I love the idea of teaching your kids to love the garden and outdoors. There isn’t a more natural place for them to play and learn, right? And we need all the family togetherness we can get, so why not play games outdoors? Check out these backyard games for kids and adults to help you make the garden a fun and active place for your family. Instilling a love of the outdoors is a trait that can make a deep difference in their lives. Oh, and it beats video games!
Backyard Games You Can Make
Backyard Games for Kids
Ring Toss Outdoor Game
This backyard game would be perfect for the whole family, and being that we have a sweet spot in our hearts for all things “Palm Springs”, we think this cactus ring toss is awesome! Made out of simple cardboard, it’s easy, and super fun. Tutorial from ‘Brit + Co.’. Be sure to scroll down a bit on their post to find the tutorial for this specific outdoor game.
DIY Dunk Tank
Build a DIY dunk tank for the kids to keep them cool, and screaming with fun all summer! This tutorial from ‘The Happy Housewife’ has step by step photos as well, so it’s an easy build. Your kids will love this and it will keep them busy for hours!
Make Your Own Obstacle Course
One of the best backyard games for kids is the obstacle course. I use to make them for my kids every summer, but I never had this brilliant idea! Use pool noodles to create obstacles for the kids that they can’t hurt themselves on if they trip or fall. This great idea comes to us from ‘Parents’. They have instructions for three types of games you can make from pool noodles for your course.
DIY Tic Tac Toe
Make this sweet little Tic Tac Toe game that kids can take with them anywhere, including the backyard! This tutorial is from ‘Creative Mom 101’, and she made them as party favors. What about making one as a gift?
Hopscotch Backyard Game
Creating a hopscotch field for your kids is as easy as painting numbers on simple paving stones, and creating a path. Plant soft and sweet smelling creeping thyme in between the cracks to appeal to all their senses, and invite them to touch and smell the garden. These easy to make outdoor Hopscotch pavers from ‘Old Salt Farm’ are the perfect backyard game for kids! It gets them moving, helps with balance, and even toddlers can play!
Backyard Games for Adults
Flamingo Ring Toss
It seems to us that this DIY flamingo backyard game from ‘Sugar & Cloth’ deserves to be paired with a frosty tropical drink, right? With an umbrella. Always get the umbrella. ;) Awesome game idea for adults. Easy and inexpensive to make!
DIY Giant Jenga Game
Need a little time out in the backyard with your SO? Pour a glass of lemonade, spike it with whatever fits your fancy, and get to having some fun. We are obsessed with this giant outdoor game of Jenga from ‘A Beautiful Mess’. Easy to make, and fun to play! Great way to get out in your own outdoor space and unwind from the world…
DIY Twister
Make your own outdoor game of twister! But if you want a “twist” (pun intended) then try making this Donut Twister from ‘Studio DIY’. The printable for the donuts are free downloads on her site, and she walks you through how to make this. So much more fun than big dots!
Build a Putt Putt Course
Need some putting practice? Make this backyard putting green with the DIY instructions from ‘Jaime Castiglio’! All ages can have fun practicing their “putt”…
Giant Outdoor Games for the Whole Family
Wanna go big time? Create a giant outdoor checkerboard with pavers within your lawn, and use giant pieces of stone as checkers. The kids will feel like they are in a Lilliputian land! Make sure you keep a basket nearby to hold all the pieces when not in play.
Giant Outdoor Checkers
We love this giant outdoor game of checkers tutorial from ‘Dream a Little Bigger’. They made the checker pieces with simple wood plaques from the craft store. Adults and kids will both love this backyard game!
Giant Outdoor Tic Tac Toe
Or make a giant outdoor Tic Tac Toe game like the one in this tutorial from ‘Seeking Alexi’.
Giant Lawn Dice
Finally, make giant lawn dice that you can use to play everything from Yahtzee to… well, dice! These are quite the conversation piece as well! Gifts? Find the complete tutorial for this outdoor game over at ‘Create and Babble’.
We hope you have tons of fun playing these backyard games with your family! We know you will also want to check out our post on DIY Outdoor Playsets and DIY Swing Sets, and be sure to jump on over and see our post on Fun Phone Games to Play with Friends over at our sister site, OhMeOhMy! Also, check out how you can make DIY board game tables and gaming tables or Homemade DIY 4th of July Decorations on our other sister site TBD!
I liked the idea of having the kids in the garden area with you and yet keeping them busy with the games you introduced in the post. Usually their attention span to help in the garden is short, but this will keep them busy longer. Good ideas.