Looking for some great outdoor yard activities for kids? Keep on reading to find out the top options!
It is no secret that kids love the great outdoors. We often see it in movies and plays about kids running through the grass as an expression of pure joy. Of course, in real life, it may not be as dramatic. However, if you have kids of your own, then you know the unbridled joy that kids have while playing in the open. When kids get so much happiness from being outdoors, who can have the heart to stop it?
But although running aimlessly through the grass can be fun, it helps to plan their activities. Let’s just say that toddlers and children, in general, are not the most focused or patient. As easily as they can melt our hearts with their cuteness, their restlessness can also be a bummer.
| Accessories | Age | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yard Games Giant Tumbling Timbers | 8 years and up | Yard Games | View |
| Banzai Bump N Bounce Body Bumpers N | 4 to 12 years | BANZAI | View |
| Kid's Scavenger Hunt | 6 years and up | Outset Media | View |
| Giant 4 Connect in a Row | 8 years and up | Yard Games | View |
| GoSports Pro Grade Ladder Toss | 3 years and up | GoSports | View |
| The Original Jr. Glow Rocket Launcher | 3 years and up | Stomp Rocket | View |
| ECR4Kids-ELR-12507 Jumbo | 3 years and up | ECR4Kids | View |
| Ring Toss Game Set 25 Ropes | 13 months and up | MABUA | View |
| Mini Frisbee Golf Disc Indoor and Outdoor Toy Set | 5 - 100 years | Wham-O | View |
Great Outdoor Yard Activities For Kids
Kids have a great time in the backyard. The natural elements of the backyard (trees, flowers, grass, etc.) all become new toys that kids can use to play with friends and family.
The backyard is also a great place for parents to set up different types of activities, such as a basketball hoop, a play set, a sandbox, etc.
So today, we are sharing our top choices for planning great outdoor yard activities for kids.
Yard Games Giant Tumbling Timbers Set
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This giant tumbling timber game is just about the perfect yard game. Your kids will love to play this game for fun or competition. This game is also called Jenga, and adults love it too! So you can join in the fun.
What we love about this particular wooden set is its excellent quality. The blocks are premium pine wood, so it is smooth and durable. There is no chance of your kids getting cuts from the blocks. It includes 56 blocks that can be stacked up to a height of 2.5 feet. However, if someone who understands this game supervises it, it can reach up to 5 feet, which is fantastic.
Another great feature of these wood blocks is that they are sourced sustainably. Concern for the environment is something we care about, and this block checks the box. Moreover, the addition of a nylon carry case makes it easy to carry the blocks anywhere you want. It also prevents the wooden blocks from getting lost.
Pros.
- Premium-quality pine wood
- Smooth edges as it is sanded by hand
- Sustainably sourced material
- Comes with a good carrying case
Cons.
- Price is on the higher side
- Carrying case is not durable
BANZAI Bump N Bounce Body Bumpers
Click to View Current Price on Amazon.com
There are few things kids love more than jumping endlessly. And when you add a bouncy thing to it? It doubles the fun!
These body bouncers consist of PVC in their construction. So it is bouncy and durable as well. Just in case the young players get too excited and rip one of the body bouncers, you can easily repair it with the patch kit in the package. The bouncers measure 25 inches in length, so it is suitable for kids up to 12 years old.
The package includes two body bouncers in different colors. In addition, these bouncers come at an unbeatable price.
Pros.
- Made of sturdy material
- Repair kit included in the package
- Suitable for kids about 12 years old
- Very affordable
Cons.
- Blowing up the bouncers can take some time
- Some units can be defective on delivery
Outset Media Kid’s Scavenger Hunt
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Is there a kid that doesn’t love playing hide and seek? What better way to take the game outside than with this Scavenger Hunt set!
This treasure hunt set includes clues that your children will love hunting. The clues are made from water-repellent components, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet. They can play the game either individually or in teams. To add more fun to the hunt, you can help stash the clues, especially if older kids are playing the game. As with all game of hunting treasures, the team or the person who collects all the clues first is the winner.
Pros.
- Suitable for outdoor and indoors
- Does not get damaged in the rain
- Clue cards have bright prints
- Comes with affordable pricing
Cons.
- The numbers of clue cards are a bit less
Not suitable for kids below six years
Yard Games Four Connect-in-a-Row
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Board games have remained a top favorite of everyone, both young and old. And this giant wooden board from Yard Games is a top choice of ours. We love its versatility and the fun it brings.
In terms of build and quality, this board is a champ. The size of the game board is quite large and finely crafted. It comes with wooden legs, a frame, and a bottom bar all made from quality wood. The natural stain on the board adds a touch of finesse as well. In addition, it comes with 42 plastic coins, which are used for playing the game. You will love the nylon carrying case to put all the coins in one safe or organized place.
