Outdoor Games for Families: The Fast Guide

This is the on-short-notice guide for outdoor games that will keep the whole family entertained and active. With the sun shining and the fresh air beckoning, it’s time to step outside and enjoy some thrilling and interactive fun. Amongst the hundreds of possibilities, we’ll explore a variety of outdoor games suitable for different age groups, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Whether you have toddlers, teens, or both, we’ve found something for you. Let’s enter the world of outdoor play.

Easy Links for this Article

• Outdoor Games for Families
• Games for Small Yards
• Outdoor Games for Teens
• Outdoor Family Games with No Equipment
• Outdoor Games for Toddlers
• Quiet Outdoor Games
• Outdoor Ball Games for Children
• Precautions for Outdoor Games

Outdoor Games for Families

Family time is precious, and what better way to bond than through outdoor games that engage and excite everyone? From classic games to innovative new ideas, these activities are guaranteed to create unforgettable memories.

Idea:   Scavenger Hunt Adventure

• Prepare a list of items or clues for the scavenger hunt. Tailor the difficulty level to the ages of your family members.
• Hide the items or clues in various spots around your backyard or a nearby park.
• Divide your family into teams or play as one big team.
• Start the timer and let the adventure begin. Encourage teamwork and problem-solving as they search for the hidden items or follow the clues.
• The team that finds all the items or completes the scavenger hunt first wins. Celebrate the victory together!

Idea:   Water Balloon Toss

• Fill several water balloons and gather your family in a spacious outdoor area.
• Form pairs, standing facing each other about three feet (one metre) apart.
• Start with a gentle toss back and forth. If the balloon doesn’t break, take a step back and toss again. Keep stepping back until the balloon bursts
• The last pair with an intact balloon wins. Prepare for lots of splashes and laughter!

Interested in more water-based games? Have a look at Splish, Splash!

Outdoor Games for Teens

Teenagers are always up for a challenge. Engage their competitive spirits with thrilling outdoor games designed to keep them entertained and active. Whether they prefer team sports or individual challenges, we’ve got the perfect suggestions for teenagers to enjoy with their families.

Idea:  Capture the Flag

• Divide the family into two teams and establish a base for each team at opposite ends of your outdoor area
• Set up a boundary or playing field in which the teams can move freely
• Place a flag or an object representing each team’s “treasure” at their respective bases.
• The objective is for each team to capture (steal) the opposing team’s flag and bring it back to its own base without being caught.
• Players who are caught by the opposing team within their territory are sent to “jail” until they are freed by a teammate.
• The first team to successfully capture the opposing team’s flag wins the game

Idea:  Outdoor Obstacle Course

• Create a challenging obstacle course using various objects and natural elements in your outdoor space
• Incorporate activities like crawling under ropes, jumping over hurdles, balancing on logs, and climbing over makeshift walls
• Time each family member as they navigate the obstacle course, and encourage friendly competition to beat each other’s times
• For added excitement, introduce penalties for touching objects or falling off obstacles
• Celebrate together once everyone has completed the course and compare times to determine the champion of the outdoor obstacle course

Games for Small Yards

Transform your backyard into a playground with these yard games that are fun for the whole family. These games are easy to set up and will provide hours of laughter and entertainment right in the comfort of your own home.

Idea:  Cornhole

• Set up two cornhole boards a suitable distance apart in your yard. [If you don’t have cornhole boards, two sturdy cardboard boxes with a hole cut in the top will work]
• Divide your family into two teams and position them behind each board
• Each team takes turns throwing bean bags [ or rolled-up sports socks] at the opposite board, aiming to land them in the hole or on the board for points
• The team with the highest score after a predetermined number of rounds wins the game
• Enjoy friendly competition and cheer for each other’s successful tosses!

Idea:  Budget Cornhole

• If you would like to try Cornhole before you invest in a board and some bean bags, there is a budget version.
• Substitute the cornhole board with a sturdy cardboard box, with a hole cut in one side.
• Roll up pairs of sports socks into a ball and away you go.

