16 DIY Summer Backyard Games for the Whole Family

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Summer is officially in full swing! And if you are looking for fun ways to spend more time outdoors with your family, then you are going to love our collection of DIYs. These DIY backyard games are fantastic to make and use, especially when the weather’s warm.

They are perfect for a relaxed family afternoon or a lively backyard party. These games are a hit with both kids and adults.

Check out these 15 DIY outdoor backyard games that are sure to bring smiles and laughter to everyone involved

1. Summer Pictionary

This printable game is perfect for two or more players and is sure to bring lots of laughs to your family gatherings. It’s easy to set up and play, and you don’t need any special equipment. Just download our ready-to-go word cards and get ready for some summer fun.

See the Project: Free Summer Pictionary Printable Game

2. Cornhole

Cornhole Game Board
Image Credit: Sustain My Craft Habit

If the family loves a good game of cornhole, you can make your own DIY cornhole game board for everyone to enjoy in the backyard. It’ll be a great outdoor game kids of all ages and adults can enjoy during the summer.

See the Project: DIY Cornhole Game Board

3. Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe

tic-tac-toe board
Image Credit: Sustain My Craft Habit

Tic-Tac-Toe is another easy game that everyone in the family can participate in. You can easily make your own outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe with rocks, paint, and wood.

See the Project: DIY Tic-Tac-Toe Game

4. Giant Connect 4 DIY Outdoor Game

Giant connect game
Image Credit: Pine and Poplar

Take your family game night outdoors when the weather is nice and enjoy an old-fashioned, supersized Connect 4 game. This does take a little bit of extra work, but it’s worth it, and it will have everyone in the family outside enjoying the backyard.

See the Project: Giant Connect 4 DIY Outdoor Game

5. DIY Molkky Game

Mölkky Game with Carrier
Image Credit: Houseful of Handmade

Sometimes called Skittle Scatter, Molkky can be played outdoors and is great for when you need an outdoor game for a crowd. If you don’t have a crowd, the game can be played with just a small group. This tutorial will show you how to make your own supplies for the game and how to play.

See the Project: DIY Mölkky Game with Carrier

6. DIY Giant Chess Game

Giant Chess Set
Image Credit: DIY Danielle

Love playing chess with friends and family? Why not turn that game into a fun backyard game by creating your own DIY chess board with pavers?  You can get the giant chess pieces online.

See the Project: DIY Giant Chess Game

7. Backyard Plinko Game

Plinko Party Game
Image Credit: Happiness is Homemade

America’s favorite game! Make your own Plinko game outside and have the family compete to see who can get the most points. 

See the Project: Backyard Plinko Game

8. Outdoor Obstacle Course

Ninja Warrior Backyard Obstacle
Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Create the ultimate competition with this DIY outdoor obstacle course. Both kids and adults can get in on the action as they see who can complete the course without messing up the fastest.

See the Project: Outdoor Obstacle Course

9. Sponge Toss Water Game

Colorful sponge bombs
Image Credit: Crafts by Amanda

Turn sponges into a fun water game for kids to play outside when it’s hot. Think of the game as a water balloon fight, only with sponge bombs instead of water balloons. Kids will love tossing sponges or seeing who can win in a sponge fight competition.

See the Project: Sponge Toss Water Game

10. DIY Dice Yard Game

Giant sized dice with rainbow and sun painting
Image Credit: Laura Kelly

The kids will have fun helping you paint the giant yard dice and will also love playing games with them outside. You can get creative with making up your own games, using them like picture Yahtzee, or just letting the kids stack and play.

See the Project: DIY Dice Yard Game

11. Checkers

Kids playing on a Sidewalk Chalk Game Board
Image Credit: Kids Activities Blog

You can create your own checkers board on the back patio for a fun outdoor game the whole family will love. It’s great for kids and adults and is the perfect way to get outside play.

See the Project: Sidewalk Chalk Game Board

12. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Printable backyard scavenger hunt
Image Credit: Crafts on Sea

If you’re looking for a low-key game for kids to play outside, why not go on a fun scavenger hunt in the backyard? They’ll love finding the different insects, objects, and natural items.

See the Project: Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

13. DIY Outdoor Jenga

Colorful Jenga
Image Credit: Drugstore Divas

Jenga is a game that we love to play with friends and family. It’s fun and competitive to see who can be the best at taking out the blocks and keeping the tower up. For summer, make your own gigantic Jenga blocks and turn them into a fun outdoor game kids can play.

See the Project: DIY Gigantic Jenga

14. Giant Bubble Recipe & Game

Girl in a white shirt playing a giant bubble
Image Credit: A Happy Home in Holland

Bubbles are so much fun to play with in the summer, and you’ll often find kids doing them on warm summer days. Instead of buying those small bubble wants and containers, make your own giant bubble recipe at home and let the kids create large magical bubbles.

See the Project: Giant Bubble Recipe & Game

15. DIY Ring Toss

Ring Toss Game with Green and yellow color
Image Credit: Mom Endeavors

Make your own backyard game of ring toss with a few supplies and some work. Kids and adults can enjoy the game while enjoying the outdoors.

See the Project: DIY Ring Toss

16. Trampoline Games

Kids playing in the trampoline
Image Credit: Two Kids and A Coupon

There are a variety of different games kids can play on the trampoline while outside enjoying the nice weather. These trampoline games can give you some fun ideas for kids of all ages. 

See the Project: Trampoline Games

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