Outdoor Games for Adults & Kids

Ditch the screens and dust off your sense of adventure! Outdoor games aren't just a way to escape the living room rut; they're a recipe for laughter, friendly competition, and memories that'll last longer than any TikTok trend.

Imagine this: Sunshine on your face, fresh air in your lungs, and the sweet satisfaction of beating your little cousin at a classic game. Outdoor games are the perfect stress-buster, getting everyone moving – from the littlest legs to the adults who think they're too cool for fun.

Games for Everyone

But hold on, it's not all tag and hopscotch (although those are awesome too!). We're diving deep into a treasure trove of outdoor games, from timeless classics to mind-bending new twists that'll challenge your body and brain.

Planning Your Fun

Whether you're planning a cozy family night under the stars, a backyard bash with all the neighbors, or just a casual hangout with friends, there's an outdoor game perfectly suited for every occasion. This guide is your one-stop shop for making your next gathering lively, inclusive, and overflowing with laughter.

Get Ready to Play

So grab your sunscreen, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to rediscover the joy of outdoor play!

Let's bring back the good old-fashioned fun, one game at a time:

1. DIY Lawn Bowling: Affordable Outdoor Fun! 

Try DIY Lawn Bowling using water bottles! It's a creative twist on a classic game using common household items.

Easy Setup:

• Collect your pins: Use empty plastic water bottles. Fill them with sand, rice, or pebbles to add weight. Feel free to decorate them for extra flair!
• Choose your bowling ball: Anything bouncy will work, like a tennis ball, a rubber ball, or even a makeshift ball from a crumpled sock.
• Select your playing area: A flat, grassy spot works best, such as your backyard, a local park, or even a beach.

Ready, Set, Bowl!

Just like traditional lawn bowling, arrange your water bottle pins in a triangular formation at one end of your playing field. Step back to a designated starting line and aim your ball to knock down as many pins as you can! Keep score and challenge your friends and family to see who can become the ultimate DIY bowling champion.

2. Cardboard Carnival: DIY Bean Bag Toss 

Turn a cardboard box into a mini carnival game with this DIY Bean Bag Toss!

Here's what you need:

• Cardboard box (a shoebox or appliance box works well)
• Scissors or craft knife
• Marker
• Sand, rice, or beans (for filling bean bags)
• Fabric scraps or old socks (for making bean bags)

Let's get tossing!

Create your scoring board by cutting holes of various sizes in the cardboard box. The smaller the hole, the higher the point value! Mark each hole with its point value using a marker. If you prefer a simpler version, you can cut just one hole in the center of the box. Assign a point value to successfully throwing the beanbag through the hole. Make your bean bags by filling fabric scraps or old socks with sand, rice, or beans. Tie them shut to create bean bags. You can also use small stuffed toys for a softer throwing experience.

Ready, aim, toss!

Stand a few feet back from the box and take turns throwing your bean bags. Whoever scores the most points wins!

3. Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Printable Outdoor Treasure Hunt

Calling all adventurers! Dust off your detective hats and get ready for an epic outdoor treasure hunt! Turn your backyard, park, or neighborhood into a thrilling adventure for kids, teens, and adults. 

How to Play:

• Download & Print: Grab your favorite treasure hunt and download it.
• Hide the Clues & Treasure: Choose your outdoor location and strategically hide the clues. Tuck the final treasure chest in a secret spot!
• Let the Adventure Begin! Gather your explorers, hand them the first treasure hunt card, and watch their excitement soar as they embark on the treasure hunt.

Turn Up the Fun!

• Set a Timer: Add an extra layer of challenge by setting a time limit for the treasure hunt.
• Dress the Part: Encourage everyone to wear pirate hats, eye patches, or explorer gear for added fun, or choose any other theme that suits your party.
• Themed Snacks or Candies: Fuel your adventurers with themed snacks or candies.

Download your printable treasure hunt today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

4. Duck, Duck, Goose: Fun for All Ages

Looking for a classic game that's easy to learn, fun for all ages, and requires no equipment? This timeless game is perfect for picnics, backyard gatherings, or even rainy days indoors.