Idea:  Giant Jenga

• Obtain a set of oversized Jenga blocks or make your own by enlarging regular Jenga pieces
• Stack the blocks in a stable tower formation, three blocks per layer, alternating the orientation with each layer
• Gather your family around the tower and determine the order of play
• Players take turns removing one block at a time from any layer of the tower and placing it on the top
• The player who causes the tower to collapse loses the game, and the rest of the family enjoy the exciting tumble of the blocks

Outdoor Family Games with No Equipment

Don’t worry if you don’t have any sports equipment at hand. We have included outdoor games that require no equipment at all. These games are perfect for spontaneous family fun, whether you are at the park, the beach, or even in your own backyard

Idea:  Duck Duck Splash!

• Have your family sit in a circle on the grass or in a designated outdoor area
• Choose one person the be the “Splasher” who holds a small cut of water
• The Splasher walks around the outside of the circle, gently tapping each family member on the head and saying “Duck”
• Randomly, the Splasher chooses someone to be “Splash” instead of “Duck” and pours a small amount of water on their head and runs for it!
• The person who got splashed jumps up to chase the “Splasher”. If the person who poured the water makes it all the way around the circle and back to the empty spot, they are safe and the person who was splashed is now the new “Splasher”.
• If they are tagged, the “Splasher” continues and goes around the circle to soak another person.
• And the game continues
• Enjoy the refreshing splashes on a warm day while laughing and anticipating who will be the next Splash

Idea:  Nature Scavenger Hunt

• Create a list of natural items for your family to find, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, or specific types of plants or trees
• Venture into a nearby park or forested area and provide each family with a copy of the scavenger hunt list
• Encourage exploration and observation as they search for each of the items on the list
• The first person to find all the items or the person with the most items found within a specified time limit wins the game
• Engage in discussions about nature and the environment during the scavenger hunt for added educational value
• Variation: Plan ahead, and provide, a ziplock plastic bag or a paper bag per person… a handy addition.

Outdoor Games for Toddlers

Toddlers love exploring and discovering new things. Engage their senses and encourage their motor skills with these outdoor games specially designed for little ones. From sensory play to simple races, these activities are sure to captivate your curious toddlers

Idea:  Bubble Chase

• Fill a bubble machine or use handheld bubble wands to create a stream of bubbles in your backyard
• Let your toddler chase and pop the bubbles, developing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Encourage them to jump, reach, and run after the floating bubbles, providing plenty of encouragement and applause
• Join in the fun by blowing bubbles together, fostering a joyful bonding experience with your toddler

Idea:  Sensory Nature Hunt

• Take your toddler on a sensory adventure in nature, such as a nearby park or garden
• Encourage them to touch different textures, smell flowers, listen to bird sounds, and observe various colours and shapes in their surroundings
• Engage their senses by asking questions like, “How does this flower smell?” or “What sound does that bird make?”
• Let them collect small, safe items like leaves or petals to create a nature collage or a sensory jar at home.
• This game nurtures your toddler’s curiosity and sensory development while fostering a love for the natural world

Quiet Outdoor Games

Sometimes, you may prefer a more peaceful outdoor experience, where the focus is on relaxation and tranquility. Discover quiet outdoor games that provide a calm and serene atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the beauty of nature together

Idea:  Nature Sketching

• Provide each family member with a sketchbook and a set of coloured pencils or crayons
• Find a quiet spot in your backyard or a nearby park where everyone can sit comfortably
• Encourage each person to select a natural element to sketch, such as a flower, tree, or landscape
• Spend some peaceful time observing and sketching the chosen subjects, appreciating the beauty of nature
• Afterward, share and discuss the artwork, allowing everyone to appreciate each other’s unique interpretation of the natural world

