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Looking for fun and easy backyard activities to keep your kids entertained? Whether you’re hosting a backyard playdate, planning a summer staycation, or just trying to get your kids off their screens, we’ve got you covered.
This list of 100 backyard games and outdoor activities for kids is packed with creative, screen-free ideas to keep your family active and having fun—all from the comfort of your own backyard.
I’ve been a camp counselor, classroom teacher, and parent for over 20 years, and these ideas are tried, true, and kid-approved. So grab some sunscreen, pass out the popsicles, and let’s turn your yard into the best playground on the block.
These backyard games are just the beginning – discover dozens more creative ideas in our ultimate at-home activity collection.
Classic Backyard Games
Screen-free, active, and fun—these outdoor games and activities are perfect for kids of all ages.
1. Hide & Seek
One of the best classic outdoor games for kids. Choose a seeker, find hiding spots, and try to make it to base before being tagged.
2. Red Light, Green Light
Line up and move on “green light,” freeze on “red light.” If you move, go back to start! Great for toddlers and younger kids.
3. Hopscotch
Draw a chalk course and hop through while skipping the square with your tossed marker. A simple backyard activity that builds balance and coordination.
4. Keep It Up
Use a balloon or beach ball and try to keep it in the air without letting it hit the ground. A fun backyard game that’s perfect for siblings or small groups.
5. Popping Bubbles
One of the most magical toddler backyard activities. Use a bubble machine or wand, then pop as many as you can before they float away.
6. Kick the Can
A nostalgic neighborhood game for kids. One person guards the can while others hide. Sneak up and kick it without getting tagged to free captured players!
7. Ghost in the Graveyard
A fun and spooky nighttime outdoor game. One player hides as the ghost. When found, players run to safety while the ghost tries to tag them. Great for older kids!
8. Flashlight Tag
Play tag in the dark using flashlights to “tag” players with light instead of touch. A top pick for backyard night games for kids. Here are more fun flashlight games.
9. Outdoor Movie Night
Transform your backyard into a movie theater. Use a projector or TV, grab snacks and blankets, and enjoy a screen (but not that kind of screen!).
10. Spud
A fast-paced backyard ball game. “It” calls a name, tosses the ball, and everyone scatters. The called player grabs the ball, shouts “Spud!” and tries to tag someone.
11. Obstacle Course
Set up cones, tunnels, ropes, and jump ropes for a fun backyard fitness challenge. Great for parties or solo play!
12. Penguin Race
Pairs link arms and waddle like penguins while balancing a ball between their knees. A hilarious team-building outdoor activity for kids.
13. Cornhole
Toss bean bags onto boards—3 points in the hole, 1 on the board. A backyard classic for all ages, and easy to set up.
14. Sidewalk Chalk
Create murals, hopscotch, or giant games of tic-tac-toe. For a twist, add water for bold chalk paint. Creative backyard fun at its best! Want inspiration? Here’s a full list of fun sidewalk chalk activities.
15. ABC Run & Find
Call out a letter or category (“Find something that starts with B!”) and let the kids race around the yard to bring it back. A fun mix of movement and learning.
16. Egg & Spoon Race
A perfect backyard party game. Balance an egg or marble on a spoon and race to the finish line without dropping it.
17. Flying Kites
Head outside on a breezy day and send a kite soaring. A peaceful, screen-free backyard activity that encourages patience and play.
18. Frisbee Toss
Toss a Frisbee into laundry baskets or buckets from different distances. One of the best outdoor games for hand-eye coordination.
19. Bocce Ball
Toss your ball as close as possible to the small target ball (the “pallino”). A fun family-friendly backyard game that’s easy to learn.
20. Three-Legged Race
Tie partners together at the ankle and race to the finish. This classic relay game for kids works great at parties or family gatherings.
21. Treasure Hunt
Hide small toys or treats, make a map, and let kids search the yard. This DIY outdoor activity adds creativity and imagination to the fun.
22. Tag (Variations)
Try these fun spins on the classic backyard tag game:
- Freeze Tag: Freeze when tagged. Friends unfreeze you.
- Shadow Tag: Tag someone’s shadow instead of their body.
