15 Outdoor Games for Kids: Perfect for Every Backyard!

Yard games for kids are a fantastic way to get your little ones off their screens and outside in some fresh air. Kids outdoor games combine fun with important health and developmental benefits. 

Outdoor play provides an opportunity for exercise and helps kids stay active while improving coordination, balance, and physical fitness. From running, jumping, and throwing, outdoor games for kids help build strong, healthy bodies while fostering a love for being active.

Beyond physical health, fun outdoor games for kids encourage social interaction and teamwork to reach a common end goal. While there may be disagreements, DIY backyard games can also help kids learn to take turns and communicate. These important interactions strengthen friendships, teach social skills, and even build self-confidence. 

Best of all, outdoor games for kids are just fun. From classic games like tag and hide-and-seek to modern twists incorporating problem-solving or physical challenges, there’s something for everyone. Outdoor play provides a break from daily routines and helps kids connect with nature.

If you’re searching for ideas, we’ve curated 15 outdoor games for kids that can work in any setting. Just be sure to fuel them with healthy snacks while they play!

15 Perfect Outdoor Games for Kids

DIY outdoor games are a wonderful way to keep children entertained and active, and they don’t have to be elaborate to provide a good time. Many of the best yard games for kids are simple and can be set up quickly using items you already have. 

Whether it’s a last-minute backyard playdate or a planned neighborhood activity, the below fun games to play outside can help bring joy and laughter. 

Game #1: Classic Lawn Obstacle Course

Kids love a good obstacle course. Transform your backyard into this fun outdoor game for kids using household items. Chairs, cones, pool noodles, and jump ropes can be arranged for kids to crawl under, jump over, and weave through. 

Tailor the course to different age groups by making it more challenging or simpler, and time each participant.

Game #2: DIY Backyard Bowling

DIY Backyard Bowling is another favorite among fun games to play outside. Set up empty plastic bottles or cans as pins and use a lightweight ball to knock them down. Kids can compete to see who gets the most strikes. 

You could even paint or number the pins for different points. Bowling enhances hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and focus while being simple enough for all ages to enjoy. Cleanup is quick and you can reset the game as many times as you like.

Game #3: Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts turn any backyard into a quest. Create a list of items to find, such as a leaf, a rock, or something red. Kids can compete on their own, with a sibling, or in teams while racing to collect all items on the list. 

These fun games to play outside help children pay more attention to details around them, solve problems, and work together. Let the hunt end with a fun treasure, like a basket with a small toy and a satiating Chomps beef jerky stick or mini Chomplings.

Game #4: Tag

Whether it’s played at school or as a DIY backyard game, tag is a classic that never gets old. One player is designated as “it” and chases the other players while trying to tag them and make them the next “it.” 

You can even try variations like freeze tag or shadow tag, or utilize play structures to add a “the floor is lava” angle. Tag is one of the best yard games for kids because it’s great for speed, agility, and endurance, and can be played anywhere.

Game #5: Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek is another classic that combines strategy, patience, and fun. Variations like Sardines, where one person hides and everyone else searches to join the hiding spot, can also be fun. 

Hide and Seek is one of the best outdoor games for kids because it promotes problem-solving and creativity. Children will explore imaginative hiding places, like behind a tree, under a bush, or in a backyard nook.

Game #6: Red Light, Green Light

Red Light, Green Light is the best yard game for kids. They’ll hone their listening and reaction skills in the process. 

One player acts as the traffic light, standing at the finish line with their back to the others. They call out “Green Light” to signal players to move forward and “Red Light” to make them freeze. 

If anyone moves during “Red Light,” they go back to the starting line. The first to reach the traffic light wins and becomes the next caller. This game is especially beneficial for younger kids since it offers a fun way to practice listening to directions and self-control. 

Game #7: Hula Hoop Challenges

Kids can compete to see who can hula hoop around their waist the longest. Or, they can also use the hoops for imaginative and fun games to play outside, like rolling them to a target or jumping through them like an obstacle. Hula hooping strengthens core muscles, balance, and coordination. 

Game #8: Simon Says

Simon Says is another oldie-but-goodie. In terms of yard games for kids, it tests their ability to follow instructions and think fast. One player, designated as Simon, gives commands to everyone else, starting with “Simon says,” such as “Simon says touch your toes.” 

Players must only follow the command if it starts with “Simon says.” If Simon doesn’t start his or her command with the phrase and players still act, they’re out. In terms of outdoor games for kids, this one sharpens listening skills, focus, and reaction time while keeping kids entertained. 

Game #9: Hopscotch

Hopscotch is simple, yet it’s one of the most beloved yard games for kids based on balance and coordination. Use chalk to draw a hopscotch grid on the pavement or create one using tape on a smooth surface. Number the squares and have kids toss a small object, like a rock or bean bag, onto a square before hopping through the grid on one foot. 

Players skip the square with the marker and try to reach the end without stepping on a line or losing their balance. 

Game #10: Water Balloon Toss

On warm days, a water balloon toss is an easy way to get kids moving (and stay cool). Fill balloons with water and pair kids up to toss the balloon back and forth. Encourage them to step farther apart with each successful catch. The goal of these outdoor games for kids is to keep the balloon from bursting. 

Game #11: Relay Races

This next idea on our list of yard games for kids is especially great for children who enjoy obstacle courses and physical challenges. Start by dividing kids into teams. Set up a race course with fun challenges, like balancing an egg on a spoon, hopping in a sack, or crawling through a tunnel. 

Game #12: Kickball

Kickball leans into soccer and baseball and is one of the best yard games for kids who enjoy sports. Set up bases in your backyard and use a soft, lightweight bouncy ball. 

Players take turns kicking the ball and running the bases, aiming to score runs while the opposing team tries to get them out. It’s a great way to improve coordination, teamwork, and strategic thinking. 

Game #13: Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is one of the most fun, team-based outdoor games for kids that combines strategy, speed, and teamwork. Divide players into two teams and designate a “flag” for each, such as a bandana or small object. 

Each team hides its flag in its territory while trying to capture the opposing team’s flag and return it to its side without being tagged. Players who are tagged are sent to “jail” and must be freed by their teammates. 

Game #14: Frisbee Throw

Throwing a frisbee is a simple yet engaging activity that builds hand-eye coordination and encourages active play. Ultimate Frisbee, in particular, is one of the best yard games for kids craving to play with a group of friends. Players pass the frisbee to score points in the opposing team’s end zone. 

Game #15: Balloon Volleyball

Balloon volleyball can is one of the outdoor games for kids on our list that can also be played indoors (depending on the weather). To play, tie a string or tape a ribbon between two chairs to create a net and use a balloon as the ball. Kids take turns hitting the balloon over the net while trying to keep it from touching the ground. 

This game is safe and nice for younger children. It’s also great for practicing motor skills, coordination, and focus. Add challenges like kids can only use one hand or one finger to hit the balloon. 

Let the Fun Begin with These Yard Games for Kids!

Playing outside is one of the most important things kids can do, as it helps them release energy, boosts mood and mental health, and can be a great way to socialize. Fortunately, creating engaging outdoor games for kids is easy and doesn’t require equipment. It allows for many options perfect for any backyard or outdoor space. 

While kids play, it’s important to ensure they have nutritious snacks to fuel their energy. Chomps sticks are convenient, gluten-free, and contain high-quality protein. They’re a nutritious snack option to support outdoor game time. 

After a day of outdoor play, gather the family for an evening of indoor fun and game night delights, where laughter and healthy game-night snacks are shared around the table.

FAQs

What is the best outdoor game for kids without equipment?

Tag is perhaps one of the best outdoor games for kids that requires no equipment. It’s simple, energetic, and adaptable with variations like freeze tag or shadow tag. Kids can play anywhere with open space, and the game encourages physical activity, quick reflexes, and laughter.

What is a good outdoor game for kids?

Capture the Flag is a fantastic outdoor game for kids because it offers teamwork, strategy, and adventure. With just two “flags” (any small objects), kids divide into teams, hide their flags, and try to capture the opponent’s flag while avoiding being tagged. It’s thrilling and perfect for group play.

How to make your own outdoor game?

To create your own outdoor games for kids, start with basic materials like chalk, cones, or ropes. For example, design an obstacle course by arranging items to jump over, crawl under, or zigzag around. Incorporate healthy allergy-free snacks and it’s sure to be a good time.