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23 Outdoor Games to Make Summer a Blast

Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors with your family and friends. With all of that beautiful sunshine, it’d be just a shame to waste a day inside. But, it can be hard to come up with new, fun things to do, and it’s pretty easy to find yourself spending the summer on your couch accidentally. In an attempt to keep my own summer from falling into a rut this year, I’ve come up with this list of 23 Outdoor Games to Make Summer a Blast. Hopefully, it will help your family, too! From old classics to new favorites, this list is sure to keep your family out of the house and having fun.

23 Outdoor Games for the Best Summer Ever

Outdoor Games for Summer

Water Balloon Pinata

Grab some water balloons, and tie them on a string above everyone’s heads. Blindfold each player (or not), and see who can burst the most balloons during their try. Everyone will have a blast getting soaked!

water balloon pinata

Wet Head Game

Best for ages 6 and up, this water roulette game will help keep you and your kids cool and entertained this summer. Fill it with water, strap it onto your head, spin the spinner, and hope you don’t get wet!

wet head game

Ladybug vs. Tadpoles Tic Tac Toe

I LOVE this concept! Simply decorate some rocks with two opposing “teams” (here we have ladybugs and tadpoles), paint the tic tac toe board on a wooden round, and you’re all set.

tic tac toe 1

Giant Inflatable Bowling Set

Go bowling in your backyard with this comically large bowling set! Since it’s soft and inflatable, it’s fun and safe for all ages.

inflatable bowling

Ice Bowling with Legos

Speaking of bowling, set up big stacks of legos, and use a frozen ball of ice to knock them down. What an innovative way to stay cool!

ice bowling with legos

Horseshoes

A summertime classic, this game is perfect for parties, trips to the beach, or just backyard fun. Recommended for ages 8 and up, you and your family are sure to have tons of fun.

horseshoes

Rollors

This game combines horseshoes, bocce ball, and bowling. The pieces are easy to pick up and super durable, which means this all-ages games will last you for years!

rollors

Turtle Toss

Turtle Toss is just like cornhole, but better! Instead of lugging around heavy cornhole boards and beanbags, you get a portable, easy-to-set-up game that you can take with you anywhere. It’s a terrific set for family reunions. Get it HERE.

turtle toss

H2O GO

Ideal for ages 3 and up, this game is absolutely perfect for summer. It’s just like tetherball, except the ball acts as a sprinkler!

h20go

Mini Frisbee Golf

This easier version of disc golf is fun and kid-friendly. Designed for ages 5 and up, your whole family will love this outdoor game.

frisbee golf

Giant Ring Toss

Use pool noodles to set up a giant ring toss game. That’s an affordable family day activity if I’ve ever seen one!

giant ring toss 1

Burlap Potato Sack Race Bags

Another classic! These potato sack race bags are perfect for ages 5 and up. Have everyone grab a bag, and get hopping to the finish line.

potato sack races

Baseball Water Slide

Combining slip-and-slides with baseball, this is the perfect summer game for sports fans. Step up to the plate, hit the ball, and slide through the water to the next base before you can be tagged out!

baseball water slide

Water Bowling with Coconuts

It couldn’t be simpler – set up some water bottles, and roll a coconut to knock them down.

bowling with coconuts

Giant Foam Dominoes

Dominoes doesn’t have to be an indoor game! The giant pieces in this set make outdoor play tons of fun. This game is for two or more players, so you can play it anytime, no matter how small your family is.

foam dominoes

Squirt Guns

These are perfect for hot summer days. Just the gun up with water, and see who can stay dry the longest!

super soakers

Water Balloon Toss

Toss water balloons through a hula hoop for another fun way to soak each other on a hot day.

water balloon toss

Pop ‘N Catch

This is an awesome game for two people. Place the ball in the launch basket, aim at the other player, and pop the trigger with your thumb. The other player then has to catch the ball in their basket before launching it back. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

pop n catch

Disc Toss

Great for all ages, this game can be played solo or with a group. It’s also collapsible so that you can take it with you on trips to the beach or park.

disc toss

Sponge Water Bombs

Make your own diy water bombs with sponges. They can hold a TON of water, so getting smacked with one of those is a soaker for sure. Lots of fun!

diy water bombs 1

Jarts (Lawn Darts)

A safer version of your classic lawn darts, you and your kids should have no problem playing the backyard game. Just throw the darts at the target rings, and count up the points.

lawn darts

Double Ladderball

This game includes two “ladder” goals and six bolas (which are, basically, two small balls connected by a rope). Try to land the bolas on one of the bars of your team’s goal. Perfect outdoor game for ages 4 and up!

ladderball

Pool Noodle Boat Races

Make pool noodle boats and race them across the pool (or a container of water) to see whose design sails the best. This is a blast for little kids.

pool noodle boat races

Keeping your family outside and active during the summer should be a fun time, not a struggle. With these outdoor game ideas, you and your family can enjoy the summer sun without any extra stress.

If you enjoyed these outdoor games, you’ll also like:

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Author

  • I'm Donella, the voice, heart, and wit (sometimes) behind this blog. I homeschool my pre-teen son by day and moonlight as a blogger and freelance writer. I'm a Diet Pepsi aficionado with a bookshelf that's always overflowing. My two dogs—a German Shepherd and a Beagle—are my fluffy shadows. I love planning in my bullet journal almost as much as I love hoarding notebooks and pens. I may be an introvert who missed her calling as a desert hermit, but that just gives me more time to write, right?

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maggy, red ted art

Wednesday 19th of April 2017

This is SO FUN! Thanks for including our Water Balloon Pinata game