- Tunnel Tag: Freeze with legs wide; unfreeze by crawling under.
- Bandaid Tag: Put a hand on the tag spot. Get tagged 3x = you’re it!
- Stuck in the Mud: Stay frozen until freed by a friend crawling through your legs.
23. Croquet
Hit balls through a series of hoops in the right order and end at the center peg. A classic backyard game for kids and grown-ups alike.
24. Freeze Dance
Crank up the music! Dance until it stops—then freeze in place. A great movement activity for kids that burns energy fast.
25. Potato Sack Race
Hop to the finish line in pillowcases or sacks. Add a timer or obstacle for more challenge. A hit at any outdoor kids’ party.
26. Around the World (No Hoop Required!)
One of the best ball games for kids, even without a basketball hoop. Just set a laundry basket against a wall and play classic shooting games like H.O.R.S.E., Around the World, or Knockout. Great for outdoor play at home.
27. Limbo
How low can you go? Grab a broomstick, pool noodle, or shower rod and some music, then take turns leaning back and sliding under. A simple and silly outdoor party game for kids.
28. Plein Air Painting
Set up outside with paper, paints, and brushes for a bit of creative backyard fun. Paint the trees, flowers, or even your house! Bonus points if you have an easel, but the ground works just fine.
29. Backyard Baseball
Use any kind of ball and mark four “bases” with pillows or cones. Kids will love playing this classic yard game—no fancy gear needed!
30. Kickball
Combine baseball and soccer for this active outdoor game for kids. Set up bases and roll the ball to the kicker. A playground favorite that works just as well in your backyard.
31. Ring Toss
Toss rings onto pegs or cones for points. This easy backyard game builds aim and coordination and is perfect for toddlers through tweens.
Water Games & Backyard Activities
32. Water Balloon Games
Break out the water balloons for classic summer backyard fun. Try a toss, a full-on balloon fight, or creative twists like balloon piñata and balloon stomp.
👉 Fun Water Balloon Games Your Kids Will Love
33. Slip ‘n Slide n’ Grab
Place toys like pool noodles and balls along a slip ’n slide. Kids try to grab items as they zoom by. It’s a cool backyard activity for hot days!
34. Water Transfer Race
Scoop water from a big bucket and race to fill a personal one using a spoon or measuring cup. It’s one of the best outdoor water challenges for kids.
35. Water Squirt Fight
Arm the kids with squirt toys and let them run wild. A simple, giggle-filled outdoor game for kids to cool off and burn energy.
36. Sprinkler Tug of War
Stand on either side of a sprinkler, grab a rope, and tug! A silly water game for kids that’s guaranteed to get everyone soaked.
37. Ice Block Treasure Hunt
Freeze small toys in a container of water. Once frozen, let kids chip or melt their way through the ice to find hidden treasures. A STEM-friendly water activity!
38. DIY Water Blob
Fold a clear plastic tarp, seal the edges with duct tape (leaving one opening), and fill it with water. Kids can jump, slide, or lay on it—pure backyard sensory fun.
39. Give Your Toys a Bath
Fill a bin with soapy water and let kids wash their favorite toys. Great for toddlers and preschoolers, and it doubles as a chore!
40. Water Painting
Hand kids a bucket of water and some paintbrushes. Let them “paint” the fence, patio, or driveway. One of the easiest mess-free outdoor activities.
41. Water Pouring Station
Set out pitchers, funnels, and containers for kids to pour, mix, and experiment. Add food coloring (diluted) for extra fun. Ideal for preschool water play.
42. Sink or Float
Fill a bin with water and gather random household objects. Ask kids to guess if each will sink or float, then test it. A hands-on science activity for kids that sparks curiosity.
👉 More Easy Science Experiments Your Kids Will Love
43. Lego Boats
Build boats out of Legos (or any materials) and test if they float. Can they carry weight? One of the best STEAM water activities for little builders.
44. Wash the Car
Give the kids sponges and buckets and let them help wash your car. It’s a productive water activity they’ll actually love.
45. Backyard Tie-Dye Station
Set up a tie-dye station outside for a colorful summer craft that doubles as water play. Use squeeze bottles, rubber bands, and white T-shirts (or socks, towels, bandanas—whatever you have!).
