders’. Here’s how:
- Gather supplies, such as plastic bottles, string, scissors, paints, and birdseed.
- Cut the bottle lengthwise. Turn one half over and make holes. String it up, and tie it.
- Let the kids decorate with paint or markers. Fill with birdseed and hang it on a tree.
Remember to give birds fresh water daily.
Building a Fort
Constructing a thrilling fort in your backyard is an awesome way to promote creativity and imagination in kids. It’s the perfect hideout where they can play around all day. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a secret haven your kids will love.
- Choose a location – Find a calm area to build the fort, preferably under tall trees or shrubbery.
- Collect materials – Utilize recycled materials such as cardboard boxes, scrap wood, blankets, or bed sheets to design your child’s dream fortress.
- Design the structure – Take inspiration from your child’s beloved tales, films, or cartoons and craft the structure accordingly.
- Assemble the frame – Establish the frame using wooden planks or sticks tied together with ropes or strings.
- Add final touches – Once the frame is built, cover it with fabric, blankets, or bed sheets for a comfy interior atmosphere.
To give something extra to this activity, you can make it a unique experience by incorporating treasure hunts or roleplay scenarios into the secret hideaway concept. You can also involve your child’s pals and organize group playdates where they can talk about their stories and savor their created space together.
Suggestions
- Inspire imaginative role-playing activities to cultivate problem-solving abilities.
- Teach kids how to use tools responsibly and safely.
- Guide them on basic construction skills.
- Select safe materials like non-toxic adhesives when constructing outdoor forts.
- Ensure your home insurance policy covers such types of play space around home ownership areas adequately.
Get ready to break a sweat, because these backyard games for kids will definitely tire them out quicker than a puppy chasing its own tail!
