Who wants to waste a beautiful sunny day being cooped up inside? Enjoy the fresh air with this list of fun and engaging outdoor games for kids. Whether you’re quietly enjoying a strategic game of tic-tac-toe or running around playing hide-and-seek, there’s something for everyone!
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1. Play a classic game
Hopscotch is one of those timeless games that is shared from generation to generation. Best of all, it costs nothing to play!
Learn more: Childhood 101
2. Hunt for frozen dinosaur eggs
This is a great activity for a hot summer day. Easily freeze dinosaur figures inside these ice eggs for a super-cool treasure hunt!
Learn more: Made for Mums
3. Build a giant tower
Playing Jenga takes patience, strategy, and calm under pressure, which is probably why it’s so much fun. The only way to make it better is to make your own giant version for outside!
Learn more: A Beautiful Mess
4. Combine two favorite games
What happens when you mix dodgeball with kickball? You get one of the most intense—and fun—outdoor games for kids!
Learn more: The Inspired Treehouse
5. Roll the dice
All you need is a set of giant dice (like these!), a clipboard, and a bucket to play this Yahtzee-inspired lawn game!
Learn more: Craft Create Cook
6. Toss bean bags
This bean bag game is very easy to assemble, and kids can help make it, too. You’ll be having a blast within just a few minutes!
Learn more: Mod Podge Rocks!
7. Repurpose a milk jug
This fun summer project serves two great purposes: you’ll recycle a milk jug and keep waste out of our landfills and also make a cool low-cost catcher!
Learn more: Childhood 101
8. Ride a roller coaster
While most of us can’t build a theme park in our backyards, you can replicate some of the exhilaration! This quick and easy DIY roller coaster is perfect for small kids!
Learn more: The Inspired Treehouse
9. Toss some rings
You’ll need supplies such as a drill and a round wood panel, but it will be worth the effort. This ring toss game is perfect for backyard fun, summer picnics, and 4th of July celebrations!
Learn more: Mom Endeavors
10. Hop over the rainbow
Use pavers to create this bright-colored hopscotch design that you’ll enjoy year after year. It’s also a cute walkway for side yards.
Learn more: Happiness Is Homemade
11. Go on a treasure hunt
Create a trail using items that are easily found in nature, such as sticks, acorns, and pine cones, that lead the way on a treasure hunt. After the first time, encourage kids to use the materials to make their own trails!
12. Ask Mr. Wolf for the time
You’ll need no props or special equipment to play this age-old game. Two or more can play What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf in this collaborative favorite!
Learn more: Childhood 101
13. Toss it!
This hook and ring toss game is perfect for all ages, and it’s easy to make with just a few inexpensive scraps from around your home as well as a few items from a hardware store.
Learn more: H2O Bungalow
14. Find your strategy
What’s more classic than a game of tic-tac-toe? Make it even more fun by making this large, reusable version that can be played under the sun. Best of all, you won’t need to waste any paper!
Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls
15. Play hide-and-seek
One great way to have fun and be physically active is to play hide-and-seek. Just be sure to choose the location carefully and review safety rules before you get started!
Learn more: Fun Games Kids Play
16. Overcome obstacles
This great backyard obstacle course is simple to set up and lets kids channel their inner Ninja warrior!
Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls
17. Get ready to run
Duck, Duck, Goose is a great way to teach younger children about patience and taking turns while also having a great time!
Learn more: Childhood 101
18. Try your luck
If you’ve ever watched contestants play Plinko on The Price Is Right and wished you could try it, here’s your chance. This homemade version is perfect for family gatherings!
Learn more: Happiness Is Homemade
19. Go down the rabbit hole
Encourage kids to use their imagination in this fun gross-motor challenge that also provides a helpful lesson on personal space.
Learn more: The Inspired Treehouse
20. Use your words
Gather some sidewalk chalk and small toys or objects from around the house. You’ll want to pick things that are easy to rhyme with like pot or ball. Word of caution: You might want to avoid things like a truck that can be rhymed with inappropriate words.
Learn more: Fantastic Fun and Learning
21. Hit the cornhole
Cornhole has been a favorite family pastime forever and is a great way to promote active play and taking turns with young kids.
Learn more: Hands On as We Grow
22. Get creative with chalk
Sidewalk chalk can be used to create endless outdoor games for kids, from hopscotch and bullseye to checkers and four-square.
Learn more: Happy Mom Hacks
23. Bowl in the dark
You might avoid being outside under the hot summer sun, but when the sun goes down, it’s the perfect time for a game of glow-in-the-dark bowling!
Learn more: Growing a Jeweled Rose
24. Get twisted
Even if you’ve played the original Twister for years, you’ve never played it like this. Use four colors of yard paint to re-create this classic in your yard.
Learn more: Tip Junkie
25. Play mini golf
Gather up some recycled materials to create your very own one-of-a-kind miniature golf course in your backyard!
Learn more: Kix Cereal
Want even more outdoor games and activities for kids? Check out this list of 50 Wet and Wild Outdoor Science Activities and Experiments.
