As all parents know, sending children outside to play is more difficult than it sounds. There can be a lot of resistance and complaints, especially if it is not part of your regular routine and there are attractive screen-based distractions indoors. The backyard can be more inviting if there are new and interesting ways to interact with it.
This does not mean going out and shopping for fancy play equipment, but working with what you have to give the kids something to do. Children need constant daily play outside. Indoor activities do not replace outdoor activities, so it is up to parents to insist that children get their daily dose of fresh air. Outdoor play gives children a unique opportunity to be in a space without fixed rules.
There are fewer requirements to calm down, be quiet, and stay clean. Outside, they are free to do whatever is reasonably entertaining. They are allowed to operate without the supervision of their parents or teachers, which is more conducive to imaginative play and to enter a state of creative flow, rather than hearing “don’t do that” all the time, the outdoors is a place where “Let’s do it!”
We have put together 200 backyard activities for kids.
Backyard Camping
If you live in the city and need to block out noise and street lighting, consider hanging clothes around your campsite and putting blankets on the clothesline. You can design your sleeping bags to sleep under the stars or build a tent out of old sheets. You will probably want to make a fire pit, but make sure you comply with the laws in your city.
Make Recipes
If you are going to have your kids cook in the backyard, it is best to take out the grill for a barbecue, whether you are going to teach them to make barbecued chicken, sausage, or pork. If you do not have a grill, it is time that you get one, especially since the summer is already here.
Home Theater
In some corner of the backyard, you can set up an improvised stage, hang a curtain so that children can practice theatric plays, and develop their stage skills. Look for scripts for children’s plays, which you can print and rehearse to act at home or recreate their favorite movie.
Make Crafts
Making crafts is a great option to develop skills in children. You do not have to go to the store to buy items, just recycle objects such as toilet paper rolls, egg boxes, used paper, or other objects found in every house.
Costume Chest
Most children like to wear costumes. Organize a box or closet of clothes of all types and sizes so they can experiment. Add clothes and accessories for adults.
Children love that their clothes are too big, and it can be quite funny. You can also add hats, caps, scarves, necklaces, shoes, fabrics of different sizes and colors and the idea is to see who can disguise more creatively.
Do Experiments
Experiments are of great importance as they teach children the principles of science and physics in a fun way. They can learn about the volume, movement, transformation of matter, discovering certain chemical reactions. These experiments can awaken their curiosity to learn and discover new things about science.
Make Toys with Recycled Objects
Let’s take this opportunity to educate children on the importance of recycling. In the backyard, teach them to separate certain basic materials like paper, glass, cardboard, etc. For example, with a cardboard box, you can make a house or a car, or with some empty cans, you can make a bowling alley. The idea is to take advantage of these resources and turn them into games.
Take Care Of Plants
Gardening is the perfect summer activity for kids of all ages. Even the little ones can help plant seeds in the backyard to grow their own food. This is a good way to teach them to take care of the environment and protect nature.
Scrap Board
Attract a hidden universe of creatures. Find an old scrap board and place it on the ground. Come back several days later and pick it up to see what has accumulated underneath.
Know Your Environment
Pick a special place. Encourage children to go to their special place every day to spend several minutes sitting in it and watching the world go by, becoming intimately familiar with the wildlife around them. Know the birds that live there, know the trees in which they live. Get to know these things as if they were your relatives.
Become a Cloud Watcher
Children can lie on their back and look at the clouds in the sky, learn to identify the different types and what they mean for the weather.
Viewing Table
Set up a viewing table. Under a sheltered overhang or porch, or even inside if desired, set up a small table where children can collect treasures they find in nature. It can change by month or season to reflect what is going on around you.
Dig In The Dirt
For many children, pure happiness can be found with a shovel and a piece of soft dirt. A bucket of water takes you to the next level. Every yard with young children should have a designated ‘mud pit’ area, where they ‘have free rein to dig as they please. They will find interesting things while doing it, like worms, bulbs, roots, rocks.
Picking Fruit
A great way to get the kids involved in picking fruit, especially, if you have fruit trees in the backyard. After picking the fruits, sit down and start enjoying them.
Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunt can be fun for kids. It helps them to use all their five senses while they are involved in accomplishing tasks.
Bird Watching
Get the binoculars out and let your kids do some bird watching. The activity is soothing, awe inspiring and stimulating.
Play in the Sandbox
If you don’t have a sandbox in the backyard, you can build one. If you don’t have sand, you can opt for dirt. The kids will still love it.
