25 Clever Outdoor Games for Kids

Can’t wait to get out and play!

Clever outdoor games for kids, including glow-in-the-dark bowling and frozen dinosaur egg hunt

Who wants to waste a beautiful sunny day being cooped up inside? Enjoy the fresh air with this list of fun and engaging outdoor games for kids. Whether you’re quietly enjoying a strategic game of tic-tac-toe or running around playing hide-and-seek, there’s something for everyone!

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

1. Play a classic game

Hopscotch outdoor games for kids

Hopscotch is one of those timeless games that is shared from generation to generation. Best of all, it costs nothing to play! 

Learn more: Childhood 101

2. Hunt for frozen dinosaur eggs

Frozen dinosaur eggs outdoor games for kids

This is a great activity for a hot summer day. Easily freeze dinosaur figures inside these ice eggs for a super-cool treasure hunt! 

ADVERTISEMENT

Learn more: Made for Mums

3. Build a giant tower

DIY giant Jenga outdoor game

Playing Jenga takes patience, strategy, and calm under pressure, which is probably why it’s so much fun. The only way to make it better is to make your own giant version for outside! 

Learn more: A Beautiful Mess

4. Combine two favorite games

Kickball and dodgeball

What happens when you mix dodgeball with kickball? You get one of the most intense—and fun—outdoor games for kids! 

Learn more: The Inspired Treehouse

5. Roll the dice

Outdoor Yahtzee game

All you need is a set of giant dice (like these!), a clipboard, and a bucket to play this Yahtzee-inspired lawn game! 

Learn more: Craft Create Cook

6. Toss bean bags

Bean Bag Toss

This bean bag game is very easy to assemble, and kids can help make it, too. You’ll be having a blast within just a few minutes!

Learn more: Mod Podge Rocks!

7. Repurpose a milk jug

Milk jug catcher outdoor games for kids

This fun summer project serves two great purposes: you’ll recycle a milk jug and keep waste out of our landfills and also make a cool low-cost catcher!

Learn more: Childhood 101

8. Ride a roller coaster

DIY kids roller coaster

While most of us can’t build a theme park in our backyards, you can replicate some of the exhilaration! This quick and easy DIY roller coaster is perfect for small kids!

Learn more: The Inspired Treehouse

9. Toss some rings

DIY ring toss

You’ll need supplies such as a drill and a round wood panel, but it will be worth the effort. This ring toss game is perfect for backyard fun, summer picnics, and 4th of July celebrations! 

Learn more: Mom Endeavors

10. Hop over the rainbow

Rainbow hopscotch

Use pavers to create this bright-colored hopscotch design that you’ll enjoy year after year. It’s also a cute walkway for side yards. 

Learn more: Happiness Is Homemade

11. Go on a treasure hunt

Nature treasure hunt for kids

Create a trail using items that are easily found in nature, such as sticks, acorns, and pine cones, that lead the way on a treasure hunt. After the first time, encourage kids to use the materials to make their own trails!

Learn more: Red Ted Art

12. Ask Mr. Wolf for the time

What time is it Mr Wolf children's game

You’ll need no props or special equipment to play this age-old game. Two or more can play What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf in this collaborative favorite!

Learn more: Childhood 101

13. Toss it!

Hook and toss

This hook and ring toss game is perfect for all ages, and it’s easy to make with just a few inexpensive scraps from around your home as well as a few items from a hardware store. 

Learn more: H2O Bungalow

14. Find your strategy

Outdoor giant tic tac toe

What’s more classic than a game of tic-tac-toe? Make it even more fun by making this large, reusable version that can be played under the sun. Best of all, you won’t need to waste any paper!

Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls

15. Play hide-and-seek

Hide and seek summer games for kids

One great way to have fun and be physically active is to play hide-and-seek. Just be sure to choose the location carefully and review safety rules before you get started!

Learn more: Fun Games Kids Play

16. Overcome obstacles

Kids Ninja Warrior backyard obstacle course

This great backyard obstacle course is simple to set up and lets kids channel their inner Ninja warrior! 

Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls

17. Get ready to run

Duck Duck Goose outdoor game for kids

Duck, Duck, Goose is a great way to teach younger children about patience and taking turns while also having a great time!

Learn more: Childhood 101

18. Try your luck

Giant homemade Plinko game

If you’ve ever watched contestants play Plinko on The Price Is Right and wished you could try it, here’s your chance. This homemade version is perfect for family gatherings!

Learn more: Happiness Is Homemade

19. Go down the rabbit hole

Rabbit Hole outdoor games for kids

Encourage kids to use their imagination in this fun gross-motor challenge that also provides a helpful lesson on personal space. 

Learn more: The Inspired Treehouse

20. Use your words

Rhyme Toss outdoor games for kids

Gather some sidewalk chalk and small toys or objects from around the house. You’ll want to pick things that are easy to rhyme with like pot or ball. Word of caution: You might want to avoid things like a truck that can be rhymed with inappropriate words. 

Learn more: Fantastic Fun and Learning

21. Hit the cornhole

DIY family cornhole outdoor games for kids

Cornhole has been a favorite family pastime forever and is a great way to promote active play and taking turns with young kids. 

Learn more: Hands On as We Grow

22. Get creative with chalk

Chalk outdoor games for kids

Sidewalk chalk can be used to create endless outdoor games for kids, from hopscotch and bullseye to checkers and four-square. 

Learn more: Happy Mom Hacks

23. Bowl in the dark

DIY glow in the dark bowling outdoor games for kids

You might avoid being outside under the hot summer sun, but when the sun goes down, it’s the perfect time for a game of glow-in-the-dark bowling! 

Learn more: Growing a Jeweled Rose

24. Get twisted

DIY backyard lawn Twister outdoor games for kids

Even if you’ve played the original Twister for years, you’ve never played it like this. Use four colors of yard paint to re-create this classic in your yard.

Learn more: Tip Junkie

25. Play mini golf

Backyard mini golf course outdoor games for kids

Gather up some recycled materials to create your very own one-of-a-kind miniature golf course in your backyard!

Learn more: Kix Cereal

Want even more outdoor games and activities for kids? Check out this list of 50 Wet and Wild Outdoor Science Activities and Experiments.

And be sure to subscribe to our newsletters to find out when we publish even more outdoor activity articles!

25 Clever Outdoor Games for Kids