Here's how to play:

• Players sit in a circle.
• One player is chosen to be "It." They walk around the outside of the circle, tapping each player on the head and saying "Duck."
• The goal of "It" is to tap someone on the head and say "Goose" instead of "Duck."
• When someone is called "Goose," they must jump up and chase "It" around the circle.
• The chase continues until the "Goose" tags "It."
• If the "Goose" doesn't tag "It" before they reach the empty spot in the circle, the "Goose" becomes "It" for the next round.

5. Escape the Ordinary: Unleash the Fun with Escape Room Kits (All Ages!) 

Tired of the same old games? Looking for an activity that sparks creativity, challenges the mind, and brings people together? Look no further than the exciting world of Escape Room Kits! Perfect for all ages, these interactive adventures can transform any space, indoors or outdoors, into a thrilling escape mission.

Printable Escape Room Kits:

Find the option you like most: print-and-play or a real experience Escape Room set up outdoors or indoors.

Extraordinary Escape Room Tips:

• Set the Scene: Immerse your players with decorations, music, and costumes that match your theme.
• Time Crunch: Set a timer to add excitement and a sense of urgency to the game.
• Victory Celebration: Have a grand finale where everyone celebrates their "escape" and shares their accomplishments.

Escape Rooms are a guaranteed way to bring excitement, laughter, and teamwork to any gathering. So grab your family, friends, or fellow adventurers – it's time to unleash your inner detective and escape the ordinary!

6. Charades: Take the Fun Outdoors!

Sunshine, Laughter, and Classic Party Fun!

Who says Charades is just for indoors? This timeless game is perfect for bringing laughter and friendly competition to your next outdoor gathering.

Simple Setup, Big Fun!

The beauty of printable Charades games is their simplicity. No prep needed – just download and print!

Here's How to Play Outdoors:

• Prep Your Lists: Head over to our website and download some printable Charades games. 
• Gather Your Players: Divide into teams or play individually. Grab a blanket or some comfy outdoor seating to create your playing area.
• How to Play: One player from each team picks a word or phrase silently from the printable Charades game and acts it out for their teammates to guess. Remember, no talking allowed!
• Points & Victory Cheer: The team with the most points at the end wins! Celebrate with a victory cheer or a silly outdoor charades pose.

Download your printable Charades game today and transform your next outdoor gathering into a laughter-filled extravaganza!

7. Musical Mayhem: Get Groovin' with Outdoor Musical Chairs! 

Forget the cramped living room and bring the classic fun of Musical Chairs outside where there's plenty of room to move! This twist on the traditional game is sure to have everyone grooving and giggling in no time.

Here's what you'll need:

• Lawn Chairs: Gather enough lawn chairs for all your players, minus one (classic Musical Chairs style!).
• Portable Music Player: Blast your favorite tunes to create the musical mayhem!
• Open Space: Find a nice patch of grass or a flat outdoor area where you can arrange the chairs in a circle.

How to Play:

• Set the Stage: Arrange the lawn chairs in a circle, facing outwards.
• Music Maestro! Put on your portable music player and crank up the tunes.
• Groove Around: With the music playing, everyone starts walking (or dancing if they feel fancy!) around the circle of chairs.
• Musical Mayhem: When the music suddenly stops, everyone scrambles for a seat!
• One Less Chair: The player who doesn't find a seat is out. Remove one chair from the circle and repeat steps 2-4 until you have one player and one remaining chair.
• The Grand Champion: The player who snags the last seat is crowned the Musical Mayhem champion!

8. No Hands, All Fun: The Hilarious Challenge of Balloon Keep-Up! 

Get ready for the Balloon Keep-Up Challenge! This hilarious game tests your teamwork and balance as you keep a pesky balloon afloat – all with the power of your foreheads!

Here's what you'll need:

Balloons: Stock up on some colorful balloons – one for each pair of players. 

Open Space: Find a clear area with enough space for pairs to move around freely without bumping into each other or obstacles.

Setting Up for Some Ballooning Fun:

Find Your Partner: Grab a friend and form pairs! You'll be working together to keep the balloon bouncing.

