Dreading the backyard boredom this summer? Try one of our top 10 outdoor games for family fun!
Top 10 Outdoor Games for Family Fun
#1: The Campfire Classics – Remember the joy of throwing things at other things? That’s right – we’re talking about Horseshoe, and Lawn Darts. Thankfully these campfire classics include more modern safety features. How did we ever survive our childhood?
#2: Bocce Ball – Similar to Lawn Bowling, the objective is to place the ball closest to a smaller ball, called a Pallino. If you are playing with kids, forget playing within the confines of a purpose-built Bocce court and let the game wander around the yard.
#3: Badminton – There’s a reason Badminton comes on every camping trip – it’s just so easy to string up the lightweight net almost anywhere! Grab two rackets and a handful of birdies and you are ready to play!
#4: Hopscotch – Chalk plus sidewalk equals hours of jumping fun. If that doesn’t hold their attention, challenge them to make tricky obstacle courses to hop around!
#5: Giant Pick-Up Sticks – Just like regular Pick-Up Sticks, only much, much bigger! To play, let the sticks fall in a pile and take turns picking up sticks for points without disturbing the remaining sticks. The person with the most points wins.
#6: Tetherball – Think of it as Volleyball on a stick. The objective is to get the ball around your opponent until the tether is completely wrapped around the pole. Opponents volley the ball back and forth until a point is scored.
#7: Hula Hoops – We love them for their flexible fun. Yes, you can try your hand (err your tummy) at swirling them around, but you can also use them to start a circus, build an obstacle course or play any number of imaginative games.
#8: Croquet – Sometimes setting up a ball obstacle course is as much fun as chasing them through it with the little mallet. Fun and portable – that’s why we love it!
#9: Trac Ball – Ever wonder what those ball catchers than look like an elongated ice cream scoop were called? Well now you know! The objective is to throw and catch the ball with the basket-like catcher, using your wrist to curve and swerve the ball.
#10: Usborne 50 Things to Do on Holiday – Can’t think of what to do? Pull out a card and follow the instructions. Games range from Beach Bowling to Hotter or Colder.
3 Comments
Don’t forget about good ol’ Frisbee, and also disc golf. As long as you have some open space, these are great fun-in-the-sun activities 🙂
Great list! Don’t forget about good old Frisbee and even disc golf. As long as you have some open space, these are great, cheap activities 🙂
Soccer is also a great outdoor game. Drawing with sidewalk shalk as well.