After so many years living in apartments we finally have a backyard so I can’t wait to start using it. Summer is all about spending time outdoors, and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than with some DIY backyard games? I even think that creating these games can be just as fun as playing them, and they offer a great way to keep kids active and entertained. Here is this list of some homemade backyard games that we will try to do to keep the summer boredom away.
1. Giant Jenga
I’ve seen this idea online and I loved it. They used 2×4 pieces of wood, cut them into uniform lengths, sanded them down, and they were ready to play! I think it would be fun to have an oversized version of the classic game. But, every single member of my family is clumsy, so I think I will try to recreate this game using lighter materials. My plan is to try using cardboard boxes. The kids will love stacking the blocks as high as possible, and the suspense of watching the tower wobble is always a hit.
2. DIY Ring Toss
For a simple but entertaining game, we created a ring toss set. The kids love playing this inside so we just decided to bring it outside. You can use wooden dowels and attach them to a wooden base. Or, for alternative ideas, popping wooden sticks in a planter filled with dirt or sand also works, you can even use the napkin holder. Rings can be easily created by tying the piece of rope and wrapping it with ribbons or colorful tape. The game is surprisingly addictive, and everyone gets so competitive.
3. Water Balloon Piñata
I was against this idea at first because it seemed so messy but I’ve quickly changed my mind. On particularly hot days, a water balloon piñata is a fantastic way to cool off. We fill balloons with water, hang them and let the kids take turns trying to burst them with a stick. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s a perfect way to beat the heat. I don’t know your kids, but for mine every game that has water is the best making this one of their favorite backyard games.
4. Backyard Obstacle Course
My kids are really physical and they need a way to run off their energy. Creating a backyard obstacle course is a great way to challenge kids physically and mentally. We use items we have in our garden and some chalk to create a perfect obstacle course. They need to jump over the pool noodles for hurdles, crawl under the table, climb over chairs or walk over zig-zag chalk lines. They love coming up with obstacles almost as much as they love beating the course.
5. Tin Can Bowling
This backyard game is a great way to reuse old tin cans or even milk bottles. Tin can bowling is a simple and fun game that the kids can help set up. We stack empty tin cans in a pyramid and use a rubber ball to knock them down. Everyone gets two throws, strike from first brings 5 points, if you get them all from the second throw you can 3, and if you get 1 point if you manage to get some of them. This way everyone gets some points, but we can still have a winner.
6. Homemade Slip ‘n Slide
Did you know that you can also make our own slip ‘n slide? Use a long piece of plastic sheeting, secure it with stakes, and add a bit of dish soap and water. We won’t be doing this as our yard is too small but it seems like such a fun idea.
The kids and the adults would find this fun and it’s a fantastic way to stay cool.
7. Backyard Twister
Using chalk or colored cardboard circles, you can create a giant Twister board in the yard. The kids love the challenge of contorting themselves to reach the different colored circles, and it’s a great game for laughter and fun.
8. Pool Noodle Races
We cut pool noodles in half lengthwise to create racing tracks for marbles or small balls. The kids can race their marbles down the tracks, experimenting with different angles and setups to see which is fastest. It’s a simple but engaging activity that encourages a bit of friendly competition. This was a great activity for my youngest one as she was too small for some other activities. In this one she could not only participate, but also win.
9. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is my favorite activity and we do it everywhere, on a road, in a forest, nature park and even a beach. We create a list of items for the kids to find—such as a rock that looks like a strawberry, an oval leaf, or a certain color of flower—and let them loose. It’s a great way to get them looking closely at nature and working together. As both of them still don’t know how to read we make a picture list so it is easier for them.
10. “Ball” Toss
For a fun twist on a traditional water game, we set up a ball toss. We fill buckets with water and use large sponges or reusable water balloons as the “balls.” The goal is to toss them into the buckets from a distance. It’s a fun way to enjoy a hot summer day and cool down.
These DIY backyard games are a wonderful way to spend quality time with the family, encouraging creativity, physical activity, and lots of laughter. So gather your materials, head outside, and let the summer fun begin!