After writing my post about outdoor toys for kids, it got me thinking about what other fun activities kids can do outside in their own backyard. Since that post was geared more toward toddlers and preschoolers, I wanted to provide some more options for those of you with older kids. So I’ve rounded up the best yard games for families, including classic backyard games, action-packed outdoor games that get kids moving, and oversized games that will entertain everyone.
There’s a reason yard games are popular with kids eight and older, so let’s dive into why — and how you can support their changing interests.
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Why Kids Need Outdoor Games
Between the ages of 8-12, kids become less interested in open-ended, pretend play and more interested in structured, rule-oriented play.
This doesn’t mean you need to throw out the chalk or any outdoor toys they still play with. But it is a good time to notice if their play is changing — and think about how you can encourage them to continue playing outside. This is also important if you want to reduce screentime.
The backyard games I listed below are a great way to motivate kids to play outside. And they make physical activity more fun, too.
Benefits of Playing Outdoor Games
There are so many ways that kids benefit from playing outside! From their physical health, to their social skills, and to their emotional well-being, here are some examples of what backyard games can help improve.
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Hand-eye coordination
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Teamwork and collaboration
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Strategic and critical thinking
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Creativity and imagination
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Taking turns and being patient
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Confidence and self-discipline
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Concentration levels
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Overall mood and behavior
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Stress management
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Sleep patterns
Along with being crucial to their development, backyard games are just plain fun and a big part of childhood. The games you play together as a family — or the games they play with their friends — will create lasting memories and enrich their lives.
Classic Yard Games
Ladder Toss: Kids will have fun trying to toss and wrap their bolos around different rungs of the ladder opposite them. This game is quick to assemble, easy to take along, and the bolos are made out of soft rubber, so they’re safe for kids.
Tic-Tac-Toe Toss Across: A classic game with a creative twist! This version makes tic-tac-toe more challenging as kids have to toss a beanbag to spin the pieces for the letters to show. Unlike the original, you can also undo someone’s X or O, which turns the game into a fun competition that keeps on going.
Cornhole: Fun for all ages! I love this set because it’s waterproof, so it’ll last through the seasons. Plus it has inner storage compartments and handles, making it easy to take along with you to the park, beach, or a friend’s house.
Bocce Ball Set: I love outdoor games that the whole family can play together! This set includes eight balls in four different colors, so you can have up to eight players. The carrying case also makes it easy to take to the beach, a family barbecue, or an outdoor picnic at the park.
Active Yard Games
Pop-Up Soccer Net: If your kids love soccer, this pop-up net is a great way to help them work on their skills or just play a casual game in the backyard with friends. These nets are built to last throughout all seasons and include ground stakes for greater stability.
Toss & Catch Ball Game: The 90s are back (or maybe they never left?)! This outdoor game is a fun way to teach younger kids the basics of throwing and catching a ball. Older kids (and adults!) can get way more active and competitive with it, making this one of those outdoor games that’s perfect for all ages.
Carnival Games Combo Set: This 3-in-1 set includes colorful cones, rings, and bean bags, so kids have multiple ways to play. You can also set up the cones to help kids practice their dribbling skills, or create your own obstacle course.
Archery Set: This set provides hours of (safe) entertainment for kids while also helping them build fine motor skills like hand-eye coordination. Includes one bow with LED lights, nine suction-cup arrows, multiple targets, and a case.
Backyard Golf: Set up a custom course and play anywhere! This golf set is great for all skill levels and has a fun twist — you can hit the golf bucket to finish the hole or hit it into the bucket to get a stroke off your score.
Slammo: Recommended for ages 12+, Slammo is a two-on-two game similar to volleyball. But instead of a long net, you have a small circular net to bounce the ball off of, making it more fast-paced and much easier to set up and play right away.
Oversized Yard Games
Giant Checkers: Fun for both kids and adults! This is a great screen-free activity that you can play indoors or outdoors. Plus it includes a tic-tac-toe option on the back.
Giant Connect 4: This giant connect 4 game is great for outdoor gatherings and holds up well throughout the seasons. While it’s a little on the pricey side compared to other yard games, it will provide tons of entertainment for many years to come!
Giant Tumble Tower: This tumble tower is taller than average and includes dice, allowing for multiple ways to play. You can also create your own rules to make it more fun (or more challenging!).
FAQs for Yard Games
What ages are these backyard games good for?
Many of these outdoor games for kids are great for all ages — including adults! Kids as young as three could play most of these games (though some of the rules might have to bend for them), while some games are better suited for ages 5 (or 6) and up.
Do I need a big backyard to play these games?
Any amount of yard should work for most of these backyard games. If you don’t have a ton of space, most of these options are portable, so you could easily take them to a park, beach, camping site, or friend’s house.
Are the games easy to set up and store?
Yes! All of the games listed here are easy to set up, take down, and store away. Many of them also include a carrying case if you want to take them somewhere.
Are the yard games weather-resistant?
I always recommend storing outdoor games away if you think it will rain — or once the weather changes — to keep them well protected. However, some of the games listed here are made with materials that are meant to hold up well through all seasons.
Is the price reasonable?
Most of the yard games I listed in this post are just $30 or less. This is a great value considering your kids will play with them for years! There are a couple of higher-priced games as well, so it all depends on your budget and space — as well as your kids’ ages, abilities, and interests.
More Ways to Play
Love these yard games for your kids? Or have more ideas to share? Please comment below and let me know!
If you need more ideas for the summer and how to keep your kids active, engaged, and entertained, check out these posts:
Playing outside helps kids build so many important skills — and it can even improve their sleep, reduce their stress, and lead to happier, healthier kids. So, remember, no matter what trips or activities you have planned for the summer, getting outside is key!
