Summer Outdoor Games to Play with the Kids

With the sun shining brightly and the days growing longer, summer is the perfect season for outdoor activities. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a neighborhood party, or just a fun afternoon with the kids, outdoor games are a great way to keep the little ones entertained while also encouraging physical activity and social interaction. In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of summer outdoor games that are not only fun but also safe, easy to set up, and sure to bring smiles to everyone involved. From water balloon fights to relay races, these games are perfect for kids of all ages.

Why Outdoor Games Are Essential for Kids

Before diving into the list of games, it’s important to understand why outdoor games are so valuable for children, especially during the summer months.

Physical Activity

Summer is the time to move outside and get active. Outdoor games keep children engaged in physical activities that help improve their motor skills, coordination, and overall health. It’s especially important given that many kids spend a lot of time indoors during the school year.

Social Interaction

Playing outdoor games also fosters social skills. Kids learn how to work as a team, compete fairly, and handle both victories and defeats gracefully. These experiences are invaluable in shaping their emotional intelligence.

Mental Health

Spending time in nature and playing games outside has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance mental well-being. Kids who play outdoors are more likely to feel happy, energetic, and confident.

Key Considerations for Planning Outdoor Games

When planning outdoor games for kids, there are several factors to consider to ensure everyone has a good time and stays safe.

Safety First

• Supervision: Always have an adult present to supervise the games, especially those involving water, running, or physical contact.
• Weather Conditions: Be mindful of the weather. Extreme heat or storms can ruin the fun, so make sure the conditions are safe for outdoor play.
• Age Appropriateness: Choose games that are suitable for the age group you’re working with. Some games may be too challenging for younger children, while others might be too simple for older kids.
• Proper Gear: Make sure the children are wearing comfortable clothing and footwear. If you’re playing water games, ensure there’s sunscreen and plenty of hydration available.

Equipment

While many of these games require minimal equipment, some might need a few items. We’ve included ideas for DIY games using everyday household materials. For instance, you can create your own backyard Jenga set, make water balloons out of sponges, or repurpose pool noodles for a range of games.

A Mix of Water, Active, and Creative Games

In this guide, we’ll break down the games into categories for different types of play:

• Water-Based Games: Ideal for hot summer days.
• Active Games: Great for burning off energy.
• Creative and DIY Games: Fun for when you want to get crafty or mix things up.

Let’s jump into the games!

Water-Based Games: Cool Down with Splashing Fun

Water games are a summer staple. They’re perfect for cooling off and staying entertained under the scorching sun. These games often involve teamwork, strategy, and sometimes, a bit of friendly competition. Here are some fantastic water-based games that will have everyone running, splashing, and laughing all day long:

1. Water Balloon Toss

A classic water game that’s perfect for any age group. Pair up kids and give each pair a water balloon. They must toss the balloon back and forth, taking a step backward after each successful catch. The goal is to see who can keep the balloon intact for the longest distance.

Materials Needed:

• Water balloons (lots of them!)
• A spacious outdoor area

How to Play:

1. Pair up the children and give each team one water balloon.
2. Set the teams a few feet apart.
3. As the teams toss the water balloon back and forth, they must move further apart with each toss.
4. The last team to have an intact balloon wins.

2. Water Balloon Volleyball

This game is a fun twist on traditional volleyball, but with water balloons! It’s a great game for kids who love friendly competition and want to stay cool.

Materials Needed:

• A volleyball net or makeshift barrier
• Water balloons

How to Play:

1. Set up a volleyball net or create a divide using string or a rope.
2. Each team gets a few water balloons.
3. Teams will attempt to pass the water balloon over the net without it bursting. If the balloon breaks, the other team gets a point.
4. Play to a set score, like 10 or 15 points.

3. Wet Sponge Relay Race

In this relay race, kids will race to soak a sponge in a bucket of water and then run to a designated spot and squeeze it into another container. The team with the most water in their container at the end wins.

Materials Needed:

• Large sponges
• Buckets of water
• A small container to fill with the water

How to Play:

1. Divide the kids into two teams.
2. Set up a starting line with a bucket of water at each team’s base.
3. Place the empty containers where the kids will squeeze the water from the sponge.
4. One player from each team soaks the sponge and races to squeeze the water into the container.
5. The first team to fill their container to the line wins.

4. Pass the Water Relay Game

This relay race is all about teamwork. Players pass a cup of water down the line to fill a larger bucket, and the goal is to see which team can collect the most water in the shortest amount of time.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic cups
• A large bucket or container
• A smaller container for each player

How to Play:

1. Divide the children into two or more teams.
2. Each team lines up behind their starting point.
3. The first player fills their cup with water, runs to the next player, and passes the water.
4. The final player pours the water into the large bucket. Continue until the team fills their bucket.

5. Duck, Duck, Splash

This is a watery version of the classic “Duck, Duck, Goose.” Instead of tapping their friends on the head, the “it” player splashes them with a water balloon or cup of water. The wet player then chases the “it” player.

