DIY Outdoor Games: Thrilling Adventures Unleashed

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Looking for outdoor games? We created some easy and inexpensive outdoor games for our yard on a budget. There are so many ideas in this one post alone! Outdoor games for families, outdoor games for teens, outdoor games for everyone, tons of ideas here.

Outdoor games provide a fantastic way to engage with family and friends, especially during the warm summer months. If you’re looking for inexpensive and creative ideas to enhance your outdoor experience, we have just the thing for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore two exciting games you can create using simple materials like pavers and glass bottles. These DIY projects are not only fun to make but also offer endless entertainment for both kids and adults alike.

DIY Outdoor Games Video

Summer is here, and with my kids at home, we’re ready for non-stop outdoor excitement and quality family time in the great outdoors. What better way to enjoy the fresh air than by engaging in exciting lawn games that get everyone moving? That’s why I’ve decided to create a range of thrilling DIY backyard games that are perfect for kids of all ages. These innovative yard games are not only designed to entertain my own children but also provide endless amusement for their friends and even the entire family. Get ready to embark on a journey of outdoor fun as we dive into these amazing DIY yard games that will keep everyone active, engaged, and entertained all summer long.

DIY Outdoor Games

Painted Paver Hopscotch

One of the easiest and most enjoyable games to play outdoors is hopscotch. By using pavers and a little bit of paint, you can transform your yard into a colorful play area. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Concrete pavers (available at local hardware stores or Walmart)
• Paint suitable for porous materials (check the label for compatibility with concrete)
• Paintbrush or roller
• Optional: Stencil tape or painter’s tape for clean lines

Prepare the pavers: Ensure the pavers are clean and dry before starting. Remove any dirt or debris from their surface.

Choose your paint: Select a paint that is safe for porous materials and suitable for outdoor use. Water-based paints are ideal as they are easy to clean up.

Paint the pavers: Shake the paint thoroughly and pour a suitable amount onto the paver’s surface. Use a brush or roller to spread the paint evenly, making sure it covers the creases and edges.

Let it dry: Allow the painted pavers to dry completely. Consider painting the sides as well, depending on where you plan to place them.

Personalize and play: Once the paint has dried, you can customize the pavers further by adding numbers, letters, or even math problems using sidewalk chalk. This allows for endless variations and learning opportunities.

Painted Glass Bottle Ring Toss

Another engaging outdoor game that you can create is a colorful ring toss using painted glass bottles. Gather the following materials:

• Clear glass bottles (with labels removed)
• Acrylic paint suitable for outdoor use
• Paintbrush
• Optional: Cupcake holder, crate, or galvanized bucket as a base
• Shower curtain rings

Prepare the bottles: Soak the glass bottles in soapy water to remove the labels. For stubborn sticker residue, peel them off carefully.

Choose your paint: Select acrylic paint that is water-based and suitable for outdoor use. Make sure the paint is compatible with glass surfaces.

Paint the bottles: Protect your working surface and pour the paint into each bottle, swirling it around to coat the interior. Add more paint if needed to ensure even coverage.

Dump any excess back into the paint bottle.

Let them dry: Once the bottles are coated with paint, let them dry completely. The colors will appear vibrant and appealing.

Create a game setup: Choose a suitable base, such as a cupcake holder, crate, or galvanized bucket, to hold the painted bottles. Arrange the bottles in the slots or position them securely.

Play the ring toss: Take turns tossing shower curtain rings onto the bottles, aiming to land as many as possible. The person with the highest score wins.

More DIY Outdoor Games:

Easy and Awesome Pool Noodle Games, Fun for Everyone

Do you want some easy pool noodle games? I went to Dollar Tree and grabbed a bunch of pool noodles to create some games and fun for everyone!

Who knew those pool noodle activities could be so much fun and they’re not just for the swimming pool! Create a fun game or several outdoor games for those summer months. Simply visit your local dollar store and create some fun ideas! With a little imagination, you can create an easy game and have hours of fun. You can find the tutorial for all of these games at Easy and Awesome Pool Noodle Games, Fun for Everyone

Outdoor Twister

Picture this: a sunny day, a well-manicured lawn, and a group of friends gathered in anticipation. Laughter fills the air as we prepare for an exciting outdoor game of Twister. The vibrant colored circles sprawled across the grass create a lively and inviting atmosphere. As the game begins, bodies twist and contort, stretching to reach the designated spots while trying to maintain balance. Cheers erupt with every successful move and contagious giggles when someone tumbles to the ground. It’s a delightful combination of friendly competition, physical challenge, and pure joy. Playing Twister outdoors adds an extra element of freedom and connection with nature, turning a classic game into a memorable outdoor experience that will be cherished for years to come.

