Summertime can be lots of fun, especially if you have kids. But, finding activities for them can sometimes be challenging – which is why we’ve put together this list of 35 DIY Backyard Games That Will Make Your Summer Ridiculously Fun!
So, for those days that the weather is nice, and, your children want to play outside, you can make any one of these fun, unique, and exciting games right in your own backyard!
This way, your house stays calm, peaceful, and clean – and at the same time keep your kids happy.
1. DIY Slip & Slide
There’s nothing more fun then having your own slip-n-slide in your backyard. Unfortunately, slip-n-slides from the store can be expensive, and, not always hold up very well against regular use.
This is the ultimate slide, with little “slip”, and combined with the above “Water Blob” is the perfect combination for hours of fun!
Check out the details below for more information on how to get started.
2. Create a Chessboard Patio
This DIY backyard chess game is the perfect way to either teach your kids how to play chess, or let them enjoy playing on their own! It really looks great, and is sure to not only get compliments from your neighbors, but, also requests for your kids friends to come over and play too!
DIY Details: Diy Network
3. DIY Giant Jenga Tower
This DIY giant Jenga tower using real wooden blocks is definitely a masterpiece to be seen, and, a one of a kind outback game if you’ve ever seen one! This is great for not only your kids but, also you and your friends to play during your next BBQ!
Just check out or click the Source link below to get instructions on how to build this, as well as other ideas for creating DIY backyard games!
DIY Details: Lemon Thistle
4. DIY Tire Swing
Who can forget the good ol’ outback tire swing? These environmentally friendly tire-swings are the perfect way to recycle, and, provide endless hours of fun for your kids!
These tire-swings are very easy to make, and, with a little fun, coloring can be cute, and, match the personalities of those you love the most – your kids!
DIY Details: Bob Vila
5. DIY Bean Bag Ladder Toss
This bean bag toss is the ultimate, affordable DIY solution for backyard games for you and your children. The design is simple, and, you’ll have to spend little to no money as you can just use tape, paper, and, a bean bag seat.
Either a tall or short ladder will work fine, and you can even set this up with your kids. This is a super easy, quick-fix to getting an activity made for your little ones to have fun outside in a safe, productive way.
Check out the source link below for more instructions and other DIY backyard game ideas.
DIY Details: Landeeseelandeedo
6. DO It Yourself Backyard Twister
Twister is a great game, lots of fun, and playing it on your lawn makes it even better! This way, you can customize the layout, and, have a ball while you’re setting it up and using it!
You don’t have to worry about cleaning it up afterwards, and chances are it’ll last a while – you’ll have have to re-spray as necessary to keep the dots visible if it rains. Read more below!
DIY Details: You Plus Me For Always
7. DIY Bowling with Recycled Bottles
Want to let your kids play bowling outside, but, don’t have a set laying around? Using recycled bottles and some red markers is all you’ll need, and your kids can use a tennis ball or whiffle-ball to knock em’ down!
DIY Details: Moon Frye
8. DIY Tic-Tac-Toe
Set up a fun and easy to use Tic-Tac-Toe game for your little ones by just using a few rocks, and a wooden board. All you need is a little paint, and you’re good to go! This is a fast, easy to use DIY outdoor game and sure to bring hours of fun!
DIY Details: Tatertots and Jello
9. DIY Pool Noodle Toss
You can set up a pool noodle toss in no time, with little effort, and, a lot of fun in return! Just stake the base noodles into the ground, and, use some construction or duct-tape to tie the noodles together.
After that, you’re good to go and can throw nearly anything through the targets. this activity will improve your child’s patience, encourage practice, and, even hand to eye coordination in the process!
DIY Details: Parents
10. DIY Ring Toss Game with Buckets
This Ring Toss game with buckets is relatively easy to set up, use, and will bring endless hours of fun for your kids – and even you!
Tossing the washer rings into the buckets is a simple, safe game and is a great DIY backyard game if you’re just learning how to make these.
DIY Details: Lowes
11. Ladybug Tic-Tac-Toe
Lady Bug tic tac toe is lots of fun, cute, and easy to set up. All you have to do is replace each X or O stones with ladybugs and beetle painted rocks – which will also be lots of fun as an arts and crafts project to do with your little ones!
Any tree stump can be used as a board, and, you’re sure to have a blast!
DIY Details: Chicken Scratch NY
12. Patio Scrabble
With just a bit of cement, patience, and, a wooden frame you can make your very own Scrabble board and pieces to play in your backyard anytime!
And, while it will take a little while to dry, getting a trusted loved one or friend that has a bit of construction experience should do the trick, and you’ll be able to play a both fun, and educating game with your kids!
DIY Details: Sunset
13. Four-in-a-Row
As fun as Four-in-a-Row is (old-school game for many of us), it’s also great for kids – but, will take a bit more work, time, and effort.
However, once this project is complete, you’ll have a permanent setup for an outdoor lawn game which is great, and, if you’re up to the challenge you can do the hardware and construction aspects of this project yourself – or with a loved one.
Combining the best of both arts & crafts and a classic, one of a kind game!
DIY Details: Homedepot
14. Cheap and Easy DIY Tetherball
Build an at-home backyard tetherball set for your kids to play with for years to come, at a fraction of the cost for a pre-made set! Rather than pay $100 or more, you can make your very own tetherball setup for less than $50.
It’s durable, easy to use, and, will bring you and your family lots of fun! Check out the link below for instructions on how to get started.
DIY Details: Simply Kierste
15. Yard Yahtzee
Yahtzee is a class family game that will teach your kids math skills, and, probability! This is a great DIY backyard game for your kids and parties, your next BBQ, or any other occasion! You can make yours today with just a few wooden blocks, and a pail – let the Yahtzee begin!