Materials Needed:

• A bucket of water or water balloons

How to Play:

1. Children sit in a circle.
2. One player walks around the outside of the circle, tapping others on the head while saying, “Duck, duck, duck…”
3. When they say “Splash,” they pour a small amount of water on the selected player, who must then jump up and chase the “it” player.
4. If the wet player tags the “it” player before they sit down, they take over the role of “it.”

Active Games: Burn Off Energy with Fun Competitions

Active games are a great way to keep kids engaged while helping them burn off all that extra energy. Whether it’s racing, jumping, or playing competitive team games, these outdoor activities are perfect for encouraging physical fitness while having a blast. Below are some exciting games that require minimal equipment and will get the kids moving:

6. Giant Jenga for Kids

Giant Jenga is a classic game, but made larger than life! It’s a perfect fit for the outdoors, where kids can stack the blocks as high as they can, then carefully pull out pieces without toppling the tower.

Materials Needed:

• Large wooden blocks (you can make your own or buy a set)
• A flat outdoor surface

How to Play:

1. Set up the giant Jenga tower with blocks arranged in layers, alternating between horizontal and vertical placements.
2. Players take turns removing one block at a time from the tower and placing it on top.
3. The game continues until the tower falls over. The last player to successfully pull a block without causing the tower to collapse wins.

7. Tug of War

This old-fashioned game is a great way to build teamwork and strength. It’s a competitive game where two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, trying to drag the other team across a designated line.

Materials Needed:

• A sturdy rope
• A line to mark the middle point

How to Play:

1. Divide the kids into two teams, with roughly equal numbers and strength.
2. Mark a central line on the ground. Place the rope so that the middle is aligned with this line.
3. Each team grabs an end of the rope and begins pulling.
4. The team that pulls the other team across the center line wins.

8. Obstacle Course Relay

This game is a great way to engage kids in a variety of physical activities, including running, jumping, crawling, and balancing. Set up an obstacle course with a combination of challenges to get the kids moving.

Materials Needed:

• Cones, hula hoops, ropes, or any available objects to create obstacles
• Stopwatches (optional)

How to Play:

1. Set up an obstacle course with various challenges: running around cones, hopping through hula hoops, crawling under ropes, etc.
2. Divide the children into teams.
3. One by one, each child must complete the obstacle course. Time each player to see who completes it the fastest.
4. The team with the lowest total time wins the relay.

9. Giant Crab Soccer

This is a silly and fun take on soccer where the players must walk like crabs to kick the ball into the goal. It’s a great way to get everyone laughing while working on coordination.

Materials Needed:

• A large soccer ball
• Cones or markers for goals

How to Play:

1. Set up a soccer field with two goals using cones or markers.
2. Each player must move like a crab—walking on their hands and feet, with their stomach facing upwards.
3. Players attempt to kick the soccer ball into the opposing team’s goal while maintaining the crab walk position.
4. The team that scores the most goals wins.

10. Human Foosball

This is a creative take on the classic table game, but played outdoors with real players. Kids are divided into teams, and they must move only within their designated area, trying to score goals by kicking a ball into the net.

Materials Needed:

• A large open space
• Cones or tape to mark positions
• A soccer ball

How to Play:

1. Divide the kids into two teams and mark positions on the ground where each player can stand (similar to the rods in a foosball table).
2. Players are only allowed to move left or right within their section, and must pass the ball to score goals.
3. Use a soccer ball or similar sized ball and place goals on either side of the field.
4. The team that scores the most goals wins.

Creative and DIY Games: Get Crafty with Outdoor Fun

Sometimes, the best games are those that are simple, creative, and can be made with things you have lying around the house. DIY games often encourage children to use their imaginations, and they can be as competitive or cooperative as you want. These games will not only provide hours of fun but also offer a chance for kids to get crafty and creative while playing outdoors.

11. DIY Tetherball

Tetherball is a classic backyard game where two players compete to hit a ball around a pole, trying to wrap the ball’s attached rope around the pole in a certain direction. You can easily create your own tetherball set at home with a few materials.

Materials Needed:

• A tall pole (or PVC pipe)
• A rope (about 10 feet long)
• A rubber ball

How to Play:

1. Install the pole securely in the ground or in a base, ensuring it is tall and stable.
2. Attach the rope to the ball and then to the top of the pole.
3. Two players take turns hitting the ball in opposite directions, aiming to wrap the ball’s rope tightly around the pole.
4. The first player to get the ball completely wrapped in one direction wins the game.

12. Backyard Mini Golf

Transform your yard into a mini golf course! With some imagination, you can use everyday items to create fun obstacles and challenges, turning your backyard into a whole golf course.

Materials Needed:

• A few plastic cups (as holes)
• Small balls (golf balls or any soft ball)
• Various objects for obstacles (cones, chairs, sticks)

How to Play:

1. Set up a mini golf course by placing plastic cups on the ground as “holes.”
2. Create obstacles using everyday items—like a chair to hit the ball through, or a stick to avoid.
3. Kids take turns trying to hit the ball into the “hole” with the fewest strokes.
4. Keep score, and the player with the lowest total after completing the course wins.