Easy Dollar Tree Games 

Unleash your creativity and transform your outdoor space into a playground of endless fun with affordable treasures from Dollar Tree! With a little imagination and a visit to the store, you can discover a treasure trove of items perfect for creating exciting outdoor games. From colorful hula hoops to vibrant beach balls, the possibilities are endless. Use pool noodles to construct obstacle courses, repurpose shower curtain rings for a ring toss game, or transform plastic cups into a towering pyramid for a bean bag toss. With Dollar Tree’s budget-friendly items and your ingenuity, you can bring laughter, entertainment, and memorable moments to your backyard without breaking the bank. Get ready to enjoy the great outdoors with these DIY outdoor games that prove that fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Water Toss

This fun outdoor game is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination. It is similar to a bean bag toss or the classic outdoor game of corn hole with bean bags, but it uses water filled buckets instead. Fill 6 buckets with water. You can use more or less if you like.

Place three of your buckets in a pyramid shape on opposite sides of your yard. You can decide how far apart you want to place them based on the age of those playing. If you place the buckets farther apart it will be more of a challenge for older children. Add some water balls or water balloons and it’s up to you how many each player/team gets.

How to play:

Take turns tossing the balls back and forth. If you land in an opponent’s bucket that bucket is removed. The winner is determined when all of their opponent’s buckets are removed.

Optional – This is a great game to play on a hot summer day. You can adapt the game so that if your ball lands in the opponent’s bucket you can dump the bucket of water on your opponent.

This is a popular game with my family.

Optional – On a hot summer day, if your ball lands in the opponent’s bucket you can dump the bucket of water on your opponent.

Easy Tic Tac Toe Game – Great for Travel, Gift Idea, Backyard, Etc.

Get ready to play a classic game with a creative twist! With just a quick trip to Dollar Tree, you can create a DIY tic-tac-toe game that will add a touch of charm to your outdoor gatherings. Start by grabbing a set of small decorative stones or colorful foam shapes that can serve as the game pieces. Next, find a sturdy and affordable tray or square-shaped frame that will act as the game board. Arrange the stones or foam shapes in a grid pattern within the tray, and voila! You now have a delightful tic-tac-toe game ready for endless rounds of friendly competition. This budget-friendly DIY project not only adds a personal touch to your outdoor space but also provides hours of entertainment for family and friends. Get ready to challenge your strategic skills and make lasting memories with this charming Dollar Tree DIY tic-tac-toe game.

Flamingo Ring Toss

You’ll need 2 flamingos and some diving rings.

Put the flamingos together according to the package instructions.

Stake the flamingos into the ground facing each other. The distance depends on the age of those playing. This is similar to the traditional ring toss game

The goal is to toss the ring around the flamingo’s neck.

Take turns tossing back and forth until all the rings are on the flamingo’s neck.

Easy Frisbee Golf For Your Backyard, Fun for the Whole Family

It’s summertime and I’m creating things fun things to do with my kids!  Have you ever wanted to create a DIY frisbee golf course or DIY disc golf? With some tomato cages and dollar store laundry baskets, you can easily make a fun homemade Frisbee golf course for your backyard. You might also like my Frisbee Golf tutorial that you can find here – Frisbee Golf

Even more DIY Outdoor games!

Are you looking for some summer projects? Here are some super easy and fun projects the whole family will love. Not only will you find some extra fun games for eveyone to play (spoiler – water pinata), but other summer tips and ideas for being outside enjoying the great weather! DIY Summer Projects For the Best Summer Ever!

Create A Sprinkler for Kids House To Cool Down-Summer Time Fun!

Do you want a new, reusable way to play in a sprinkler for kids to cool down and have fun? Adults and children will enjoy this reusable Sprinkler House! Gear up for those hot summer days and kids of all ages will have so much fun with this fun sprinkler. The water spray will be just enough that kids won’t be freezing (no cold water stream to make them freeze) and warm up quickly to go through this fun sprinkler system again and again. This fun design will keep them coming for more water fun. Or my sprinkler/Mister House which you can find here – Sprinkler/Mister House

Outdoor Games Video

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And… let’s not forget about the classic outdoor games:

• Why not set up an outdoor scavenger hunt for friends and family members?
• If you have a swimming pool, Marco Polo is always a hit.
• Set up a disc golf course in an open area using inverted tomato cages.
• Why not set up an obstacle course. You can adapt it for younger kids or older kids.
• Red light, green light is one of the best outdoor family games.
• Try relay races with a group of kids.
• Play classic games like capture the flag, ultimate frisbee, and more
• Play a classic game like duck duck goose (or duck duck gray duck where I grew up in Minnesota), or ghost in the graveyard, hide and seek, kickball with a playground ball home base, or dodge ball
• Play with sidewalk chalk
• Grab some jump ropes or even chinese jump-rope
• Set out a hula hoop out, or several

You can also buy outdoor games like:

• lawn darts
• Yahtzee dice
• checkers
• giant jenga
• volleyball
• tether ball
• connect 4
• croquet

The best part of summer is having a good time in the great outdoors.