If you’re wondering how to set up the board, it’s actually very straightforward. However, if your kid is five years or below, he or she will need a hand to set up the board. But apart from supervising the setup, you can even join in the game and have fun.
Pros.
- Board size is excellent
- Easy to setup
- Comes with a carrying case for convenience
- Suitable for kids as well as adults
Cons.
- Some components of the board are not durable
- Price is on the higher side
- Limited options for international shipping
GoSports Portable PVC Framed Cornhole Toss Game Set
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This cornhole set combines fun, portability, and affordability all in one. If you are looking for a portable game for kids, you can’t go wrong with this one. It is made from PVC, so the boards are quite sturdy, and so is the frame.
Its folding design facilitates easy transportation so you can take it anywhere your kids love to play. You will also love the compact carrying case for storing as well as transport. In addition, this cornhole game comes in blue and red colors, which is fantastic.
Apart from its unbeatable price, this game also has a lifetime warranty from the manufacturers. There are counterfeit sellers, so you might want to keep an eye out. But overall, this game is excellent for great outdoor yard activities for your kids.
Pros.
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to set up
- Comes with a travel case
- Very budget-friendly
Cons.
- The frame is not very durable
- Counterfeit sellers are rampant
Stomp Rocket, Jr. Glow Rocket
Click to View Current Price on Amazon.com
What kid does not love jumping or rockets? If you have one of the little ones in your family, this is the perfect gift for him or her.
These stomp rockets are a great reason to bring your kids outside and breathe in the fresh air. It works by a stomping action and is guaranteed to make your kid squeal with delight. There are four foam rockets in the pack with a stomp launcher. When your kid stomps on the launcher, the rockets can fly up to 100 feet in the air. The best part? The rockets glow in the dark.
The launcher and the rockets do not need batteries to work. Moreover, the set up is very easy, so it’s a definite win for everyone.
Pros.
- The pack comes with rockets and launcher
- Glow rockets fly up to 100 feet in the air
- Easy to set up
- Does not require batteries to work
Cons.
- Some rocket have weak fins
- The stomp launcher is not very durable
ECR4Kids Jumbo 4-to-Score Giant Game Set
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Although this game is marketed for kids, it is a good choice for the family. This 4-To-Score giant board is great in quality with endless fun in the backyard.
This game set is made of durable and sturdy plastic. In addition, it is easy to set up and use, as well. With 42 rings, the whole family can join in the fun without any problem. We also appreciate that we can buy replacement rings on this one. The board and the rings are also easy to clean, which is a fantastic feature.
The addition of a carry bag makes this board game effortless to transport to a yard or a beach. You will also love how this board allows your kids to flex their brain muscles.
Pros.
- Excellent size of the board
- Easy to set up and clean
- Lightweight and portable friendly
- Carry case included
Cons.
- Some units have stability issues
Carries a premium price tag
MABUA Ring Toss Game Set
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A game of ring toss has long been a favorite of kids as well as adults. This game set is a good choice for great outdoor yard activities for kids for a couple of reasons.
- First, it provides endless fun while facilitating learning and refining motor skills.
- Second, this game set has exceptional quality.
Speaking of quality, this game set is made of pinewood. The edges are among the smoothest, and the colorful designs keep up the fun. It comes with five pegs for the rings, and ten plastic ropes in different colors. Kids or adult players will find the worksheets and the instructions very helpful too.
On top of its fantastic design and quality, this game set price is also very budget-friendly.
Pros.
- Excellent quality in construction
- Made of pinewood
- Colorful design
- Budget-friendly price
Cons.
- Actual size is smaller than advertised
- The ropes in some units are substandard
Wham-O Mini Frisbee Golf Disc
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Frisbee is a fantastic game to keep your kids active and interested in the outdoors. And this particular golf disc set is a total winner in our books. Although the entire set is made of plastic, it has an appearance of good quality. The colorful design also makes this disc set a lot of fun. The chains are, of course, made of metal.
It comes with a mini-golf target and six mini-golf Frisbee in different colors. Your kids will have no problems playing this game outside or inside. Setting it up is effortless, too, and even the kids can perform it on their own.
However, since some components in this game consist of plastic, it is best for kids above the age of five. Also, if you use this game a lot in the sun, the plastic basket can break.
Pros.
- Colorful and sturdy design
- Easy to set up
- Suitable for outdoors and indoors
- Comes with affordable price
Cons.
- The plastic components are not durable
- Has stability issues especially in the wind
Spikeball Game Set
Click to View Current Price on Amazon.com
If you have older kids in the age group of eight to ten, this game set is an excellent choice. These 2-on-2 games will allow your kids to develop competitiveness, and game spirit in the best way possible.