13. Milk Jug Water Balloon Toss

This game is a fun way to incorporate water balloons and the classic balloon toss, but with a twist—using milk jugs as catchers! It’s a mess-free way to enjoy water play without worrying about balloon bursts.

Materials Needed:

• Empty milk jugs (plastic)
• Water balloons

How to Play:

1. Fill up a few water balloons and place them inside empty milk jugs.
2. Players toss the water balloons back and forth, using the milk jug to catch them.
3. If the balloon breaks, the player who missed it is out. The last player standing wins.

14. DIY Backyard Checkers

This DIY game adds a fun twist to the classic checkers game, but played with large pieces on the lawn. It’s easy to make, and all you need is a bit of space and creativity.

Materials Needed:

• Large boards or blankets (to make the checkerboard)
• Large rocks or other objects for the checker pieces

How to Play:

1. Use a large blanket or a flat surface to create a checkered board with squares marked with tape, fabric, or spray paint.
2. Select large rocks or similar objects as checkers.
3. Play the game of checkers as usual, with kids taking turns to move their pieces across the board, capturing or jumping over their opponent’s pieces.

15. Rock Tic-Tac-Toe

This creative twist on tic-tac-toe uses rocks instead of paper or markers. It’s a great game for the backyard and easy to set up.

Materials Needed:

• Rocks (at least 9)
• A large board or area to play on (sidewalk or dirt area works best)

How to Play:

1. Draw a large tic-tac-toe grid on the ground with chalk, or use sticks to outline it.
2. Use two types of rocks to represent X’s and O’s (or paint the rocks in two different colors).
3. Players take turns placing their rocks in the squares on the grid to get three in a row.

Fun and Unique Games for a Memorable Summer

Sometimes, it’s the unexpected games that leave the most lasting memories. These outdoor games are sure to offer a unique experience for everyone involved, from water-based games to more physical, team-oriented activities. Let’s take a look at a few creative and exciting games that you might not have played before.

16. Flamingo Ring Toss

A fun and quirky game, Flamingo Ring Toss brings a bit of classic carnival fun into your backyard. This game can be as competitive or laid-back as you like, and it’s sure to entertain the kids for hours.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic flamingos (or similar lawn decorations)
• Rings (can be hula hoops or plastic rings)
• A flat outdoor area

How to Play:

1. Set up the flamingos in a designated area.
2. Players take turns attempting to toss rings onto the flamingo’s neck.
3. Each successful toss earns points, and the player with the most points at the end wins.

17. Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest

Perfect for a picnic or outdoor gathering, this contest challenges participants to see who can spit watermelon seeds the farthest! It’s a fun, easy-to-set-up game that requires minimal equipment.

Materials Needed:

• Watermelon (cut into slices)
• Measuring tape (optional)

How to Play:

1. Give each player a slice of watermelon with seeds.
2. Players take turns spitting the seeds as far as they can.
3. The person who spits their seed the farthest wins the contest. You can use a measuring tape to add a competitive edge.

18. Angry Birds Outdoor Game

Inspired by the popular mobile game, this outdoor version uses cardboard boxes and soft balls to replicate the slingshot action of Angry Birds. It’s a fantastic way to get kids moving and thinking strategically.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard boxes (for building structures)
• Soft balls or beanbags (as projectiles)
• Markers or paint to decorate

How to Play:

1. Build a structure using cardboard boxes to represent the targets.
2. Players take turns launching soft balls or beanbags at the structure to knock it down.
3. The player who knocks down the most boxes wins.

19. Spray-Painted Twister

This twist on the classic Twister game uses spray paint to create a giant board on your lawn. It’s colorful and will have everyone laughing and stretching to make their moves.

Materials Needed:

• Spray paint (for the colored circles)
• A flat outdoor area

How to Play:

1. Use spray paint to create large colored circles in a grid pattern on your lawn.
2. Players take turns spinning a Twister spinner to determine which hand or foot must go on which color.
3. The game continues until a player falls or is unable to hold their position.

20. Giant Backyard Checkers

Take checkers to the next level by making it giant-sized! This game is a great way to keep kids entertained while also encouraging strategic thinking and friendly competition.

Materials Needed:

• Large fabric or tape to create the board
• Large circular objects (like frisbees or pillowcases) for checkers

How to Play:

1. Use fabric or tape to create a giant checkers board on the ground.
2. Players use large discs (or other items) as their checkers.
3. Play the game of checkers as usual, but on a much larger scale. The first player to capture all of the opponent’s pieces wins.

Conclusion: Get Ready for a Fun-Filled Summer

With these exciting and easy-to-set-up outdoor games, you’re ready to make this summer one for the books. Whether you’re looking for water games to cool off, active games to burn off energy, or creative games to engage the kids’ imaginations, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to plan a mix of games so that all the kids (and adults!) can enjoy the day. Remember, the most important part of summer games is having fun and making memories.

Gather the kids, grab some sunscreen, and get ready for hours of laughter and adventure with these awesome outdoor games. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!