Fun Backyard Games For Kids
The best list of outdoor games for kids so you can enjoy your summer in your own backyard without too much stress!
Are you looking forward to summertime and spending hours of fun in the sun in your own backyard?
As someone who spends 6 months stuck inside with children during the winter season, I try my hardest to get the kids outside as much as possible when the weather is nice.
It’s really important for children to spend time in nature, even if it’s just the backyard. After all, being outdoors is proven to be better for your health and also it happens to lower anxiety levels in children and adults too.
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1. Freeze Tag
A classic outdoor game for kids at school or at home! One player is “It” and chases the others. If tagged, players must freeze until a teammate unfreezes them.
2. Simon Says (Outdoor Edition)
Add movement-based commands like “jump over a stick” or “touch a tree” to this simple outdoor learning activity.
3. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Perfect for outdoor activities for toddlers and older kids! Create a list of nature items to find, like leaves, rocks, or flowers.
4. Water Balloon Toss
Great for summer! Pair up, toss a water balloon back and forth, and take a step back after each successful catch. Perfect for outdoor party games for kids.
5. DIY Obstacle Course
Use cones, jump ropes, or chalk to set up an obstacle course for a fun backyard activity.
6. Red Light, Green Light
A fun way for toddlers and preschoolers to practice listening skills while getting their energy out.
7. Hopscotch
All you need is chalk and some small stones! A classic kids’ activity at home that also builds coordination.
8. Sack Race
Use pillowcases or old sacks for a hopping race across the yard. Fun for summer camp activities!
9. Shadow Tag
Instead of tagging bodies, kids tag each other’s shadows! Great for fun outdoor games for kids with lots of running.
10. Giant Bubbles
Make homemade bubble solution and use wands to create huge bubbles—a magical outdoor activity for toddlers and older kids alike.
11. DIY Ring Toss
Use bottles and rings (or cut-up pool noodles) to create a fun and easy DIY party game.
12. Backyard Bowling
Set up plastic bottles as pins and use a soft ball to knock them down. A simple and fun outside activity for kids.
13. Capture the Flag
This outdoor game for teens and older kids encourages teamwork and strategy.
14. Balloon Pop Relay
Tie balloons to ankles and race to pop them—tons of outside fun!
15. Bean Bag Toss
Great for coordination! Try to toss bean bags into baskets from different distances.
16. Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
Encourage creativity with a drawing contest on the pavement.
17. Duck, Duck, Goose
A timeless outdoor game for preschoolers that toddlers will also love.
18. Musical Chairs (Outdoor Version)
Use hula hoops instead of chairs and play fun music!
19. Leaf Pile Jumping
A fall favorite! Rake up leaves into a big pile and let the kids jump in.
20. Tug-of-War
A simple yet exciting backyard game for kids that’s great for parties or family fun.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for easy outdoor activities, outdoor games for toddlers, or outdoor games for kids at school, these fun and simple ideas will keep kids of all ages entertained. Try them out at your next playdate, birthday party, or lazy afternoon in the backyard!
What’s your child’s favorite outside activity for kids? Let me know in the comments!