Balloon Positioning: Position a balloon right between your foreheads, gently resting between your foreheads.

Let’s Get This Balloon Bouncing!:

Kick Things Off: Look out for the signal—be it a whistle, a loud "Go!", or any cue that gets the chuckles rolling.

Time to Move: Now the real fun begins. Move around the room however you like – walk, hop, or dance – keeping that balloon up with your noggin moves.

Up for More Fun?: Feel like making it trickier? Throw in some extra challenges like squats, hopping on one leg, or even playing blindfolded (make sure someone’s watching out for you!).

Winning the Game: Keep that balloon up the longest and you and your partner become the undisputed Balloon Keep-Up Champs!  

Conclusion

Outdoor games are a fantastic way to engage people of all ages, providing healthy, active, and social opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. With games suited for night-time adventures, backyard fun, and everything in between, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your outdoor spaces and events. Whether you’re planning a quiet family day, a lively adult party, or a children’s celebration, these games offer something for everyone, promising laughter, excitement, and a bit of friendly competition. Embrace these ideas and watch your next outdoor gathering become the highlight of your social calendar!

Frequently Asked Questions: Outdoor Games for Adults & Kids

What types of outdoor games are suitable for both adults and kids?

Games that engage all ages typically include classics like Frisbee, tug of war, and scavenger hunts. You can also consider sports like soccer or volleyball, which can be modified to suit various skill levels.

How can I organize a successful outdoor game day? 

Plan a variety of games to cater to different interests and abilities. Ensure you have all necessary equipment and a flexible schedule. Consider the space available and keep safety in mind. Providing refreshments and setting up shaded areas can also enhance the experience.

Are there any low-cost outdoor games that I can set up easily? 

Yes! Games like sack races only require burlap bags, and a water balloon toss just needs balloons and water. DIY obstacle courses can be created with household items like chairs and ropes.

What are some creative outdoor games that encourage team-building?

Capture the flag, relay races, group treasure hunts, and outdoor escape room challenges are excellent for fostering teamwork and cooperation. These games require participants to work together to achieve common goals.

Can outdoor games be educational? 

Definitely! Incorporate learning elements into games, like nature scavenger hunts where participants have to find and identify various plants and insects, or historical trivia challenges during a treasure hunt.

How do I ensure safety during outdoor games? 

Check the playing area for potential hazards like holes or broken glass. Use equipment that is safe and appropriate for all ages. Ensure that all participants are aware of the rules and any physical limits to prevent injuries.

What are some tips for playing backyard games in small spaces? 

To enjoy backyard games in small spaces, select options that require minimal movement and equipment. Consider printable games such as print-and-play escape rooms, dice games, or board games that are easily set up on a small table or picnic blanket. For more active play, opt for compact activities like bean bag toss or mini ring toss, which require limited space. Make use of vertical space with engaging games like hanging balloon darts or wall-mounted ring toss. To keep the play area tidy and fun for everyone, ensure that games can be quickly rotated and stored away.

How can outdoor games be made accessible for everyone? 

Adapt games to include players of all abilities, such as sitting volleyball for those who have difficulty standing or using brightly colored equipment for those with visual impairments.

What should I consider when planning outdoor games for a large event?

Consider the flow of the event and the number of participants. Large group games like team sports or field days should be organized with brackets or rotations to keep everyone engaged. Also, have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

How can I motivate adults to participate in outside games? 

Choose games that are fun and engaging without being overly competitive. Provide incentives like prizes or awards for participation. Highlight the social and health benefits of being active outdoors.

Are there any DIY backyard games I can create without spending much?

Absolutely! You can create many simple DIY games like ring toss using plastic bottles and a frisbee for a DIY Frisbee golf course. Use old towels for a twist on the classic sack race, or create a tic-tac-toe board on the grass using rope and use bean bags for the pieces.

What are the best backyard games for a birthday party?

The best backyard games for birthday parties often include a mix of classic and interactive activities. Consider games like water balloon toss, sack races, escape room, and scavenger hunts. For themed parties, tailor the games to match the theme, such as pirate treasure hunts or superhero escape room.