Looking for some good old-fashioned family fun without breaking the bank? Look no further than your backyard! DIY backyard games are a fantastic way to spend quality time together while enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, they're budget-friendly and can be customized to suit your family's preferences.
In this article, we'll introduce you to the top 10 DIY backyard games that will have your family laughing, competing, and making memories to last a lifetime.
1. Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic backyard game that's easy to make and fun. All you need are two wooden boards with a hole in each and some bean bags. You can buy pre-made sets or make your own with plywood and a saw.
To play, set the boards a good distance apart and take turns tossing the bean bags through the holes. Each bag through the hole earns you points. It's simple, competitive, and perfect for all ages.
2. Giant Jenga
Remember Jenga? Now imagine it giant-sized! To make your own giant Jenga set, you'll need some 2x4 wooden blocks, a saw, and sandpaper. Cut the blocks into equal-sized pieces and sand the edges to avoid splinters.
Stack the blocks into a tower, then take turns removing one block at a time and placing it on top. The catch? You can only use one hand! The tower gets wobblier as it grows taller, adding excitement to the game.
3. Lawn Twister
Who doesn't love a game of Twister? Take this classic indoor game outside by creating your own Lawn Twister board. Grab some spray paint and create a grid of colorful circles on your lawn. Use red, blue, green, and yellow for authenticity.
Spin the spinner and call out instructions like "left foot on green" or "right hand on red." Watch as your family members twist and contort to stay balanced. It's a hilarious game that will get everyone tangled up in laughter.
4. Water Balloon Piñata
Beat the summer heat with a water balloon piñata! You only need water balloons, string, and a sturdy tree branch. Fill the balloons with water and tie them to the branch, suspending them at different heights.
Blindfold the player, hand them a stick, and spin them around. Their mission? To burst as many water balloons as possible in a limited time. The resulting splashes are not only refreshing but also loads of fun.
5. Ring Toss
Ring toss is a game of precision that's perfect for backyard gatherings. Gather some glass bottles and rings to create your own ring toss game (you can use pool diving rings or make your own from cardboard).
Set up the bottles in a triangle formation and take turns tossing the rings onto the bottlenecks. Each successful ring landing scores points. It's a simple yet addictive game that will keep everyone engaged.
6. DIY Giant Connect Four
Connect Four is a classic board game, but making it giant-sized takes the fun to a new level. To craft your DIY Giant Connect Four, you'll need some large PVC pipes, a saw, and colored discs.
Cut the PVC pipes into two lengths to create slots for the discs. Then, simply connect the pipes vertically to form the game board. The objective is to be the first to connect four of your colored discs in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
7. Horseshoes
Horseshoes is a traditional backyard game that's simple and entertaining. You'll need four horseshoes and two stakes. Plant the stakes in the ground a certain distance apart and take turns tossing the horseshoes, aiming to ring them around the stake.
Scoring is straightforward: a ringer (horseshoe completely encircling the stake) gets you three points, and a horseshoe leaning against the stake gets you one point. The first person or team to reach a set point total wins.
8. DIY Obstacle Course
Create your own outdoor obstacle course for family fun that gets everyone up and active. Utilize everyday items you already have at home, like hula hoops, pool noodles, traffic cones, and even old tires. Arrange these items to create a range of challenges, such as crawling beneath a table, leaping through hoops, and testing your balance on a beam.
Challenge each family member to tackle the course while being timed, and determine who can conquer it with the quickest time. This activity not only offers a physical test but also fosters a healthy sense of friendly competition among family members.
9. Sponge Bullseye
Combine water fun with target practice by creating a sponge bullseye game. Draw a chalk target on your driveway or patio and attach different point values to each ring.
Dip sponges in water and take turns throwing them at the target. The closer you get to the center, the more points you score. It's a fantastic way to cool off on a hot summer day while improving your aim.
10. Tug of War
Conclude your day of homemade outdoor games with a classic display of strength and cooperation: the game of tug of war. All required is a robust rope and marked center lines on the ground.
Gather your family into two teams and have each group take hold of the rope on opposite sides of the center line. The objective is to pull the opposing team past the line, creating an enduring and timeless showdown that perfectly ends a day filled with family enjoyment.
Wrapping It Up!
In conclusion, creating your DIY backyard games is a fantastic way to bond with your family, enjoy the outdoors, and make lasting memories without spending a fortune. These ten games are not only easy to set up but also versatile enough to cater to all ages and skill levels.
So, whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or simply want to spend a lazy afternoon in the yard, these games will surely bring laughter, competition, and family fun to your backyard gatherings. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some supplies, head outside, and let the games begin!
