Spending quality time outdoors with your family is a timeless tradition, offering a perfect blend of fresh air, sunshine, and memorable bonding experiences. Engaging in outdoor activities and games provides an excellent opportunity for physical activity, fosters friendly competition, and creates lasting memories for all ages, from young children to teenagers. This comprehensive guide highlights the best lawn games and outdoor games for families, including those that have become beloved staples in our own backyard. We’ll cover options you can purchase or even create yourself, ensuring endless hours of fun in the sun for every family member.
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As a parent, I understand that sometimes, the thought of playing *another* outdoor game in the scorching summer heat can feel less than appealing after a long day of work and household chores. The truth is, not all family outdoor games hit the mark for everyone, especially when temperatures soar. Here in the South, evenings often provide the only truly comfortable window for outdoor play. So, when our daughters ask to play outside after dinner, my “yes” is reserved for a select few favorites that genuinely offer fun for the entire family.
I know I’m not alone in this sentiment. That’s why I’ve curated this list of yard games that my husband, daughters, and I wholeheartedly enjoy. These classic lawn games are perfect for older kids and younger ones alike, guaranteeing a great time even during the warmest months. They’re designed to bring smiles, encourage activity, and foster connection without feeling like a chore.
Yard Games We Have and Actually Love to Play
These are the outdoor games that have earned a permanent spot in our backyard and our hearts. They’ve consistently proven to be hits, providing endless entertainment and making family time outside something we all look forward to.
Cornhole
Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is a universally popular outdoor game that’s incredibly simple to learn, making it perfect for every member of the family. The game involves two raised platforms with a hole at one end, and players take turns tossing bean bags towards the hole to score points. It’s a fantastic way to improve hand-eye coordination, develop teamwork skills, and promote friendly competition among players of all ages.
If you’ve followed my Instagram stories, you’ve undoubtedly seen countless instances of my family enjoying a lively game of Cornhole. We built our own custom set several years ago, and it remains a cherished activity. Every single game is filled with laughter and excitement; it truly never gets old. Sometimes I wish we didn’t already have a set, just so I could justify purchasing this vibrant, colorful cornhole set, which is absolutely stunning.
For vacations, our regular wooden Cornhole set is simply too bulky. That’s why I recently invested in this inflatable cornhole set, perfect for easily packing and setting up on the beach or at a campsite later this summer. Its lightweight and compact design makes it an ideal travel companion for outdoor fun.
Yard Pong
This year, for Father’s Day, we excitedly gifted Joe this fantastic Yard Pong set, giving it to him a week early because we simply couldn’t wait to play! This backyard game has quickly exceeded our expectations, becoming an instant family favorite and even giving Cornhole a run for its money in terms of play frequency. It’s significantly more challenging than it appears, adding an exciting layer of strategy and skill to our outdoor gatherings.
Beyond the sheer fun, one of its greatest advantages is how little space it requires for storage when not in use. This portability and compact design make it an excellent addition to any collection of family outdoor games. We wholeheartedly recommend Yard Pong for anyone seeking a lively, engaging, and space-efficient outdoor activity.
Trampoline + Trampoline Sprinkler
For their 5th-grade graduation present this year, our girls finally received this trampoline. For years, we resisted their pleas, primarily due to safety concerns and space considerations. However, we eventually relented, and I can confidently say we have zero regrets. Not only do the girls absolutely adore it, but Joe and I find ourselves hopping on it far more often than I ever would have imagined, enjoying its unexpected benefits for adult exercise and stress relief.
The game-changer came when we hooked up the trampoline sprinkler for the first time. This simple addition transformed the trampoline into a refreshing oasis, making it perfectly pleasant to jump on even in the scorching heat. It’s become a fantastic way to beat the warm weather and offers a more engaging and active alternative to a kiddie pool. This setup provides not just fun, but also a wonderful source of physical activity for the entire family, truly making it one of the best outdoor activities for families.
Other Popular Outdoor Games for Families
While the previous games are our personal backyard mainstays, there are many other highly-rated and widely beloved outdoor games that promise excellent family fun. Here’s a selection of popular choices that consistently receive rave reviews, even if they’re not currently in our personal collection.
