Backyard games are a great way to get the kids moving outdoors in the sunshine. Make a few of these backyard games to have fun all summer.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more.
Go play outside is sometimes easier said than done. If your kids are the type who go outside to play but come right back in to tell you they are bored, we’ve got a solution. We collected the best outdoor games you can make at home.
Make a few of these backyard games at the beginning of summer and you’ll have an easy outdoor activity that lasts all summer long. Most of these games are appropriate for kids and adults of all ages, so your whole family can enjoy them.
Become a Happy Camper!
Sign up to receive our monthly email newsletter
and get a free printable 30 Day Reading Calendar!
Ring Toss
Play root beer ring toss with a few simple items from Fireflies and Mud Pies.
Dominoes
These DIY dominoes from The Country Chic Cottage can be used to play several different games.
Kubb
You can purchase a set, but it’s easy to make your own Kubb game from scrap wood following the instructions from Our Handcrafted Life.
Bean Bag Toss
This bean bag toss game from Thrift Diving is fun for kids of all ages.
Twister
Tip Junkie has the secret to playing Twister in your backyard without fussing with a plastic mat.
Tic Tac Toe
Make a set of painted rocks with Xs and Os to play Tic Tac Toe as we did here on Backyard Summer Camp.
Memory
With a set of giant game pieces from Growing Book by Book, your kids can play memory.
Hopscotch
Your kids could draw a hopscotch board on the concrete, but this built-in hopscotch game from Wunder Mom is easy to make.
Sponge Toss
Prepare to get wet when you play sponge toss with your kids! Crafts by Amanda shows you how to make the sponges with some great tips.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a variation on a beanbag toss game. Make your own board with the instructions from Family Handyman.
Connect 4
Make a giant version of Connect 4 to play in the backyard with your family like Build Basic.
Plink
To play Plinko you just need to make a game board like Happiness is Homemade. Don’t tell the kids they’re doing math!
Ladder Golf
Playing ladder golf is surprisingly addicting. Learn how to make a set and play from Deeply Southern Home.
Jenga
As far as giant games go, Jenga is the perfect one to play outdoors with a group. See how Seeded at the Table made theirs.
Quidditch
Harry Potter-loving kids will be thrilled when you announce that you can play Quidditch in your own backyard with this setup from The Scrap Shoppe Blog.
Kerplunk
Kerplunk is a classic board game that’s easy to make giant-sizes for outdoor fun. Learn how from All Parenting.
Scrabble
Practice spelling and have fun when you make this backyard version of Scrabble by Consider the Peel.
Washers
The rules for playing washers is similar to horseshoes. Make an outdoor game board from My Crazy Good Life.
Water cup races
With a little setup, your kids will love these water cup races from All For the Boys.
Flamingo Ring Toss
Sugar and Cloth made a DIY version of ring toss that’s too cute to miss. See how she made this quirky game using plastic lawn flamingoes.
Yardzee
Yardzee – aka Yahtzee that you play in the yard – is easy to make at home with these instructions from A Turtle’s Life for Me.
Make a few of these backyard games for your summer camp at home this year. Many of them are also fun for playdates and parties too.
Plan your summer with the DIY Summer Camp Planner!
Our step-by-step guide will help you organize a day, a week, or a whole summer of fun activities for your kids.