36 DIY Outdoor Games for Kids and Adults to Play This Summer
It's finally nice enough to spend everyday outside.
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As soon as the weather warms up, we think most parents would agree that it's time to get the kids outside! Let's put the days of climbing the walls, when it's too cold or rainy to play in the yard, behind us and make the most of this summer weather by crafting one of these fun DIY outdoor games for kids (adults will enjoy them, too! Don't have a lot of room? No problem! Take advantage of the room you do have with a compact game like checkers, Jenga, and tic-tac-toe made with sweet summery painted rocks as the game pieces (talk about inexpensive!). Not only are these a blast to play, but the whole family can get in on the DIY game-making action.
If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a sprawling expanse of grass big enough for a kids playhouse and more, you might go for tailgate-style games that require wide open spaces, such as a football toss, a giant lawn matching game, or miniature golf with a full course. Set up a collection of games carnival-style (with prizes for the kids!) for a neighborhood get-together or family reunion.
So get your space out back in shape with best backyard ideas that won’t break the bank, and prepare for some good ol' competition with these fun, kid-friendly DIY outdoor games. Last one inside wins!
Bean Bag Toss
Tie vintage house numbers on the rungs of an antique leaning ladder and prop it on an outside wall for a fun and friendly, of course, game of bean bag toss.
Hopscotch
We're going old school with this one! A sidewalk or driveway, some chalk, and a rock is all you need for hopscotch—oh, and good balance!
Flamingo Ring Toss
This is hands-down (foot up?) the cutest game of ring toss we've ever seen! It's guaranteed to be the hit of your outdoor barbecue.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Cloth.
Outdoor Movie Screen
When it gets too dark for games, it's movie time! Throw a white sheet over a rope, lay blankets on the ground, and queue up your favorite funny movies for the whole family on the projector. Add twinkle lights for a special touch.
Backyard Mini Golf
Bring that feeling of vacation nostalgia home by setting up a mini golf course in your own back yard. To set up, use upside down saucers or bowls for cups and craft simple flags from poster board and dowel rods (or you can purchase ready-made cups and flags). Create a 9-hole course across your yard adding fun challenges by incorporating the natural elements of your landscape (think sandy pits...treacherous rocky terrains...uphill sidewalks) or by bringing in obstacles and creative cutouts.
Soda Crate Ring Toss
Arrange old-school glass bottles (you can purchase new glass soda bottles or score collecting cred by using an assortment of vintage bottles) in a divided soda crate. Rack up points by tossing plastic or rope rings around the bottle necks.
Tablecloth Checkers
No checkerboard? No problem! A vintage printed tablecloth can provide the perfect back drop for a mean game of checkers. (As an alternative, purchase a yard of your favorite buffalo-check fabric, then hem around the edges to desirable size using fusible bonding.) Gather up buttons in two different colors and you are ready to play!
Football Tabletop Trivia
Turn your picnic or outdoor dining table into a game table set for trivia night with this football field table runner. To begin, grab the cards from a Trivial Pursuit game, then set the rules on how many yards each correct answer scores (i.e. 2 to 10 yards depending on how challenging the play). Using tiny footballs as game pieces (bonus activity: let kids decorate their own game piece), line everyone up in the end zone of one side and then take turns answering questions, moving forward with each correct answer. Whomever reaches the opposite end zone first, wins. Touchdown!
Stock Tank Marco Polo
There's no better way to beat the heat than by taking a dip in a cool pool. And, now, thanks to the galvanized stock tanks found at your local farm store, that's easier than ever to achieve! Learn more about installing your own stock tank pool here.
With your stock tank pool in place, now you're ready for a round of the childhood favorite hide and seek game, Marco Polo. One person in the pool who is designated "it" closes his/her eyes and counts to 10. He/She then repeatedly shouts "Marco" to which all the other players in the pool respond "Polo" as he/she tries to catch them.
Lawn Tic-Tac-Toe
To make this giant yard version tic-tac-toe, simply crisscross pieces of thick rope to create your grid, divvy up cutouts of Xs and Os (or any two differing game pieces), and then take turns placing the game pieces in the available open squares in a quest for three in a row. For an added challenge, try tossing the markers into the desired spaces.
Lawn Bowling
The next time you're out scouting the flea market, keep your eyes open for vintage bowling pins. Acquire a set of 10 (mismatched styles and sizes are just fine!), and you're ready for a game of lawn bowling.
To set up the game, leave the pins as is (most vintage pins are a graphic red and white striped) or paint numbers (1-10) on each pin as shown here. Find a small, weighted sphere (be sure it's unbreakable!) to use as the ball and roll away.
Hook and Ring Game
The object of this game is to secure the ring around the hook. It might seem simple, but it's definitely harder than it looks.
Get the tutorial at H2O Bungalow.
Bean Bag Bowl Toss
This blogger notes she encouraged her kids to add up their own scores as a little math lesson. How's that for some summer math practice?!
Get the tutorial at One More Moore.
Ring Toss Game
Customize this classic carnival game with any bottle color of your choice.
Get the tutorial at The Country Chic Cottage.
Giant Kubb
Haven't heard of kubb? Bascially, the goal of this game is to knock over all of the other team's pieces. The best part is kids and adults of all ages will enjoy it.
Get the tutorial at Our Handcrafted Life.
Bean Bag Ladder Toss
This blogger notes her game requires the "easiest set up ever!"
Get the tutorial at Landeelu.
Football Toss
Calling all future QBs! The kids can practice their perfect aim and get ready for fall football season with this throwing game.
Get the tutorial at Cherished Bliss.
Giant Lawn Matching Game
Customize these durable squares with any pictures or patterns you like. If you're into the summer-themed version shown here, this blogger includes downloadable stencils in her tutorial to re-create your own.
Get the tutorial at DIY Studio.
Ladder Golf Game
If you're looking for an activity on-the-go—maybe for your next camping trip—this ladder ball game can be taken apart for easy transport.
Get the tutorial at Twin Dragonfly Designs.
Three-Hole Washers Game
Introduce your kids to a classic game from your childhood. The whole family will have fun playing this blast from the past.
Get the tutorial at My Crazy Good Life.
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