Spikeball
Spikeball is at the top of my list for our next family outdoor game purchase, as it looks like one of the most dynamic and exciting options available. Our girls have played it at school and are huge fans, and it certainly seems like an activity that will captivate our entire family.
Spikeball draws parallels to volleyball, but with a unique twist. Played by two teams of two, making it perfect for a family of four, the game revolves around a small, circular net. One player serves by bouncing a rubber ball off the net towards the opposing team. The receiving team then has up to three alternating touches (much like setting, bumping, and spiking in volleyball) to return the ball off the net, aiming to make it unplayable for their opponents. This fast-paced game is an excellent source of physical activity, promotes strategic thinking, and guarantees exhilarating team play for teens and adults alike.
Croquet
I genuinely love Croquet! If our backyard were flat enough, I would undoubtedly purchase a set for our family immediately. Unfortunately, our sloped yard isn’t conducive to the game (we typically use our reasonably flat driveway for games like Cornhole and Yard Pong). However, Croquet remains a true classic backyard game that transcends generations and never loses its charm.
This elegant game involves using mallets to hit wooden or plastic balls through hoops embedded in a lawn, following a specific sequence and pattern. It combines strategy, precision, and a touch of gentle competition, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels and ages. Croquet is perfect for those who appreciate a more leisurely, yet engaging, outdoor activity. It encourages concentration and provides a wonderful opportunity for multi-generational play, fostering relaxed conversation and friendly rivalry.
Bocce Ball
Originating in Italy, Bocce Ball is a widely popular game enjoyed across the globe. The objective is simple yet strategic: players toss larger balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball, known as the pallino, scoring points based on proximity. My affection for Bocce Ball actually bloomed when I learned to play it with Joe’s grandmother at her retirement community – a testament to its broad appeal!
What makes Bocce Ball an exceptional family game is its accessibility. It’s fun and manageable for all ages and activity levels, requiring minimal physical exertion but plenty of precision and tactical thinking. You don’t need a huge, perfectly flat lawn to play this classic lawn game, making it versatile for various outdoor spaces. I particularly love the vibrant colors and practicality of this cute bocce ball set, which often comes with a convenient carrying bag, perfect for impromptu games in the park or backyard.
Tic Tac Toe, Yard Dice, Giant Jenga and More
Beyond these popular choices, the world of outdoor family games is vast and filled with oversized versions of classic board games that bring a delightful twist to backyard fun.
- Giant Jenga: Take the classic stacking game to a whole new level! Giant Jenga involves oversized wooden blocks that players carefully remove and restack, aiming to keep the tower from toppling. It’s a game of suspense, steady hands, and nerve, often culminating in hilarious crashes that bring everyone to fits of laughter. Perfect for parties and gatherings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Yard Dice: Imagine your favorite dice games, but with giant foam or wooden dice. Yard Dice allow you to play Yahtzee, Farkle, or custom games on a grand scale. It’s a wonderful way to engage little ones in counting and simple math, while older kids and adults enjoy the novelty and the freedom of playing on a lawn. Many sets come with a bucket for easy rolling and storage, making it incredibly portable.
- Oversized Tic Tac Toe: This simple yet engaging game can be played with large painted rocks, wooden discs, or even by drawing a grid with chalk on the driveway and using beanbags for Xs and Os. It’s a quiet, strategic game perfect for younger children to practice critical thinking and sportsmanship, offering a calmer alternative to more active games.
These oversized versions of beloved indoor games make them perfectly suited for the outdoors, transforming familiar fun into engaging backyard activities. You can discover even more fantastic outdoor games for families by clicking on the image below, which links to a curated collection of exciting options.
Click the image below for links to all the outdoor games pictured.
10 Awesome DIY Outside Games
For the avid DIYer, creating your own outdoor games adds a unique touch of personalization and often comes with the satisfaction of a handmade project. Many incredible lawn games can be crafted with your own two hands, often using affordable materials. Here are some of my favorite DIY outdoor game ideas that promise creativity and endless fun for your family!
DIY Yard Dice by Blue I Style
DIY Yard Dice are not only super cute but also incredibly fun for family gatherings and parties. They allow you to play all your favorite dice games on a giant scale, making them a fantastic way for little kids to practice counting and number recognition. Crafting your own set lets you customize the size and color, adding a personal flair to your backyard activities.