Bounce House
Rent a bounce house and let the kids jump and squeal while they explore the inflatable space. You can also buy your own bounce house for use throughout the summer and beyond.
Stomp Rockets
Get foam rockets for the kids to stomp. The more they stomp, the higher the rockets go. This is a great way to help your kids release their energy in a safe environment.
Play in Sprinkler
Playing in the sprinkler can be fun for kids who want to cool down in the hot summer heat.
Slip and Slide
Place a plastic mat in the backyard, turn on the hose to wet it with a little liquid soap, and have your kids slip and slide their way to a fun afternoon.
Follow the Leader
When you are unable to take the kids to the playground, go in the backyard and give the kids an adventure of following the leader.
Huge Bubbles
Kids love to make bubbles. However, you can take it to another level by blowing giant bubbles.
Car Racing with Remote Control
Purchase cars that operate with remote control and have a car racing event in the back yard. Make sure you are equipped with the right batteries.
Swim in the Pool
Buy one of those plastic swimming pools that you can install in your backyard, if you don’t have a regular pool. Get the goggles and floaties out and have the kids play in the water.
Flying a Kite
On a breezy day, your kids can fly a kite
Backyard Picnic
Have a picnic in the backyard by setting up a small table with snacks and drinks.
Melting Crayons
What child does not love arts and crafts? Get together cookie cutters, aluminum foil, and lots of sunshine, and start having the kids melt broken crayons.
Obstacle Course
Set up an obstacle course in the backyard using stepping stones and foam blocks. You should set some rules and guidelines and allow the kids to improve their motor skills and have fun at the same time.
Sale on the Sidewalk
If you want to get kids to clean out their rooms and get rid of things they may not want, have a sale on the sidewalk, and they will love the idea of making money.
Zip Lining
This will take some investment, but you can set up a zip liner in the back yard. Make sure it is kid-friendly and safe.
Throwing Water Balloons
Throwing water balloons is fun for kids, especially in the summer months.
Freeze Tag
This activity will need a bunch of energetic kids to pull it off since it is a group game. However, it can be quite entertaining and the ideal outdoor activity.
Hunting Bugs
If the kids love animals and nature, then bug hunting is the perfect outdoor activity.
Car Wash
This activity may not be for smaller kids entirely, but you can get both the older kids and younger kids involved in some way or the other.
Bike Riding
Bike riding can be a fun activity for the entire family, but the kids will also enjoy it, especially, if the parents participate.
Squirt Paint
This activity is similar to paintball, but it is safer. Get a squirt gun and fill it with watercolors and let the kids have fun.
Sidewalk Chalk
With masking tape, you can let your child create designs on the sidewalk and then fill them with colored chalk. Your child will step away from it with pride.
Tailgating in the Backyard
Get the grill out and put some hot dogs and burgers to cook behind the family vehicle. Your kids will feel as if they are at a sporting event.
Tie and Dye Party
Buy white T-shirts and let your kids reveal their tie and dye skills. You can even invite the other kids in the neighborhood, turning it into a party.
Taking Pictures
Buy your child an instant camera to take into the backyard for photos of anything that seems interesting.
Movie Night with Projector
Get a movie projector screen out and set it up in the backyard for a night of watching a popular film. Order pizza and make some popcorn.
Farmer’s Market
Set up a farmer’s market in the backyard, invite the neighbors over, and give your kids a real-life experience of how you shop at the farmer’s market.
Tree Climbing
If you have trees in the backyard, get your child to climb the tree as a challenge. Make sure it is safe.
Rope Jumping
Rope jumping is a great exercise for kids and a great outdoor activity. If you don’t have a skipping rope, get one.
I Spy
I Spy is a nice game to play in the backyard and quite similar to “Follow the Leader.” It engages the kids in critical thinking.
Water Table
The water table is similar to slip and slide, but in this case, you would set this up for the toddlers.
Trampoline
Kids love to jump on a trampoline. If you don’t have one, be sure to get one for the backyard. They can jump as high as they want.
Hula Hoop
Buy hula hoops and let the kids hula hoop in the backyard.
Hop Scotch
Mark out lines in the concrete and have the kids play hopscotch.
Pick Up Game of Basketball
Get the kids in the neighborhood and in your household together for a pickup basketball game in the backyard.
Make Mud Pies
If it isn’t a rainy day, pour water on the ground and have the kids make mud pies to throw on each other safely.
Go on a Sound Hunt
Have the kids go on a sound hunt, listening to all the sounds of birds and animals in the backyard.
