One way to get the entire family up off the sofa is to organize fun games right in your backyard. Children naturally love playing games and these games will be even more fruitful since they’re helping everyone become more physically fit. I personally think these are the 7 best backyard games for the family, including kids and adults.
My hubby and I don’t have kids, but we do have little nieces and nephews running around. So when we have family functions, bringing out these games keeps everyone entertained. Having a pool is a plus during summertime too. š
1. Badminton — this game can be played by two or more players. It’s a little like tennis except you don’t need a tennis court. All you need is a simple net, plus the “birds” and special rackets to hit the birdie over the net. These are lighter than tennis rackets and easy for little ones to handle. You can find a badminton set at any local department store or online through Amazon.com.
2. Croquette — This is a fun game that even small children will enjoy playing. It comes with some mallets, balls, hoops and pegs. You can buy this game at any department store and they’re often found at garage sales, and thrift stores. This is a very civilized game that people with any fitness level can play.
3. Horseshoes — You simply need a stake and some horseshoes to play this game. You can buy kits and build regulation sized pits if you must, but the important thing is to have the stake and the horseshoes. Each person takes a turn tossing the horseshoes onto the stake. It’s great for concentration and keeps you on your feet.
4. Hopscotch — This might best be described as a sidewalk game or a driveway game since you need something to write on with chalk. Simply draw a hopscotch design on the pavement with chalk. Don’t worry; the chalk will wash away at first rain, or with a water hose. Use stones, a toy or beanbags to toss into a square. Then you hop to pick up the stone without touching that space. Kids love it, and it’s very physical and fun. Plus, it can help with counting.
5. Obstacle Course — You can use old tires, chairs, outdoor furniture or pretty much anything you have around to create a backyard obstacle course. Take turns timing each family member going through the course.
6. Trampoline Jumping — Jumping on a trampoline is very good for your lung health and easier on your joints than you might think. It can be dangerous too so if you choose to invest in a trampoline also invest in a mesh cover that will keep people from bouncing off and keep unwanted guests off to avoid liability.
7. Water Fights — If it’s hot outside, and everyone is bored, have a water balloon fight. It’ll be fun to run around and get wet when you get hit. A great way to burn off energy and get fit at the same time.
As you can see there are a lot of choices for fun backyard games that the whole family can participate in. Try getting involved in these games instead of watching TV. You can always DVR shows you want to see and save for a rainy day or sick day instead of wasting the good weather.
Share with me how you spend your family time below.
Great suggestions! My kids love building the obstacle courses themselves. That can be half the fun!
Thank you, Shari. Obstacle courses sound like fun, too!
I love these ideas! They’re all great ways to get the kids outside and having fun! My son is old enough for water fights this summer, so I’m really excited about that! š