DIY Giant Dominoes by Lemon Thistle
Giant dominoes offer another perfect Angry Birds Football Tossby Her Tool BeltInspired by the popular game, thisAngry Birds Football Toss gameinvolves tossing footballs (perhaps with cute Angry Bird faces!) through cut-out holes in a target board. This is a fantastic game for a large group of kids, promoting throwing accuracy and active play. It’s a creative way to bring a digital favorite to life in yourbackyardand can be easily customized with various characters and point values.Big Kid’s Seesawby That’s My LetterIf you’re seeking less competitivefamily gamesand more classic playground fun, aseesaw is a wonderful addition to any backyard. It’s a delightful way for younger children to engage in outdoor activities, promoting balance and cooperative play. This particular DIY design is sturdy enough for even bigger kids to enjoy, making it a long-lasting staple for years ofoutdoor fun.DIY Cornhole Boardsby Amber OliverWhy buy when you can build? This tutorial allows you tomake your own DIY cornhole boards, saving money and adding a personal touch to this incredibly popularlawn game.Backyard gamesdon’t have to be expensive or time-consuming to set up; a DIY approach offers customization options, from paint colors to personalized decals, making your Cornhole set truly unique and cherished.Backyard Connect Fourby Jennifer Largesse for The Home Depot BlogI am absolutely loving thisDIY backyard Connect Four game! It’s such a cute and engaging way to bring the classic tabletop strategy game to an impressive, oversized scale. This giant version is perfect for competitivefamily games, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an outdoor setting. Its sheer size makes it a striking addition to any backyard gathering and a memorable activity for everyone involved.Monster Toss Yard Gameby Reality DaydreamPractice throwing and aiming with the adorablemonster toss yard game. This stand-up version of Cornhole is an ideal way to introduce little ones to target-tossing games in a fun and non-intimidating way. The friendly monster faces make it particularly appealing to younger children, encouraging them to develop their motor skills while enjoying vibrantoutdoor activities.Giant Jengaby Lemon ThistleGiant Jengais one of thoseclassic favoritesthat is guaranteed to make everyone descend into fits of laughter and suspense. This oversizedbackyard gamerequires a steady hand and strategic thinking as players carefully remove and stack wooden blocks. The tension builds with each move, culminating in an exhilarating crash that makes it a thrilling addition to any outdoor gathering or family game night.Bug Tic-Tac-Toeby Chicken Scratch NYIf you’re looking for a quiet, cute, and creative game for kids, you can’t go wrong withBug Tic-Tac-Toe. Using painted rocks as game pieces with charming bee and ladybug motifs, thisDIY outdoor activityis both summery and delightful. It encourages strategic thinking in a calm setting and allows for artistic expression in its creation, making it a perfect craft-and-play project for families.Backyard Ker-Plunkby Audrey Kuether from Oh-So-LovelyAnother fantastic and engagingbackyard gameisDIY Ker-Plunk! While building this oversized version might take a little longer than some other DIY projects, the effort is well worth it, as it provides a lot of colorful, suspenseful fun. Players strategically remove sticks from a tower, trying not to let the balls resting on top fall. This game is excellent for developing fine motor skills, critical thinking, and patience, making it a unique and exciting addition to youroutdoor gamecollection.Aren’t thesebackyard gamesawesome? I’m particularly obsessed with the giant Connect Four and the Yard Dice; they look incredibly fun and inspire visions of lively couples’ game nights with friends! Of course, these are all wonderfulgames for familiestoo, but who says kids get to have all the fun?By incorporating these games, whether purchased or DIY, you can truly enhance your summer experience, making even the hottest days enjoyable. Embrace the opportunity to bond, compete, and laugh together with thesefamily favorite games for outdoors, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.More OUTDOOR IDEASSEE ALL outdoor POSTSFire Pit Ideas for Every Outdoor SpaceHow to Make a DIY Outdoor ChandelierModern DIY Garden TrellisDIY Outdoor Electrical Box CoverDIY Diamond Wire Trellis for a VineA Complete Review of Vego Garden Beds: Pros, Cons, and Everything In-betweenCurious about how I approach transforming rooms and spaces in our home? Check outDesigner in a Binder®, my signature system for stress-free home decorating.And if you want exclusive content, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and fresh inspiration delivered directly to your inbox, be sure to subscribe before you head out!