Play Volleyball
You can set up a volleyball net in the backyard and have your kids play volleyball.
Play With A Baby Doll
Your child can set up her doll set in the backyard, giving the baby doll a bath and playing with the other things in the doll set.
Toy Car Wash
Set up a toy car wash in the backyard and invite the neighborhood kids over.
Make a Bird Feeder
Make a bird feeder from wood and leave water and food inside for the birds to come.
Play Hide and Seek
Have the kids play hide and seek in the backyard.
Star Gazing
This can be a family activity.
Ride Scooters
Kids can ride their scooters in the backyard to be safe while having fun.
Collect Rocks
Carve out some time to go rock hunting and learn more about geology.
Lemonade Stand
Make a lemonade stand and have the neighborhood know about it so you can sell or give away.
Paint Rocks
Paint the rocks, which were collected.
Plant a Tree
A tree starts from planting one seed and years later, you will reap the benefits.
Pick Berries
Picking berries is another way to pass the time.
Make Sundial
Make a sundial and let this be a family experience.
Have a Yard Sale
Collect some of the things you or your kids don’t need and involve them in a yard sale. Put up signs around the neighborhood to promote your yard sale.
Campfire
Have a campfire with the kids, and you can also include the neighborhood kids.
Water Fight
Use a water gun to play fight in the backyard.
Play in the Rain
If it is raining, put on your rain clothes and galoshes and go have fun in the rain and in the puddles, which are formed.
Have A Bicycle Wash
Let the kids have a bicycle wash in the backyard with the neighborhood kids bringing their bikes.
Butterfly Garden
Plant the kind of flowers in your garden that will attract butterflies.
Piñata Party
Have a Pinata party and invite the neighborhood kids.
The Hammock Swing
Put up a hammock in the backyard and use it to relax in.
Make a Swing
Make a swing with ropes and a piece of wood.
Miniature Golf
Make a hole in the ground and use it to play miniature golf.
Fireworks
You can have a fireworks party, but be mindful of the neighbors.
Feed Ducks
Feed the ducks in the backyard pond.
Geocaching or Treasure Hunting
Go treasure hunting in the backyard. You may be surprised at what you could find.
Have an Outdoor Concert
You can host an outdoor concert for yourself and the neighborhood.
Watch the Sunset
Wait until the sun sets and go in the backyard to watch it go down.
Watch the Sunrise
Wait until the early morning and go watch the sun rise.
Gathering Wildflowers
Gather wildflowers with your siblings.
Make Bird Nests
Make a nest for the birds to enjoy.
Make Scarecrow
Use old clothes to make a scarecrow.
Build a Stick House
Build a house from sticks.
Make A Wind Chime
Make a wind chime for the front door.
Build Bird Bath
Build a bird bath in the back and make sure to fill it with water.
Catch Insects Using A Net
Use a net to catch flying insects.
Host a Talent Show
You could call up the kids in the neighborhood for a talent show in the backyard.
Kick the Can
Grab some of the cans in your recycle bin and do some can-kicking outdoors.
Catch Fireflies
Use a net to catch fireflies.
Play With Outdoor Kitchen Set
If you have a play kitchen set, you can use it in the backyard with your sibling or neighborhood friends.
Make a Racetrack For Toy Cars
Make a racetrack using chalk on the grass so you can play with your toy cars.
Make Chalkboard As A Message Center
Make a black chalkboard for a message center. You can use it to write the list of things you want to do in your backyard.
Paint Lines on Concrete For Racing Toy Cars
Paint some lines on the concrete and use it to play with your toy racing cars.
Make a Tire Ramp For Obstacle Course
Make a tire ramp for the jungle gym or obstacle course.
Make a Rock Wall for Climbing
Use a piece of board to make a rock wall for climbing. Use it as part of the obstacle course.
Make a Boat
Use sticks or a board to make a boat and pretend you are sailing on the seas.
Make an Lighted Tent
Use a plastic tablecloth and some sticks to make an illuminated tent so you can gaze at the starts while in your tent.
Make a Tire Swing
Get an old tire and rope to make a swing.
Make a Water Pillow
Make a water pillow from plastic and play with it or use it to cool down for the summer.
Make a Tic-Toc -Toe Board
Make your Tic-Toc-Toe Board and host a competition.
Make a Skateboard Swing
Use a skateboard to make a swing.
Make a Doll House
Use a board or stick to make a dollhouse you can play in with your dolls and accessories.
