No camp? No problem. From super-sized Jenga-style blocks to pool games, here are our favorite outdoor games to keep kids entertained and engaged all summer long.
As the weather gets nicer, parents everywhere are looking for ways to keep their children entertained and engaged outside of the house. This is especially true for kids who are not able to go off to summer camp or those who are either too young or unable to take on a job this summer. So what can you do to have fun? Well, you can play games, of course! After all, there are lots of ball games, pool games, and classic party games that make for fun summer activities.
If you’re a parent looking for options, there aren’t really any rules. What game your kid — or kids — will enjoy will depend a bit on their personality, as well as their age. But in general, you’re going to want to find games that meet a few key criteria.
What to consider when shopping for outdoor games:
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They should be age appropriate. In other words, if you have a toddler, make sure that whatever game you get your child isn’t too heavy, too big, or too dangerous for them.
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Look for games that are more than just fun. Lots of toys are designed to do more than just entertain. Some will help hone your child’s motor development or hand-eye coordination, while others will just help unlock your kids creativity.
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Don’t be afraid of simple. Sometimes the best games are those that allow your child to use their imagination.
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Think about how many players you need. For example, if you have one child, make sure you pick games that can be played alone too unless you want to spend your whole summer as player two.
It’s hard to really go wrong when picking kid toys as there are so many fun options out there, but here are some of our favorites for all ages.
Rec League Cornhole Board Set
A classic game that will keep kids — and adults — having fun for hours in the backyard.-
Age Range:
12+ -
Number of Players:
Minimum of two
Cornhole, or bean bag toss, isn’t a game that needs much explaining — chances are, your whole family knows what it is, but in case you don’t know the rules, this game set comes with instructions. It also comes with everything you need, including two sturdy plywood boards that meet American Cornhole Association standards and eight bags (four red and four blue).
Because the game is made with real plywood, it probably shouldn’t be left outside all summer, but the wood has been varnished with UV-coating to protect against some weathering. The game is on the larger size so you’ll need a good place to store it, but the legs do fold to help save storage space in the garage.
Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set
This easy-to-assemble soccer set is perfect for little kids learning a new sport for the first time.-
Age Range:
2+ -
Number of Players:
1+
The best thing: because it’s made by Little Tikes, this set is sized with little kids in mind, so kids of all ages over two can get in on the game.
Reviewer Susan writes:
“Perfect birthday gift for a 4 year old. Great for play with his older brother and most likely younger one when he’s ready to play… Good to see products that weather the test of time and hours of fun!”
Let’s face it: sometimes, the best kids games are the simplest. Water balloons might seem simple, but they allow kids to make their own fun independently with minimal rules. They’re also perfect for keeping kids cool on those hot summer days.
These balloons are better than just any balloon though. They’re small, which means that toddler hands can grab them too. They’re also soft-sided, so you don’t have to worry about them hurting your child. Best of all, though, is the fact that parents can fill and tie off dozens of balloons in seconds. All you have to do is attach the balloon bunch to a hose, turn it on, and voila! 40 water balloons filled in a few seconds. They even self-seal when they’re full.
Little Tikes Toy Sports T-Ball Set
If you’re looking for a sporty activity for your toddler, this classic game is your best bet.-
Age Range:
18 Months + -
Number of Players:
1+
This affordable T-ball set comes with an easy-to-use bat, some baseballs, and a tee. You can even adjust the height of the tee as your child grows. It also won’t take up a bunch of storage space in your garage because it folds up so you can hang it on a wall.
Reviewer Mrs Bamberger writes:
“This is great! I got it for my three year old and he hasn’t stopped playing with it since! Durable and easy to store when I can finally get it away from him at night!”
Reviewer kbaxburn writes:
“This was really cute. My daughter really enjoys it. She loves that some float and some she has to dive for. I also love that the net floats!! This helped a bunch. We’ve had to dive for net before and I love that this one floats!”
Reviewer Keira writes:
“Great quality. My son absolutely loves playing with his new basketball hoop! And its great because since it is adjustable and he’s only 3 years old, he will still be able to play with it for years to come as he grows! I’m very happy!”
Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk
If your child is more creative than athletic, this set of sidewalk chalk is the perfect activity to keep them having fun outside this summer.-
Age Range:
4+ -
Number of Players:
1+
Reviewer c20 writes:
“Great price for so many chalk colors. They write smoothly and look very bright on concrete. Love that it’s thick so it doesn’t break easily…It’s a wonderful sharing set and kids love using it.”
Wild Sports Stackers XL Game
This super-sized Jenga-style game will delight older kids as they build a tower as tall — or taller — than them while trying not to let it fall.-
Age Range:
7+ -
Number of Players:
2+
Of course, a giant game requires more space than a board game, but this does come with a carrying case to stow away the pieces or transport it from place to place.
Dick’s Sporting Goods reviewer JessPess writes:
“We bought this for a picnic and set it up on a picnic table. The kids had so much fun playing larger than life sized Jenga! The best was when it finally fell”
And another reviewer CoroinnieBeanie writes:
“We love to play jenga. And we wanted the giant version for something different. And fun outdoors. The whole family loves it. Great addition. Comes in a decent nylon bag.”