21 Kid-Friendly Games for the Backyard

After living in an apartment building for as long as I can remember, I am beyond thrilled to be moving into a house with an actual backyard this summer. Along with that come backyard barbecues, parties, and games. I’m going to stock my yard with all the best ways to spend a summer afternoon with the kids (or without the kids, as you can set them up for them while you enjoy a couple hours of sipping sangria in peace).

Check out some of my must have games for the backyard or lawn for some kid-friendly outdoor fun.

More Outdoor Summer Activities:

21 Kid-Friendly Games for the Backyard or Lawn

Lawn Twister

A little spray paint and your grass can become an awesome board game. Found via You + Me. Step by step instructions via Instructables.
Bocce Ball

A classic backyard game. Official Rules at In Depth Info. This beautiful set from Pottery Barn.
Badminton

Badminton can be fun with or without a net, but I am dying for this self-contained set from Zume. Official Rules at The Badminton Bible.
Ladder Golf

I made this ladder golf set a few weeks ago, and it was a big hit at our last party. See the post here on Momtastic.
Croquet

We recently found a vintage croquet set in our parents' garage and can't wait to set it up on our new lawn this summer. Official rules via 9 Wicket Croquet. This set from Hayneedle.
Cornhole

A staple of football tailgates, this game is a great addition to the backyard. DIY instructions via Home Stories A to Z.
Giant Jenga

Some 2x4s and paint take the classic tabletop game Jenga into the backyard. Just be careful little ones don't get toppled on during the game! DIY via A Beautiful Mess.
Laser Tag

It's amazing how far technology has come. Now you can play laser tag in your own yard with a pair of smartphones. AppTagHD via Hex3.
Horseshoes

The original "toss an object for points" game is still one of the best. Official rules via Livestrong.
Dodgeball

While normally played in a gym or on a basketball court, dodgeball can be easily adapted for backyard play. Official rules via International Dodgeball Association.
Super Soakers

When the temperature rises, it is time to break out the water guns. Geek Dad has an awesome roundup of all the best Super Soakers available these days.
DIY Kids Car Wash

If you want a little less water warfare, check out this awesome DIY water playset from Mom Endeavors.
Scavenger Hunt

Sometimes you don't need any equipment at all to have a good time. Send the kids on a scavenger hunt around the yard. Free printable from Hands On As We Grow.
Ring Toss

This toss game is especially great for little ones. DIY tutorial via Mom Endeavors.
Rollors

This is a fun new variation on a couple of classics. It combines the rules of horseshoes and bocce ball to make a whole new game. Get your own set from Rollors.
Kerplunk

Another great board game supersized---the kids will get a kick out of this giant ball-drop game. DIY Tutorial via All Parenting.
Spikeball

Spikeball takes the game of volleyball and compresses it down to a tiny trampoline sized net. More info via Spikeball.
BaseBoloBall

One man's awesome idea for a variation on ladder golf to combine it with the rules of baseball. DIY Instructions via Tossing Games.
Kubb

A classic Swedish game that involves tossing sticks and blocks for points. Game instructions via Master Games. DIY Tutorial via This Old House.
Soccer

With World Cup fever still going strong, every little kid will be wanting to play soccer all summer long. Make your own PVC pipe goal with instructions from This Old House.
Pipeball

Skeeball + basketball + horseshoes = tons of fun. Full tutorial from This Old House.