DIY Details: Nap-time Creations
16. DIY Racetrack for Toy Cars
Kids love playing outside, and, what little boy (or girl) doesn’t love playing with their toy cars? While some stores do sell “mats” to play or race on, this outdoor DIY race-car track is really awesome, and, how large you want it is entirely up to you – and your kids.
For just a few bucks, and the right supplies – this racetrack could be yours in no-time, and will provide endless hours of outdoor racing, adventures, and more! Check out the details by clicking the link below.
DIY Details: lifestyle
17. DIY Carnival Party
What kids don’t love a good ol’ fashion carnival? A carnival can be expensive to take your family to all the time, so, why not make one at home? This is a pretty easy DIY backyard activity to set up, and, will include many of the carnival games your kids have come to love! Check out the link below to learn how to get started!
DIY Details: A Turtles Life For Me
18. Build a Backyard Movie Theater
If you’ve got some PVC pipe laying around the house or in your shed, or, are willing to invest just a few bucks in buying some, you’ll easily thousands of dollars by building your very own backyard movie theater!
This DIY backyard movie theater is easy to build, durable, and is tons of fun for both family and friends. Best of all? You’ll be the talk of the town!
DIY Details: PVC Plans
19. DIY “Water Blob”
The DIY “Water Blob” is a super fun activity to set up for your kids to play on, and, is similar to having an outdoor waterbed for your kids to jump around on and have fun.
You can save tons of money and spend barely anything by just using a tarp and water – so check out the link below to find out how to get started!
DIY Details: Clumsy Crafter
20. Simple DIY Ring Toss Game
For the perfect, simple solution to making a ring-toss game, this is a perfect setup, is cheap, and will just require a few tools. It’s not only easy to make, but, also easy to play, and your kids are sure to have a blast!
DIY Details: Mom Endeavors
21. Outdoor Chalkboard
Setting up a chalkboard in your yard is actually really easy, and, will give your kids endless hours of fun – as everything is better when it’s outside!
DIY Details: Parent Map
22. Outdoor Xylophone
What neater way to teach your children about music, than by building them their very own, outdoor giant xylophone? The setup is simple, the concept is great, and, is sure to spark your child’s attention! You can find all the details in the link below.
DIY Details: Child Central Station
23. Create a Zip Line for Your Kids
Ziplines are tons of fun for kids, and, putting one in your own backyard can be both affordable and simple!
This zipline is very accessible for playing with your children on, and, the instructions for setting is up are easy to understand – even with minimal DIY knowledge or experience!
Click below for more instructions and information about getting started on this project.
DIY Details: How Does She
24. DIY Plastic Ball “Jenga Tower”
The plastic-ball Jenga tower game is a really unique, fun way to let your kids go to town trying to figure out how to place and remove sticks to prevent the balls from falling!
Rather than using wood, this setup simply relies on rubber balls and wooden straws, and, much like regular Jenga they just have to be the last man standing before it falls down!
You can find a step-by-step tutorial below to learn more about how to set this up for your children.
DIY Details: lifestyle
25. Build a Backyard Obstacle Course
Building your own DIY outdoor obstacle-course can be both fun, and practical. For any child that’s very active, or, would like to be more active, this is the perfect solution – and will provide endless days full of activities!
On Under the Sycamore is a great source for other outdoor obstacle course ideas for birthday parties, barbecues, and more!
You can easily build these outdoor obstacles using tires, making tunnels out of cardboard, and, even “tripwires” that can be hung between trees (see photo).
DIY Details: Ashley Ann Photography
26. Water Balloon Baseball
What better Summertime activity than to combine the much-loved water balloon, and, a sport like baseball?
This is a great, fun game, will get your kids wet, and, also help them stay cool while enjoying themselves on those hot summer days.
DIY Details: Over Stuffed Life
27. Build a “Water Wall”
This is the perfect activity for promoting problem-solving skills, and, teaching your kids a bit about Physics along the way! The setup is very simple, not costly, and, pouring the water down each pathway is a fun, adventurous task for your little ones.
Creating this outdoor activity is a simply DIY project, and, can be done by simply using recyclable plastic bottles, hoses, and water. Check out the details below.
DIY Details: Playing bythe Book
28. Balloon Darts
If your kids have an interest in playing targets and throwing things, this can be a fun, safer version for them to learn. Instead of filling them with air, simply fill the balloons with water – or paper – and keep score on the board.
Just make sure to keep an eye on them, and, in the process, they’ll learn how to aim better, promote hand-eye coordination, and, teach them how to be competitive!
DIY Details: thisisdoable
29. Amazing Mud Pie Station
The mud pie station is pretty straightforward, looks, and feels great for kids if they enjoy getting their hands dirty or playing in the dirt.
This is a fun, and, a great way to keep your kids occupied, while keeping their attention and teaching them how to organize their tools and accessories on their own.
DIY Details: My Small Potatoes
30. Ice Block Treasure Hunt
The Ice Block Treasure Hunt is a really cool, original way to have fun with your kids and make their outdoor adventure that much more exciting!
All you have to do, more or less, is freeze a whole bunch of toys inside of an ice-block, and, once complete set it up outside and let your kids get to excavating!
Just remember, use durable, rubber, or other non-easily breakable toys to avoid a mess or any tears later on.
DIY Details: Macaroni Kid
We hope you’ve found our easy to use, outdoor DIY backyard games and activities list helpful, and, that you’ll be enjoying much more time either watching and interacting with your children the next time you go out to play!
If you have any ideas, or DIY backyard games of your own that you’ve made and would like to share, please feel free to contact us and we’ll add them to the list! Happy Summer!