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Summer is a time for backyard games with the family and social interactions with others. In our lives these days, we have been very engrossed with cool gadgets, so, now it’s time for some fun in the sun! Whether it’s barbecues, cooling off at the pool, or simply reading under a shady tree—summer is the time to hang out in your backyard and have a good time. So, get together groups of people and have fun, whether that be your traditional family or not
If you’re lucky enough to have a big backyard, then make the most of it by going beyond the usual activities for your family group. Big backyards are perfect for fun, creative games that even the most cynical of teens can enjoy. You can choose to purchase something, or if you’re the DIY type, create something yourself!
Classic Backyard Games for the Family
Tug of war, three-legged race, potato sack race—the classics are here to stay because people still love to play them! The rules are very simple, and most of us know them already.
Seville Classics Premium Giant Block Tower Game
Yes, this is essentially a Jenga set but with larger pieces. These huge blocks will make a racket when they come crashing down so be ready to catch those stray pieces.
This is sure to entertain a big group! Make and sip some drinks, wait for your turn, and have fun with your friends or all the members of the family. You can even get your extended family or another group of persons involved in the crafts!
Balloon Pop Race
This was one of the games during my son’s school’s “Family Day” outing at the local park. You need two chairs and lots of balloons. Two people stand about 15 feet from the chairs, put a balloon between their knees, and hobble their way toward the chairs.
They then place their balloons on their chairs and sit on them to pop, and then run back to the beginning! Younger children may struggle to pop the balloons, so they may need a little help. To keep things fair, pair kids with kids, and adults with adults.
ECR4Kids Junior 4-to-Score Game Set
I saw this at one of the waiting areas at an airport once, and my kids immediately gravitated toward it. What I like about this game is that, unlike other giant Connect Four-style sets, this one has stood for the rings.
Tic-Tac-Toe
You’ll need to have a backyard table for this game, but once you have it set up, it’s guaranteed fun for the whole family! It puts a creative spin on the traditional tic-tac-toe. Instead of drawing X’s and O’s on a board, you’ll be throwing balls that stick to the spots. Land on a spot to secure it…or block your family members’ shots!
DIY Water Balloon War
This was another game at my son’s school outing. It’s a fun take on simply throwing water balloons at each other. Fill balloons with water, use three buckets or anything else relatively easy to tip over quickly (we used traffic cones), and line them up a few feet from each other.
Assign one person to secretly hide a water balloon in two out of the three buckets (change the location after each round). Then, two people on opposite ends run towards the buckets to quickly unearth the hidden balloons, and then fire away!
Giant Kerplunk Game
You can either buy this game or get creative and make your own. If you’re a handyman/handywoman, you can build this with just a few materials like welded wire, sticks, and some wood on the bottom for support. Don’t forget to add the balls in the center and keep in mind that you can personalize your creation.
For example, you can cut a hole from a small end table instead of making a table, and you can paint the sticks for added color. I even saw a version in which the whole contraption was placed inside a small kiddy pool for easy cleanup.
6 Games in 1
If you want to get the best deal on backyard games for the summer, you’ll want to check out this deal. Instead of just getting 1 game for your family, you’ll get 6! Each game centers around a net, making it perfect for families that want to play on teams!
This kit contains materials for the games:
- Badminton
- Volleyball
- Flying disc
- Horseshoe
- Lawn darts
- Bottle strike
Kick the Can
If you’re looking to host backyard games on a budget, a game like kick the can serves as a perfect option. All you need is an empty soda can, your family members, and some good hiding places.
To play, place the can in an agreed-upon spot and select a nearby area for the “jail.” Then, choose a person to be “it.” The game starts much like hide-and-go-seek; the person who is “it” covers their eyes and counts to 20 or 30, and the rest of the players run and hide. Then, “it” goes to look for the other players. If a player is found, they must run from the player who’s “it” and try to kick over the can before getting tagged. If they get tagged first, the found player will go to jail.
Here’s the other twist: as the player being “it” looks for people, the other players are also moving around. The goal? Sneaking around to kick the can before “it” can catch them! If they kick the can, they’re safe. If they kick it while someone is in jail, that person is now free!
There are two ways to win the game: either “it” tags everyone and puts them all in jail, or everyone kicks the can and is safe.
Have Fun in the Sun
Summer is ticking away quickly! So grab your family, your friends, and neighbors, and head outside for some outside fun! If it’s too hot, then that’s what water balloons and water guns are for!
Comment and let us know which games are your favorite to play with the whole family!