👉 Here are 10 easy tie-dye patterns for kids.
46. Try Indigo Tie-Dye (Shibori Style)
For something a little more magical, try Indigo dyeing using a natural dye kit. Show kids how to fold, twist, and bind fabric for different patterns, then dip it into the deep blue vat.
👉Here are some easy indigo tie dye patterns to try.
Nature Activities
45. Backyard Camping
Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and gaze at the stars—no road trip required. One of the most magical backyard experiences for families.
46. Bug Hunt
Grab a jar and magnifying glass for a hands-on nature exploration activity. Catch and observe bugs, then release them gently. Try it at night for fireflies!
47. Stargazing
Lay out a blanket and look up. Learn a few constellations or bring out a beginner’s telescope for a relaxing and educational backyard activity.
48. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Send kids off with a checklist of things like “smooth rock” or “yellow flower.” One of the best screen-free nature activities for kids.
49. Cloud Stories
Lie back, spot shapes in the clouds, and make up stories about what you see. A simple mindfulness activity that sparks imagination.
50. Leaf Rubbings
Place leaves under paper and gently color with crayons to reveal their patterns. Turn your rubbings into DIY nature art or greeting cards.
51. Mud Paint
Mix dirt, water, and food coloring to create natural paint. Use brushes to decorate paper, rocks, or sidewalks. Messy outdoor fun at its finest.
52. Adopt a Tree
Choose a backyard tree to “adopt” and observe it over time. Measure it, name it, draw it, and write about it. A beautiful long-term nature activity for kids.
53. Mud Pies
Use pots, pans, or pie tins to whip up the ultimate mud pie. Decorate with pebbles, petals, or sticks. A classic outdoor sensory activity.
54. Yard Work Helper
Invite your child to join you in the garden. Pull weeds, dig, water, and discover worms and bugs. A hands-on way to teach life skills and responsibility.
55. Start a Garden Journal
Older kids can track what’s growing, sketch plants, and write observations. A lovely way to combine nature and writing practice.
56. Nature Cutting Tray
Place leaves, flowers, and grasses on a tray. Let kids practice safe scissor skills by snipping and exploring textures. Perfect for preschoolers.
57. Dirt Writing
Use a stick to write in soft dirt. Practice letters, numbers, names, or silly messages. An easy literacy activity with a nature twist.
58. Nature Matching Game
Show an item from nature and have kids find the closest match. Great for observation skills and fun to play in small groups.
59. Arrange a Flower Bouquet
Gather wildflowers or greens, then arrange them in a jar with water. A calming outdoor Montessori-inspired activity.
60. Build a Bird’s Nest
Collect twigs, leaves, and moss to construct a nest. Think like a bird—what would make it sturdy and comfy? A fun mix of STEM and empathy.
61. What Do You Hear?
Sit quietly under a tree and listen. Afterwards, list or draw what you heard. A wonderful way to practice nature awareness and observation.
62. Shadow Tracing
Place a toy on paper in sunlight. Trace its shadow and color it in. Try tracing at different times of day to compare.
63. Paint Rocks
Decorate rocks with paint or melted crayons (heat rocks first!). Use them to spell words or leave surprise messages around the yard. A great creative nature craft.
64. Make a Bird Feeder
Invite feathered friends to your yard with a simple DIY bird feeder project for kids. Spread peanut butter on a pinecone, toilet paper roll, or piece of bread, then roll it in birdseed. Hang it on a branch with string or twine and watch who comes to visit. It’s an easy, hands-on backyard wildlife activity that helps kids connect with nature.
Giant Lawn Games
64. Outdoor Scrabble
Make your own giant backyard word game using cardboard and a Sharpie. Great for spelling practice and outdoor brain play.
65. Giant Connect Four
Bring this classic kids’ game to life in your yard with an oversized set. Fun for all ages—and yes, that jingle lives rent-free in our heads too.
66. DIY Lawn Twister
Use spray paint or colored paper plates to create a giant outdoor Twister game. Left hand red, right foot blue—chaos guaranteed.