Make a Tree House
This would require more work, but you could make the treehouse with a ladder to climb in.
Make a Teepee
Make a Teepee from sticks. You can invite a play date inside.
Make a Mini Playhouse
Make a mini playhouse from board or sticks.
Make a See-Saw
Make a See-Saw from Board. There have to be two players.
3 Legged Race Or Crabbing
Get the whole family together and prepare for a fun day outside! If the kids are competitive, this is the perfect time to have fun running around doing 3-legged races, crabbing, or wheelbarrow walking.
Color Flower Pots
Get some flower pots and paint them in different colors.
Play Ring Toss
Toss the ring on the stick and see how many you can do. This dictates the winner.
Play Ker Plunk
Each player would take turns to remove one stick from off the tube and at the same time, minimize the balls falling through the net to the tray. When the player engages a specific rod after touching it, then it must be removed.
Hula Hoop Croquet
Use hula hoops to play a game of croquet.
Squirt Guns
Set up targets with plastic cups and use them to play with your squirt guns.
Paint Empty Bottles
Paint the empty bottles in your recycle bin and leave them out to glow in the dark.
Make Paper Airplanes
Paper airplanes are easy, cheap, and a lot of fun. Get down to business with the cardstock, and you’ve got a great outdoor activity for party guests! Have guests make their own giant paper airplanes for the garden party.
Make Cardboard Ring Toss
Again the launch of rings, in this case with cardboard rings designed and decorated by the participants and guests of the party themselves, what do you think?
Foam Popsicles
A few simple materials are all you need to make some foam popsicles for hot air balloon play!
Play Chess
Get a chessboard and play chess in the backyard.
Baton Fight
Use plastic batons and stand on a stool to battle. This is similar to a pillow fight.
Catch the Apple
Catch the apple without the use of your hands. This game is the cause of laughter and the best times at a garden party. It is simple, original, and healthy.
Bowling
Bowling in your own backyard is just a great idea. All you will need are several plastic bottles and balls (not too light).
Balloon Darts
Fix a bunch of colored balloons on a panel or tape them to the wall. Then have the children stand at a specific distance and blow up the balloons using darts or punches, it will be a very fun experience.
Pirate Party
If the theme of your garden party is about pirates, you cannot miss a catwalk of terror. The children will imagine that the grass is water, and they will have to walk a wooden strip suspended on two supports.
Pirate Catwalk
Let’s see then some variants of pirate catwalks, for example, one that ends in a pool, or one that goes over a pool, for more fun.
Colored Balls
If the weather is rather cool, the idea of the walkway over a pool full of water may not appeal to some parents, which is why, in the absence of water, colored balls. A pool full of colored balls will be the objective of every pirate, and they will have a blast.
Hanging Blackboard
The little ones of the party can enjoy painting with chalk on a blackboard in the garden. It is as easy as hanging one on the fence and voila, hours and hours of entertainment. Just make sure that the colored chalks are not missing.
Catapult Game
Children and adults will go crazy with this game. If you plan to build it, do not let children play without the supervision of a common sense adult. It is played using a ball to hit down a stack of plastic toys or cans.
Game of Scrabble
This is a family game to play amongst siblings or neighborhood kids. It can be fun.
Tetherball
A ball tied to a post with a heavy and sturdy base will guarantee moments of fun and physical exercise. You can spin the ball or make up games with friends.
Angry Birds
Do you remember the game Angry Birds? Basically, you can play it in the garden, and with birds made of balls tied to the trees. Make sure they are tied so that they can reach and knock over objects.
Target Table
A target table like this is ideal for children to shoot with squirt guns or to shoot balls. You can make one using a large wooden board and several tin buckets. Let children and young people decorate it with paint, let it dry and voila, fun is guaranteed.
Water Sprinkler Toy
Attach water toy to a garden hose and use it to spray your opponent. It can go up to 9 feet distance.
Inflatable Play Mat
Click image for more info
Buy an inflatable play mat that spouts water while your kid is sitting on it.
Puppet Show
Plan and have a puppet show.
Make a Play Kitchen
Use a board to make a play kitchen.
Make a Water Fountain
Make a water fountain out of stones.
Make an Outside Shower
Make an outside shower, but make sure you have a place for water to drain.
Make a Fort
An idea to make a fort without costing you a lot of work or money is to do it with recycled pallets now that they are so fashionable.
Play Badminton
If you can put a net or make a kind of net, you can play badminton.
Play Horseshoe
Put a target in the yard made with a sheet and paint of colors.
