These DIY outdoor games are perfect for the entire family! Use these ideas in the backyard during a summer party, birthday, or gathering. Both kids and adults will have a blast!
Ah, the great outdoors – where the WiFi is weak but the potential “fun having” is . . . strong!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably experienced the age-old dilemma of trying to convince your family that there’s more to life than staring at screens all day.
Enter the savior of social gatherings and family bonding: DIY outdoor games!
Let’s face it, convincing kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) to abandon their digital devices can be as challenging as getting a cat to walk on a leash. But fear not.
I’ve discovered the ultimate recipe for outdoor amusement that even the most tech-obsessed family members can’t resist. And it’s homemade.
Picture this: it’s a beautiful sunny day, you’re in your backyard, and the sound of laughter fills the air. No, it’s not a scene from a sitcom; it’s your next family gathering with these amazing DIY outdoor games!
Whether you’re planning a summer shindig, a birthday bash, or just a casual weekend get-together, these games are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
“But wait!” you might exclaim. “I’m not a creative wizard!” Don’t worry, dear reader. You don’t need a degree in Fine Arts or a workshop full of tools.
These games are as easy to make as they are fun to play. Plus, they come with the added bonus of being customizable. A lot of the ideas also have printables and templates.
Now, let’s talk about variety. We’re not just throwing a ball around here (though if that’s your thing, no judgment!).
We’re talking about games that will have both kids and adults running around, laughing, and maybe even showing a competitive streak they never knew they had.
From classic lawn games given a unique twist to completely new inventions that might just become your family’s next tradition – we’ve got it all.
So, get ready to transform your backyard into the ultimate DIY game zone. Let’s show those screens who’s boss and make some memories that don’t require a password to access.
After all, the best connections are made without WiFi! Awwww.
Keep reading to check out the game ideas that are sure to make your next outdoor gathering a hit. Get ready to laugh, play, and maybe even engage in a little friendly competition – it’s game time!
DIY Outdoor Games
You're going to love this collection of homemade DIY yard games! Perfect for summer parties, holidays, or just having a good time with the family.
DIY Bean Bag Toss
I created a DIY bean bag toss game using clay saucers and a printable. This bean bag game is easy to assemble and you’ll have a blast!
Washer Toss Game
A washer toss game is a fun way to spend time with family and friends for some friendly competition. It's a quick and easy project you can build in just a few hours.
DIY Ring Toss Game
This fun project uses a big wood circle and dowel rods you can get from the home improvement store! The rings are made with rope and duct tape.
DIY Giant Lawn Matching Game
If you love Memory, then you're going to love this large version that you can make for the backyard. Includes printable stencils for the shapes!
Giant DIY Outdoor Kerplunk
The object of this game is to pull out a stick without making the balls drop! You don't need any tools to make it.
Dollar Tree Giant Yard Pong
Get ready to get your game face on because this yard pong takes outdoor games to the next level! Made easily using all inexpensive supplies.
Homemade Wooden Lawn Dice Game
Make a set of giant outdoor dice that can use up some scrap 4×4 you might have lying around!
DIY Wall Ball Maze
Also known as gruyere, this game is a fun challenge! You pull the strings on either side to move the holder up the board, carefully maneuvering it so the ball inside makes it to the top hole without falling in any of the holes along the way.
Giant Tic Tac Toe Yard Game
You can make this quickly and easily using supplies you already have on hand including paper plates and paint!
Squirt Gun Races Obstacle Course
Play this game on land or above a pool! This is a fun racing game that kids are going to love.
DIY Indoor-Outdoor Bowling Lane
This little bowling alley is perfect, because you can use it both inside and out! Play outside when the weather's warm then bring it inside when it rains.
Easy Lightweight DIY Cornhole Boards
Learn how to build your own lightweight cornhole boards and scorekeeper with this easy tutorial and plans. Uses only three power tools!
DIY Sponge Bombs Summer Water War
The game itself is simple - last kid standing! You can also play in teams, or just have an all out sponge bomb battle.
DIY Horseshoes Game Set
I've only played horseshoes once, but I think it's time to try it again! This cute painted set would be so fun for the backyard.
EASY Ladder Golf Set
If you've never played ladder golf, it's an absolute blast! It's also really easy, which makes it fun for the entire family.
Giant Jenga Yard Game With Carrying Case
This DIY outdoor game is a giant Jenga yard game. It's so easy to make and you'll also learn how to make a carrying case for it!
Freestanding DIY Hook and Ring Game
The best part about a hook and ring toss game is it’s easy to make and the entire family can play! This is an inexpensive game that you can make with scraps and a few items from the hardware store.
DIY Fishing Game with a Pool Noodle
This one's for the littles! Make an easy fishing game using a pool noodle, some googly eyes, and other simple supplies.
Stand Up Bean Bag Toss
This is a different variation on a bean bag toss made out of two pieces of plywood.
Water Balloon Volleyball
Water balloon volleyball is way more fun than a plain old water balloon fight. Kids have to work together to make it work, instead of just pelting each other!
DIY Scatter-Molkky Yard Game
You'll use a throwing pin to hit other pins called "Skittles" with point values in this fun twist on a Finnish game.
Giant Yard Twister
Get ready to get messy with this fun version of outdoor Twister that uses shaving cream. Kids can go into the sprinkler to wash off after they're done.
DIY Pool Noodle Frisbee Target
Set up one target, or make an entire course throughout your backyard! It's easy with pool noodles.
Glow in the Dark Bowling
This fun idea is made from used water bottles and glow in the dark necklaces.
DIY Milk Jug Water Balloon Toss
This game is perfect for cooling off this summer, and you probably already have the ingredients in your home.
Oversized Outdoor Checkerboard Game
Get instructions for an oversized checkerboard game that is perfect for some backyard fun and entertainment this summer! Both kids and adults will love it.
Bucket Toss
This is such a fun and easy idea and you can do it with bowls you already have! Simply make point value tags so the winner can take home the prize.
Bigfoot Racing Game
Prepare your feet for an epic adventure with the ultimate outdoor party game: Bigfoot! You'll race from point A to point B with colossal cardboard feet, each adorned with ball-pit balls for toenails.
Clown Bean Bag Toss
This is a cute idea for a themed birthday party, and you can throw just about anything (like beanbags, balls, marshmallows) through the mouths of the clown.
Frisbee Golf Game
Set up "holes" or baskets around your yard for this frisbee game and keep score based on how many tosses it takes you to advance from basket to basket. There's a free printable too!
Pool Noodle Mini Golf
It's so easy to make a fun little golf course with pool noodles and cups! You can make it more or less advanced based on the age of the child.
If you enjoyed these homemade games, let me know which one you tried in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out the following posts: