Who wants to ruin being cooped inside a beautiful sunny day? Enjoy the fresh air with this list of fun and exciting outdoor games for kids. Whether you’re quietly enjoying a tactical game of tic-tac-toe or playing hide-and-seek, there’s something for everyone!
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1. Play a classic game
Hopscoach is one of those endless games that is passed down from generation to generation. Best of all, it costs nothing to play!
Learn more: Childhood 101
2. Look 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 mom
3. Build a huge tower
Playing Zenga takes calm in patience, strategy and stress, which is probably why it’s so fun. The only way to make it even better is to create your own giant version for the outdoors!
Learn more: A beautiful mess
4. Combine two favorite games
What happens if you mix dodgeball with kickball? You get one of the most intense and fun outdoor games for kids!
Learn more: 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: Cook the craft
6. Toss the bean bag
This bin bag game is very easy to assemble, and can help kids make it too. You will be having an explosion in just a few minutes!
Learn more: Mod Pause Rocks!
7. Reuse a milk jug
This fun summer project serves two great purposes: you will recycle a milk jug and keep the waste from our landfill and create a great low cost catcher!
Learn more: Childhood 101
8. Climb on a roller coaster
While most of us can’t create a theme park in our backyard, you can replicate some of the excitement! This quick and easy DIY roller coaster is perfect for little kids!
Learn more: Inspired Treehouse
9. Toss some rings
You will need supplies like 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 July 4th celebrations!
Learn more: Mother’s effort
10. Jump on the rainbow
Use Paver to create these brightly colored hopscotch designs that you will enjoy year after year. It’s also a nice walk to the side yard.
Learn more: Happiness is home made
11. Go in search of hidden treasures
Create a path using items that are easily found in nature, such as sticks, acorns and pine cones, which guide the way in search of hidden treasures. After the first time, encourage kids to use materials to create their own way!
Learn more: Red Ted Art
12. Ask Mr. Wolf for time
You will not need any props or special equipment to play this age game. You can play two or more What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf’s favorite!
Learn more: Childhood 101
13. Toss it!
This hook and ring toss game is suitable for all ages, and is easy to make with some cheap scraps around your home as well as some items from a hardware store.
Learn more: H2O bungalow
14. Find your strategy
What’s more classic than a tic-tac-toe game? Make it even more fun by creating this large, reusable version that can be run under the sun. Best of all, you don’t have to waste any paper!
Learn more: Thrifty Fun 4 Boys and Girls
15. Play hide and seek
A great way to have fun and stay physically active is to play hide and seek. Just be sure to choose the location carefully and review the safety rules before you begin!
Learn more: Fun games for kids
16. Overcome obstacles
This great backyard course is easy to set up and lets kids channel their inner ninja warrior!
Learn more: Thrifty Fun 4 Boys and Girls
17. Get ready to run
Ducks, ducks, swans are a great way to teach little kids patience and have a great time!
Learn more: Childhood 101
18. Try your luck
If you’ve ever seen competitors play Plinko The price is right And if you want to try it, here’s your chance. This homemade version is perfect for family gatherings!
Learn more: Happiness is home made
19. Go down from the rabbit hole
Encourage kids to use their imagination in this fun Gross-Motor Challenge that provides a helpful lesson about personal space.
Learn more: Inspired Treehouse
20. Use your words
Collect sidewalk chalk and small toys or things from around the house. You will want to pick things that are easy to spread with likes Pot Or Tell me. A word of caution: You may want to avoid something like this Truck Which can be rhymed with inappropriate words.
Learn more: Fantastic fun and learning
21. Hit the cornhole
Cornhole is forever a favorite family pastime and a great way to promote active play and hang out with young children.
Learn more: We are hands on we grow
22. Be creative with chalk
Pavement chalk can be used to create endless outdoor games for kids, from hopscotch and bullshit to checkers and four-squares.
Learn more: Happy Mother Hacks
23. Speak in the dark
You can avoid being outside in the scorching summer sun, but when the sun goes down, this is the perfect time to play dark bowling!
Learn more: Grow a gem rose
24. Twist
Even if you’ve been playing the real Twister for years, you’ve never played it that way. Use four colors of yard paint to recreate this classic in your yard.
Learn more: Tip junkie
25. Play mini golf
Collect some recyclable materials to create your own one-of-a-kind miniature golf course in your backyard!
Learn more: Kicks serial
Want more outdoor games and activities for kids? Check out this list of 50 Wet and Wild Outdoor Science Activities and Experiments.
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