Turn your next family gathering into a fun filled event with easy outdoor games like an all ages obstacle course or a friendly round of cornhole. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, an outside birthday bash, or just a weekend playdate with the cousins, these games are sure to entertain both kids and adults while making awesome memories!
Outdoor family time offers a wonderful chance to connect, laugh and bond. When planning your next gathering, have a lineup of fun games to create memories everyone will treasure. I’ve found a bunch of games that are easy to organize and are perfect for kids and adults.
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Classic Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt transforms any backyard into a fun-filled adventure. Create a list of items for players to find, like a yellow leaf, a smooth rock, or a feather. You can split your group into teams or play individually.
Encourage teamwork between kids and adults by making some items tricky to locate. Want to up the ante? Hide small prizes to keep everyone motivated. It’s a great way to get kids moving and exploring—plus, you might just rediscover that missing dog toy from last summer.
I’ve got more great ideas for scavenger hunts if you click here.
Backyard Bingo
This isn’t your grandma’s bingo! Similar to a classic outdoor scavenger hunt, players need to find items as the “caller” shouts them out.
To play, make or purchase bingo cards featuring items you’ll find in the yard, like flowers, rocks, birds, and insects.
Players mark off items they spot in the yard or park. Feel free to draw squares with unique items to make the game engaging for all ages. A good game of backyard bingo encourages kids to explore their surroundings instead of their screens!
Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga (or Tumbling Tower if you’re going off brand) is always a hit for outdoor fun. You can purchase a giant Jenga set or create one using wooden blocks for a do-it-yourself twist. Stack the blocks into a tower and take turns removing one without letting it collapse. The suspense keeps every player on edge, making it just as fun for parents as it is for kids. Add this to your outdoor collection for entertainment all summer long.
Water Balloon Toss
A game of water balloon toss puts a refreshing twist on any summer gatherings! Fill balloons with water and pair players. (I love these quick fill balloons — they save a lot of time so you can get right to the fun.)
Have the kids and adults toss the balloon back and forth, taking a step further apart with every throw. Then, the pair who tosses the balloon the longest without it bursting wins.
Always supervise younger kids and remind players to pick up the balloon bits afterward—unless you want an angry squirrel judging you from the trees.
DIY Obstacle Course
This one is perfect for kids (and the young at heart). An obstacle course offers creative fun that gets everyone moving!
Use everyday items like cones, ropes, pool noodles, or jump ropes to set up a series of challenges. Crawl under tables, hop through hoops, or balance on a plank—just don’t let the dog steal the course markers mid-game.
Time each participant for added excitement and make a leaderboard for the most daring competitors. Remember to adjust the difficulty level to suit everyone who’s playing.
Cornhole
Few games combine competitiveness and fun like cornhole. If you’ve never played, it’s simple: toss beanbags onto a raised board and try to land them in a hole. It sounds easy—until you realize you have the aim of a T-Rex.
Cornhole is a classic tailgate game that doesn’t need stakes pounded into your lawn like horse shoes. It’s easy to set up, it suits players of all skill levels, and is an ideal choice for mixed-age family gatherings. Whether you buy a board or make your own, cornhole provides hours of fun and keep everyone entertained (even Uncle Bob).
Outdoor family time should be filled with laughter, connection, and just the right amount of chaos. These family-friendly games bring everyone together to have fun and make memories at your next outdoor event. Bring these to your next family gathering, and watch your loved ones create moments worth cherishing. Planning your gathering just got easier and a lot more fun.