Set Up A Reading Corner
Having a backyard is a great advantage where you can sit down to rest or even create an outdoor reading corner.
Make Key Chains
Use motor skills to make key chains from scratch.
Build Fortress Using Old Sofas, Chairs, and Sheets
Use old sofas, sheets, and chairs to build a fortress.
Play Frisbee
Throw Frisbees to your dog or to each other.
Turn On Your Radio and Dance
Turn your radio on and have a blast dancing and singing.
Play Simon Says
Simon Says is a popular game you can play in the backyard.
Dress Up Halloween Costumes
Dress up in last year’s Halloween costume and have a costume parade.
Create a Puzzle
Create a puzzle with small cardboard squares.
Make a Made-Up Game
Make up your own fun game.
Make Jewelry
Make jewelry from scratch.
Host a Luncheon
With your parents’ permission, you can host a luncheon.
Organize Photo Shoot
Organize a photoshoot, especially if you love taking pictures.
Create Time Capsule
Choose a container to create a time capsule and decide where you will hide it.
Organize a Tournament
Organize a sports tournament.
Compose A Dance Routine
Choreograph or compose a dance routine and perform it.
Make Bracelets
Make beaded bracelets from scratch.
Face Painting
Have a face painting event.
Play Tug of War
Tug of War is a popular game you can play in the backyard.
Use Magnifying Glass
Use a magnifying glass to view different species of insects such as a caterpillar. Bring a jar to put them in.
Play Card Game
Card game is ideal for the outdoors as it is for indoors.
Have a Tea Party
Plan a tea party with plastic cups.
Use Pots and Pans to Have An Orchestra Performance
Bring out the pots and pans for an orchestra performance.
Play Hot Potato
Hot Potato is another popular game you can play outside.
Play Name a Melody
If you love music, play “Name a Melody” and see who wins.
Host A Painting Night
Decide what you are going to paint and have a night of painting.
Create a Small Garden
Make a small garden near your fence.
Host a Magic Show
If you love to perform magic, you could consider hosting a magic show.
Host Relay Race
If you have a big space outdoors, you can host a relay race.
Create Floral Arrangement
Use the flowers in your garden to create a floral arrangement.
Do Somersaults
Do somersaults in the grass.
Do Handstands
Show off your handstands.
Have A Pretend Restaurant
Create a pretend restaurant.
Make a Rocket with Cardboard
Use cardboard to make a rocket.
Host a Spelling Contest
Catch up your spelling with a contest.
Cardboard Maze
Make a cardboard maze for the kids to have a blast similar to an amusement park.
Paint the Fence
Paint and decorate your fencing.
Play Popular Games
Play the most popular games outdoors like Red Light Green Light, Red Rover, and Steal the Bacon.
Pillow Fight
Have a pillow fight with siblings or neighbors.
Canvas Painting
Paint a canvas.
Roller Skating
If you love to roller skate, you can do it in your backyard.
Play Kickball or Soccer
Play soccer or kickball in your backyard.
Water the Plants
If you have a garden, it is the perfect time to get everyone involved in watering it.
Have a Parade
Gather a wagon, stuffed animals, and some pots and pans for an instant parade.
Egg Hunt
Color eggs and have an egg hunt. It will be less messy compared to doing it indoors.
Toast Marshmallows
Toast marshmallows at night.
Build a Bridge with Ropes
Build a bridge using ropes.
Build a Rope Course
Build a rope course and use it as an obstacle course.
Host a Manicure and Pedicure
If you are a girl, you can host a manicure and pedicure event with your neighborhood friends.
Build a Castle with Mud
Use mud instead of sand to make a castle.
Tell Ghost Stories
This should be a family affair, telling and enjoying ghost stories.
Create a Twister from Bubble Wrap
Twisters are fun. You can put bubble wrap over a mat and play twisters.
Play Memory Game
Memory games are fun to play. You can buy memory cards or make your own.
Play Tag Using Clothespins
Play tag football with clothespins.
Make a Recycled Wall
Use a piece of board to make a recycled wall, placing or gluing plastic items on it.
Walking on Tight Rope
Take a piece of rope and tie it to two trees or stumps to make a tight rope.
Tossing Water Balloons
Fill balloons with water and toss the balloons at an object. Keep score of how many the winner has thrown.
Field Hockey
Play field hockey using a laundry basket, balloon, and pool noodles.
Walk on Stilt Cans
Build stilt cans out of two empty cans and rope. Pretend you are at the circus.