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 DIY Outdoor Games Q&A

How can I make going outside fun?

Making going outside fun can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are some ideas to make outdoor activities more exciting:

1. Set goals or challenges: Create goals or challenges for yourself or your group when you go outside. It could be anything from completing a certain distance on a bike ride or hike to finding specific objects in a nature scavenger hunt. Having objectives adds a sense of purpose and accomplishment to your outdoor adventures.
2. Explore new places: Seek out new outdoor locations to explore. Visit local parks, nature reserves, or hiking trails in your area. Discovering new environments can bring a sense of excitement and adventure to your outdoor experiences.
3. Try new outdoor activities: Engage in different outdoor activities to keep things interesting. Go for a bike ride, play frisbee, have a picnic, fly a kite, try geocaching, or learn a new sport. Experimenting with various activities helps you find what you enjoy the most and keeps your outdoor outings fresh and engaging.
4. Bring friends or family along: Going outside with others can make it more enjoyable and social. Invite friends or family members to join you for outdoor activities, whether it’s going for a hike, playing a game, or simply having a picnic. Sharing the experience with loved ones can create lasting memories and add to the fun.
5. Incorporate creativity: Infuse creativity into your outdoor adventures. Bring along art supplies and sketch or paint the scenery, take photographs, or write in a nature journal. Channeling your creative energy outdoors can enhance your appreciation for nature and make the experience more immersive.
6. Organize outdoor events or gatherings: Plan outdoor events or gatherings with friends or neighbors. Organize a friendly sports competition, a barbecue, or a nature-themed party. By bringing people together, you can make going outside a social and enjoyable occasion for everyone involved.
7. Embrace seasonal activities: Take advantage of seasonal activities that are unique to different times of the year. Go apple picking in the fall, build snowmen in the winter, fly kites in the spring, or have a beach day in the summer. Embracing the seasonal spirit adds a touch of novelty and excitement to your outdoor ventures.

Remember, the key to making going outside fun is to approach it with an open and curious mindset. Embrace the beauty of nature, seek out new experiences, and allow yourself to fully immerse in the joy of the outdoors.

How do I keep my kids entertained in the backyard?

Keeping kids entertained in the backyard can be both fun and engaging. Here are some ideas to keep your kids entertained and make the most of your outdoor space:

1. Create a designated play area: Set up a designated play area in your backyard with age-appropriate toys, such as a sandbox, swings, slide, or a playhouse. This creates a designated space where your kids can engage in imaginative play and explore their creativity.
2. Outdoor games and sports: Introduce your kids to various outdoor games and sports that can be played in the backyard. Classic games like tag, hide-and-seek, or Simon says can keep them active and entertained. You can also set up a mini soccer or basketball goal, or create an obstacle course for some physical fun.
3. Gardening and nature exploration: Encourage your kids to connect with nature by involving them in gardening activities. Provide them with child-sized gardening tools and let them plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs. Teach them about different plants, insects, and the importance of taking care of the environment.
4. Water play: On hot days, water play can be a great way to keep kids entertained and cool. Set up a small inflatable pool, sprinklers, or water balloons for some refreshing fun. You can also create a DIY water table using buckets, plastic containers, and cups for sensory play.
5. Arts and crafts: Take arts and crafts outdoors by setting up an outdoor art station. Provide your kids with washable paints, brushes, and paper, or let them create nature-inspired crafts using leaves, sticks, and rocks. This allows them to unleash their creativity while enjoying the fresh air.
6. Picnics and outdoor meals: Plan picnics or outdoor meals in your backyard. Pack a lunch or snacks, lay out a picnic blanket, and enjoy a meal outdoors. This change of scenery can make mealtime more enjoyable for kids and give them an opportunity to relax and unwind.
7. Science experiments: Engage your kids in simple science experiments that can be conducted in the backyard. Plant seeds and observe their growth, create a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, or make homemade bubbles and explore the science behind them. Science experiments can be both educational and entertaining.
8. Build forts or tents: Encourage imaginative play by helping your kids build forts or tents in the backyard. Use blankets, sheets, and cushions to create cozy hideaways where they can read books, play pretend, or have a little outdoor campout.

Remember, safety is essential when allowing kids to play in the backyard. Ensure that the play area is secure, supervise younger children, and establish any necessary rules or boundaries. With a bit of creativity and planning, your backyard can become a haven of fun and adventure for your kids.