67. Backyard Bananagrams
Recreate the fast-paced word-building game using painted cardboard tiles. Perfect for spelling practice in the sunshine.
68. Giant Tic-Tac-Toe
Use rope to form a grid and balls or frisbees as X’s and O’s. A fun and fast backyard logic game for younger kids.
69. Parachute Popcorn
Use a real parachute or large sheet. Add lightweight balls and wave them to pop like popcorn! Great group movement activity.
70. Human Ring Toss
Use hula hoops to toss around people or objects—or just spin them for fun. A silly active game for the whole family.
71. Giant Memory Game
Create matching pairs on large cardboard pieces. Lay them face down and take turns flipping. A life-sized memory challenge kids will love.
72. Giant Jenga
Stack wooden blocks and take turns removing them. Don’t let the tower fall! A classic outdoor party game.
73. Outdoor Checkers
Make a checkerboard with chalk or cloth and use frisbees or painted plates as pieces. A fun strategy game for backyard play.
74. Rollzee (Outdoor Yahtzee)
Use giant foam dice and a dry erase board to play this dice-based lawn game. It’s Yahtzee, but bigger—and louder!
75. DIY Chutes & Ladders
Use sidewalk chalk to draw a giant version of this classic board game. Roll the dice and see where you land!
76. Giant Dot-to-Dot
Create a dot grid with chalk. Players take turns connecting dots and claiming squares. A low-prep math and strategy game.
More Active Backyard Games & Activities
77. Soccer Shootout
Set up cones for a goal and test your aim. Time yourself or keep score. Great for practicing soccer skills at home.
78. Bow & Arrow
Introduce archery with a safe beginner set. A fun way to build focus and hand-eye coordination outdoors.
79. Wacky Catch
Play catch with odd items—sponges, pillows, eggs! A silly spin on a classic kids’ backyard game.
80. Lawn Bowling
Set up empty bottles and use any ball to knock them down. Or grab an official set for backyard bowling fun all summer.
81. Simon Says
A timeless listening game for kids. Follow commands only if “Simon Says” first—or you’re out!
82. Hopscotch Ring Game
Arrange colorful plastic rings in creative ways for kids to hop through. A twist on traditional hopscotch that sparks imagination.
83. Juggling Games
Practice juggling with soft balls, then try “joggling”—jogging while juggling! A fun coordination challenge for older kids.
84. Beach Ball Shot Put
Push a beach ball shot-put style and measure the throw. Simple, silly, and great for active backyard play.
85. Ladder Toss
Toss bolas at ladder rungs to score points. A popular yard game for kids and adults alike.
86. High Jump
Mark a wall or tree, jump as high as you can, and measure your reach. A great way to get kids moving and competing outside.
87. Human Log Roll
Lie sideways and roll across the yard to a finish line. Fastest roller wins! A giggle-worthy outdoor race.
88. Long Jump Competition
Mark a starting line, take a running leap, and measure the distance. Simple, fun, and great for physical fitness outdoors.
89. Washer Toss
Toss washers into scoring holes on a raised board. A laid-back yet competitive yard game for family gatherings.
90. Foam Fire Alien Invaders
Use foam blasters to “battle aliens” in the backyard. Active, imaginative, and safe for littles.
91. I Spy
Play this classic observation game anywhere outdoors. Great for calming down or passing time on a sunny day.
92. Football Toss
Practice accuracy with a football throwing game. Use a goal net, DIY target, or game board for points.
93. Fence Funnel
Create a marble run with cardboard tubes along a fence or wall. A STEAM activity that encourages problem-solving.
94. Outdoor Yoga
Introduce basic yoga poses in the grass. Try Tree Pose, Warrior, or Downward Dog. Great for calm outdoor movement.
95. Reflex Soccer Game
Use a tethered ball and base to practice shooting and saving. Ideal for solo soccer skill-building in the backyard.
There’s no shortage of fun backyard activities for kids—from classic outdoor games to creative DIY setups, water play, and nature exploration. Whether you’re looking for screen-free entertainment, active play, or quiet moments outside, this list is packed with ideas to keep your family moving, laughing, and making memories together. So grab some supplies, head out the back door, and let the backyard adventures begin!
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