Idea:  Outdoor Yoga and Meditation

• Choose a serene and quiet spot outdoors, preferably near nature, where your family can comfortably practice yoga and meditation
• Begin with gentle warm-up exercises and stretches to prepare the body
• Follow a family-friendly yoga routine or utilize a yoga app or video suitable for all ages
• After the yoga session, guide your family through a brief meditation, focusing on deep breathing and cultivating a sense of peace and relaxation.
• This game promotes mindfulness, physical well-being, and inner calm, providing a tranquil outdoor experience for the whole family

Outdoor Ball Games for Children

Balls are the perfect outdoor playthings, providing endless possibilities for games and activities. From classic ball games like soccer and basketball to unique variations, these outdoor ball games will keep children of all ages engaged and active

Precautions for Outdoor Games

While outdoor games are a fantastic way to have fun, it’s crucial to ensure everyone’s safety. Be aware of important precautions to take before and during your outdoor game sessions to prevent accidents and ensure a worry-free experience for the entire family

Tip #1  Sun Protection

• Before heading outdoors, apply sunscreen with a high SPF to all exposed areas of your family’s skin, including their faces, arms, and legs.
• Encourage everyone to wear wide-brimmed hats or caps to shield their faces from direct sunlight
• Provide each family member with sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays
• Plan outdoor game sessions during early morning or late afternoon hours when the sun’s intensity is lower
• Stay hydrated by ensuring everyone drinks enough water throughout the games.

Tip #2  Safety Measures

• Inspect the outdoor playing area for any potential hazards, such as sharp objects, uneven ground, or low-hanging branches, and remove or address them before starting the games
• Ensure that children are supervised at all times during the outdoor game sessions
• If playing near roads or parking areas, establish clear boundaries and remind everyone to be cautious of passing vehicles
• Teach children proper game etiquette and the importance of respecting others’ personal space to avoid collisions or accidents during active games
• Have a basic first aid kit readily available in case of minor injuries, and ensure that all family members are aware of its location

Tip #3  Hydration and Rest Breaks

• Encourage everyone to drink water before, during, and after outdoor games to stay properly hydrated
• Schedule regular rest breaks to allow family members to rehydrate and catch their breath, especially during intense physical activities
• Provide shaded areas or portable sun umbrellas where family members can take breaks from direct sunlight
• Listen to your body and rest when feeling fatigued or overheated. Encourage open communication among family members to ensure everyone’s well-being
• If any family member shows signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration, such as dizziness, nausea, or excessive fatigue, immediately seek shade and provide water. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Tip #4  Proper Equipment Usage

• When engaging in outdoor ball games or activities that require equipment, ensure that the equipment is in good condition and suitable for the age group
• Provide appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, knee pads, or elbow pads, for activities like biking or skating
• Instruct family members on the proper use of equipment and emphasize the importance of following the rules and guidelines of each game
• Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to prevent accidents caused by faulty or damaged items
• Store equipment properly after use to prolong its lifespan and prevent injuries from tripping or falling over scattered items

Tip #5  Weather Awareness

• Stay updated on weather forecasts before planning outdoor game sessions
• Avoid outdoor games during severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, or extreme heat
• If you notice signs of approaching bad weather, such as dark clouds or sudden temperature drops, end the outdoor game and seek shelter
• Wildfires are becoming more common. Familiarize yourself with local weather patterns and be prepared for unexpected changes
• Respect nature and its moods, and prioritize the safety of your family by promptly reacting to adverse weather conditions

Note: Make sure to adjust the instructions and precautions according to the specific games and circumstances. Safety should always be the top priority when participating in outdoor activities

 

Conclusion: Embrace the great outdoors and create unforgettable memories with these exciting games for families. Whether you are planning a weekend adventure or a regular family bonding activity, these games are sure to bring joy, laughter, and quality time to all. From toddlers to teens, there’s something for everyone. So grab your sunscreen, and your hat, gather the family, and let the fun begin.