This game set is top-notch in quality. In addition, it comes with foldable legs adjustable net and a carry bag. After your kids have a lot of fun playing the game, they can fold it up and take them wherever they want. The black color of the game set with yellow accents adds fun to the game as well.
If you are someone who paid for this game set, you will love the lifetime warranty from the manufacturer on this one.
Pros.
- Great quality game set
- Easy to set up
- Very portable friendly
- Suitable for adults as well
Cons.
- The frame is not very stable
- Some units have structural issues
What are some good outside activities?
Irrespective of the activities, going outdoors has a lot of benefits. This can include both physical and mental. It is rightly said that nature is great for the body and the soul. But just being outside is an effort in itself, especially in this tech-filled age.
However, when it comes to kids, planning is essential. They can get pretty restless if there is no structure or routine. Therefore, including some activities and fun games will keep them more calm and motivated. And if we’re honest, it buys us some stress-free time as well.
Incorporating such activities as a scavenger hunt can be an exciting way to keep the little ones engaged. The thrill of finding all the puzzle pieces can be incredibly thrilling and fulfilling for the kids. In addition, you can also participate in the game and help them hide the puzzle pieces.
The physical activity involved in the treasure hunt is a very good exercise for them in addition to the fun. Nothing can facilitate their physical growth, like the fresh air and a healthy dose of vitamin D.
Moreover, these outdoor activities can be beneficial for the mind as well. When they have to find the puzzle pieces, they learn new words and things. In addition, in their attempt to locate the clues, they exercise their mind. So, directly and indirectly, hunting for clues is a great way to put their imaginations and their bodies to use.
On top of it all, to see your kids running around the yard looking for clues with rosy cheeks and wind tousling their soft hair is simply priceless. It is a sight that many parents would give the world in exchange.
What can I do with my kids in the backyard?
There are many options and activities you can do with your kids in the backyard when you seriously consider it: from mini picnics to playing to enjoying some snacks. If your kids are small, simply sitting with them in the open or watching the birds is delightful. But with older kids, it can be a little different.
For one, toddlers and those who are older are not known for their peaceful nature. Their curiosity can get the better of them, and they are pretty restless. If you are a parent to a toddler or a child who is a bit older, you understand it perfectly. Although this restlessness is essential for their growth, it can also be a little too much.
So in order to keep them a little more calm or to keep them engaged, it is good to have some games on standby. Some games require kids to be stationary, while others require them to be on the move. While stationary ones such as board games have their uses, younger kids can lose their attention after a few minutes. So a game that requires them to be up and about is the ideal choice.
Consider adding a treasure hunt game to the itinerary while you are with kids in the backyard. This game is so interesting in addition to requiring active participation from the players. If you can get your kids into the rhythm of this game, they will have endless fun. Gradually, they can even start playing on their own, which makes it more interesting for the young treasure hunters.
To add more fun to the game, show them how to hide the puzzles and the clues so they can up their game plan. Pretty soon, your backyard will be transformed into a mini treasure island with eager hands ready to explore it.
What can you do on a boring day outside?
The term boring can be very subjective, especially for adults. What may be boring for one person can be the most entertaining thing for someone else. But in general, kids can get tired and bored pretty quickly. They have short attention spans that can make them lose interest within a second or so.
And a bored kid on the weekend is not the ideal definition of a peaceful afternoon. They can get restless, throw tantrums, and very intolerant about everything in the environment. You want to keep them entertained, preferably with an educational game.
So what do you do to transform a boring day into a fun one? Let the kids go on a scavenger hunt! The thrill of finding clues and puzzle pieces is enough to make any kids jump for joy. Moreover, the anticipation of finding all the clues and getting the title of the winner will excite the kids like no other. Scavenger hunts are great for kids as well as adults so you can join in the fun too and transform a boring day outside into an interesting one.
Scavenger hunt games have the added advantage of being suitable for kids of all ages. However, they can be better enjoyed by those who are above six years old and have basic reading skills. It is because this game requires the kids to read certain words to find the clues. This is a fantastic thing as it promotes learning in kids, even while they are having fun.
In addition, these games are pretty affordable. And of course, the adults can join in the hunt too, if you feel so inclined.
How can I make my yard fun for kids?
For many reasons, kids do not get the opportunity of enjoying the great outdoors in the present age. However, there are so many benefits while engaging with nature in the open. Thankfully, there are many great outdoor yard activities for kids at our disposal. The idea is to keep them engaged with different activities while adding an element of learning as well.
We hope our recommendations for yard activities with kids will inspire you to go outside with your children. This list includes a wide range of difficulties and capabilities, so irrespective of your kid’s age, we have something for everyone.
Outdoor activities with kids are one of the best ways to enjoy each other’s company. But most importantly, you help create everlasting memories in young minds, and there is no legacy better than that.
