Summer is the perfect time to gather your family for some outdoor fun, and what better way to do that than with exciting and new games? The key to making the most of the sunny days is spending time together, enjoying laughter and active fun with these creative, family-friendly outdoor games. Whether you’re looking to test your skills, try something completely different, or just have a good laugh, these games to play will make your summer unforgettable. Here are 15 new and exciting outdoor games to play with family this summer that will keep everyone entertained!
1. Glow Stick Tag
Transform the classic game of tag with glow sticks! Play in the evening and use glow-in-the-dark necklaces or bracelets to mark the players. The tagger has to catch the players, but the twist is that the players who get tagged must freeze until another player touches them to release them. This game is great for adding a mystical nighttime twist to a traditional favorite.
Why it’s great for families: It adds excitement to a classic game, and the glow sticks create a magical atmosphere perfect for a summer evening.
2. Tarp Flip
This is a unique and fun game that involves teamwork. Lay a large tarp on the ground and have the whole family stand on it. The goal is for everyone to flip the tarp over while staying on it. No one is allowed to step off the tarp during the challenge. The team that flips the tarp the fastest wins.
Why it’s great for families: This game requires cooperation, problem-solving, and communication, making it ideal for strengthening family bonds.
3. Balloon Pop Relay
In this relay race, each player must run to the finish line with a balloon between their knees. Once they reach the finish line, they pop the balloon and pass it to the next player. The team that pops all their balloons first wins.
Why it’s great for families: It’s a hilarious and active game that’s perfect for all ages, promoting friendly competition and a lot of laughter.
4. Bubble Wrap Run
Use a large piece of bubble wrap, and spread it across the yard. The game is simple: players must race across the bubble wrap without popping any of the bubbles. The person who crosses the finish line without popping any bubbles wins.
Why it’s great for families: It’s a fun way to bring out everyone’s competitive spirit while incorporating sensory fun with the satisfying pop of bubble wrap!
5. Pine Cone Bowling
For a nature-inspired game, use pine cones as bowling pins and any kind of ball (or even a rock) as the bowling ball. Set up the pine cones in a triangular formation, and take turns rolling the ball to knock them down.
Why it’s great for families: It’s a simple yet fun game that gets everyone outdoors, and you can easily set it up with natural materials you find around you.
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6. Spider Web Obstacle Course
Create a “spider web” in your backyard using ropes or strings. The goal is for players to crawl through the web without touching the strings. The game becomes even more fun when you time the players and make it into a race.
Why it’s great for families: It’s a fun challenge that encourages physical activity and teamwork. It also helps kids improve their agility and coordination.
7. Kite Flying Contest
Get creative and let your imagination soar by organizing a kite-flying contest. The goal is to see whose kite can fly the highest, stay in the air the longest, or perform the coolest tricks.
Why it’s great for families: Kite flying is a relaxing and creative outdoor activity that allows for friendly competition and collaboration as everyone tries to master their kites.
8. Hula Hoop Relay Race
Set up a series of hoops at various distances and have family members race to jump through them one at a time. You can make it more interesting by making each hoop represent a different challenge, such as hopping through or rolling a ball through it.
Why it’s great for families: It adds a fun physical challenge and gets everyone moving. It also helps improve balance and coordination.
9. DIY Water Park
If you want to turn your backyard into a water-filled playground, create a DIY water park. Use sprinklers, inflatable pools, and water balloons to set up various water-themed games, such as water balloon fights, slip-and-slide races, and water bucket relays.
Why it’s great for families: It’s a fantastic way to beat the summer heat and ensure everyone has fun. Kids and adults alike will enjoy cooling off while playing games.
10. Sack Race Challenge
The classic sack race gets a fun twist by creating a tournament-style competition. Have family members race in potato sacks from one end of the yard to the other. You can add multiple rounds or even have players race in pairs for extra fun.
Why it’s great for families: This game brings out friendly competition while providing plenty of laughs. It’s simple to set up and requires no fancy equipment.
11. Steal the Bacon
This game involves two teams, and the objective is to steal an object (like a ball or a “bacon” item) from the opposing team while avoiding being tagged. The game is played in an open area, with each team stationed at opposite sides.
Why it’s great for families: It’s an energetic and exciting game that encourages teamwork and strategy, making it perfect for groups of any size.
12. Tennis Ball Hunt
Toss a bunch of tennis balls around the yard or park. Then, blindfold everyone except one person, who will call out directions to help the others find the hidden tennis balls. The person who collects the most tennis balls wins.
Why it’s great for families: It’s a fun scavenger hunt-style game that promotes teamwork and problem-solving skills, and it can be played with just a few basic supplies.
13. Outdoor Bowling with Plastic Cups
Set up a bowling lane using plastic cups as pins and any lightweight ball as the bowling ball. The challenge is to knock down all the cups by rolling the ball from a distance. You can even create a tournament with a scoring system.
Why it’s great for families: This game is simple to set up and play, and it works well for all ages. It’s perfect for improving hand-eye coordination while having fun outdoors.
14. Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament
Transform the classic hand game into an outdoor sport by organizing a tournament where players compete in large-scale rock-paper-scissors battles. Each player faces off with another until a champion is crowned.
Why it’s great for families: This game is easy to play, requires no equipment, and brings out the competitive spirit in everyone.
15. Obstacle Course Relay
Set up a fun and challenging obstacle course using items like cones, chairs, and ropes. Players must race through the course while completing challenges like jumping, crawling, or balancing on beams. The fastest time wins!
Why it’s great for families: It’s great for all ages, as you can modify the difficulty based on who is playing. It encourages physical activity and teamwork, perfect for family bonding.
FAQs About Outdoor Family Games to Play
1. What are some outdoor games that require minimal equipment?
Games like Sack Races, Steal the Bacon, and Tennis Ball Hunt are perfect for families who want minimal setup. All you need are basic household items or things found in nature, such as tennis balls or cones.
2. Can I play these games in a small yard or backyard?
Yes! Many of the games mentioned, such as Hula Hoop Relay Race and Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament, can be adapted to fit smaller spaces. You just need a little creativity to work with what you have.
3. What are the best games for a large group of family members?
Glow Stick Tag, Human Knot Relay, and Steal the Bacon are excellent choices for large groups. These games involve teamwork, competition, and a lot of players, making them ideal for family gatherings.
4. How can I make these games more challenging for older kids or adults?
For older participants, increase the difficulty by adding timed challenges, increasing the number of obstacles, or incorporating higher stakes into games like Bubble Wrap Run or Obstacle Course Relay.
5. What are some water games that are safe for kids and adults?
DIY Water Parks and Water Balloon Dodgeball are both water-based games that everyone can enjoy. They’re great for cooling off in the summer while having fun together.
Conclusion
These 15 unique outdoor games offer fresh ways for families to stay active and have fun this summer. Whether you’re looking for competitive challenges, creative activities, or just a way to beat the heat, these games will help you create lasting memories with your loved ones. Get outside, get active, and let the games begin!