What can children play outside?

Children can engage in a wide range of outdoor activities that promote physical activity, creativity, and exploration. Here are some popular outdoor games and activities for children:

1. Tag: A classic game that involves one person chasing others to tag them. It can be played in various versions like freeze tag or flashlight tag.
2. Hide-and-Seek: A game where one person counts while others hide, and the seeker tries to find and tag them. It encourages problem-solving skills and fosters spatial awareness.
3. Bike Riding: Riding bikes not only provides exercise but also allows children to explore their neighborhood or local parks. It promotes balance, coordination, and independence.
4. Ball Games: Outdoor ball games like soccer, basketball, baseball, or kickball are great for developing motor skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
5. Scavenger Hunts: Organize a scavenger hunt where children search for specific items or complete tasks in the backyard or nearby nature areas. It encourages observation skills and can be tailored to different themes or educational purposes.
6. Sidewalk Chalk: Let children unleash their creativity by drawing pictures, hopscotch grids, or writing messages with colorful sidewalk chalk on paved surfaces.
7. Water Play: On hot days, water play activities like running through sprinklers, playing with water guns, or having water balloon fights offer a fun and refreshing experience.
8. Nature Exploration: Encourage children to explore nature by going on nature walks, collecting leaves, rocks, or observing insects. They can learn about the environment and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
9. Outdoor Art: Set up an outdoor art station where children can paint, draw, or do crafts using natural materials like leaves, flowers, or sticks. It combines creativity with the joy of being outdoors.
10. Playground Games: Utilize playground equipment like swings, slides, and climbing structures to engage in games like pretend play, follow the leader, or inventing new games using the equipment.
11. Gardening: Involve children in gardening activities like planting seeds, watering plants, or tending to a small vegetable or flower garden. It teaches them about responsibility, patience, and the environment.
12. DIY Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course in the backyard using hula hoops, cones, jump ropes, or makeshift tunnels. Children can race against the clock or challenge each other to complete the course.

Remember, outdoor play should be supervised and age-appropriate. It’s important to ensure the safety of children while they engage in outdoor activities.

What games are good to play outside?

There are numerous games that are enjoyable to play outside, offering both entertainment and physical activity. Here are some popular outdoor games that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike:

1. Capture the Flag: Split into two teams and place flags in each team’s territory. The objective is to capture the opposing team’s flag and bring it back to your territory without getting tagged.
2. Frisbee: Play a game of Ultimate Frisbee or simply toss a Frisbee back and forth, testing your throwing and catching skills. You can even create target games by aiming at specific spots or playing disc golf.
3. Tug of War: Divide into two teams and see which team can pull the rope past a certain point in their direction. It’s a test of strength and teamwork.
4. Cornhole: Set up two platforms with holes and take turns tossing bean bags to score points by getting them into the holes. It’s a fun game for all ages and can be played in teams or individually.
5. Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt by hiding objects or clues around the outdoor area. Participants need to find all the items or solve the clues to complete the hunt successfully.
6. Red Light, Green Light: One person acts as the “stoplight” and faces away from the other players. When they say “green light,” players move forward, but when they say “red light,” everyone must freeze. The stoplight tries to catch players moving.
7. Kick the Can: Similar to hide-and-seek, but with a twist. One person guards a can while the other players hide. The goal is for the hiders to kick the can without getting caught by the guard.
8. Four Square: Draw a large square and divide it into four smaller squares. Each player stands in a square, and the objective is to hit the ball into another player’s square without letting it bounce more than once in your own square.
9. Hula Hoop Games: Set up hula hoops and create various games like Hula Hoop Tag, where players need to avoid being tagged while inside a hula hoop.
10. Simon Says: One person plays “Simon” and gives commands starting with “Simon says.” Players must follow the command only if it begins with “Simon says.” If they follow a command without the phrase, they’re out.
11. Water Balloon Toss: Fill water balloons and pair up. Players toss the water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The last pair with an intact balloon wins.
12. Obstacle Course: Design an obstacle course using cones, hula hoops, ropes, and other objects. Include tasks like crawling under ropes, jumping over obstacles, and balancing on a beam.

These are just a few examples of the many outdoor games available. The choice of games will depend on the age group, number of players, and available space. Feel free to adapt and modify the rules to suit the preferences and abilities of the participants.

 

Creating outdoor games using simple materials like pavers, glass bottles, pool noodles, dollar store items, etc can provide endless entertainment for both children and adults. These DIY projects are easy to make and perfect for enjoying the outdoors. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and get ready to have a blast with these fun and budget-friendly games!

What outdoor games did you use to play as a child? Let me know in the comments below!

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