In an age where digital entertainment often dominates, there’s something special about gathering the family for some good old-fashioned outdoor fun. But with the rising costs of toys and games, it can be challenging to find affordable options. That’s where DIY outdoor games come in. Not only are they easy on the wallet, but they also offer a chance for creativity, customization, and family bonding. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of DIY outdoor games that promise hours of entertainment without breaking the bank. So, roll up your sleeves, gather some basic materials, and let’s get ready to play!
Benefits of DIY Outdoor Games
Before we dive into the games themselves, let’s consider why DIY outdoor games are such a great option for families:
- Cost-effective: Most of these games can be made with items you already have around the house or inexpensive materials from dollar stores.
- Customizable: You can tailor the games to your family’s interests, space, and skill levels.
- Family bonding: Creating the games together can be just as fun as playing them, fostering teamwork and communication.
- Creativity boost: Designing and building games encourages problem-solving and creative thinking.
- Physical activity: Outdoor games get everyone moving, promoting health and fitness.
- Social skills development: Games teach important lessons about taking turns, following rules, and good sportsmanship.
- Reduced screen time: Engaging outdoor activities provide a fun alternative to digital entertainment.
Basic Materials for DIY Outdoor Games
You’ll be amazed at how many games you can create with just a few basic materials. Here’s a list of items that will come in handy:
- Cardboard boxes
- PVC pipes
- Pool noodles
- Plastic cups and plates
- Rope or string
- Duct tape
- Spray paint
- Markers or paint
- Balloons
- Beach balls
- Old bed sheets or tablecloths
Don’t forget to look around your house and yard for items that can be repurposed. Old tires, wooden pallets, and even plastic bottles can become part of your DIY game arsenal.
Safety Considerations
Before we get into the games, let’s talk safety. When creating and playing DIY games:
- Ensure all games are age-appropriate
- Supervise children when using tools or materials
- Check for sharp edges or potential hazards in your DIY creations
- Apply sunscreen and stay hydrated during outdoor play
- Be aware of your surroundings and set clear boundaries for play areas
DIY Outdoor Games for Young Children (Ages 3-7)
- Sensory Scavenger Hunt Create a list of items for kids to find in the yard or park, focusing on different textures, colors, or shapes. For non-readers, use pictures instead of words. Items might include “something smooth,” “something red,” or “a Y-shaped twig.”
- Bubble Snake Blowers Cut the bottom off a plastic water bottle. Cover the cut end with a sock secured with a rubber band. Dip the sock end in bubble solution and blow through the mouthpiece to create long bubble snakes!
- Outdoor Color Matching Game Paint different colors on clothespins. Have kids clip the pins to matching colors they find in nature (with permission for picked items).
- DIY Ring Toss Use paper plates with the centers cut out as rings. Set up targets using upright paper towel tubes decorated and secured to a cardboard base.
DIY Outdoor Games for Older Children (Ages 8-12)
- Backyard Mini-Golf Create a course using cardboard obstacles, plastic cups as holes, and pool noodles as barriers. Use sticks or broom handles as clubs and small balls (or even marbles for an extra challenge).
- Giant Jenga Cut 2×4 lumber into 54 pieces, each 10.5 inches long. Sand the edges and stack in alternating directions to play. Always supervise and play on a soft surface!
- Water Balloon Piñata Tie water balloons to a horizontal rope strung between two trees or posts. Blindfold players and let them try to break the balloons with a pool noodle.
- DIY Obstacle Course Use household items to create obstacles: hula hoops to jump through, ropes to walk along, cushions to jump over, and boxes to crawl under. Time each participant for added excitement.
DIY Outdoor Games for Teenagers and Adults
- Giant Yard Scrabble Create oversized letter tiles using square pieces of plywood. Paint on letters and point values. Use a bedsheet marked with a grid as your game board.
- PVC Pipe Ball Game Construct a multi-holed target from PVC pipes and joints. Assign point values to each hole. Players try to throw or kick balls through the holes to score points.
- Lawn Twister Spray paint colored circles on the lawn in the Twister pattern. Use a homemade spinner or dice to call out moves.
- DIY Cornhole Build two slanted platforms with holes out of plywood. Use bean bags (or socks filled with beans) as throwing items. Award points for bags that go in the hole or land on the platform.
DIY Water Games for Hot Days
- Sponge Water Bombs Cut car-washing sponges into strips. Tie the strips tightly in the middle with string. When dunked in water, they make great, reusable water bombs.
- DIY Slip ‘n Slide Lay out a plastic tarp on a gentle slope. Secure the edges with tent stakes. Add baby shampoo and keep it wet with a sprinkler for slippery fun. Always supervise closely!
- Water Balloon Volleyball Set up a volleyball net (or string between two posts). Instead of a ball, use water balloons. The challenge is to keep the balloon from breaking while getting it over the net.
DIY Outdoor Games for Large Groups
- Human Foosball Create a life-sized foosball court using rope or pool noodles to make lanes. Players must keep their hands on the “bars” while trying to kick the ball into the goal.
- Giant Tic-Tac-Toe Make a grid on the lawn with rope or spray paint. Use different colored frisbees or paper plates as X’s and O’s.
- Outdoor Movie Screen Games Hang a white sheet between two trees or poles. Use a projector to display games like giant Pictionary or trivia on the screen.
Nighttime Outdoor Games
- Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling Fill plastic bottles with glow sticks or fairy lights. Use a glow-in-the-dark ball (or wrap a ball in glow tape) to knock them down.
- Flashlight Tag A twist on regular tag where “it” uses a flashlight beam to tag others. For added fun, play “Flashlight Freeze” where players freeze when the light hits them.
Adaptations for Different Spaces
Remember, these games can be adapted for various settings:
- Small backyards: Focus on vertical games or those that don’t require much running around.
- Parks or open spaces: Take advantage of the room for larger-scale games or races.
- Beach: Many of these games work great on sand – just secure items against the wind.
- Indoor alternatives: Most games can be modified for indoor play on rainy days.
Maintenance and Storage
To keep your DIY games in good shape:
- Clean and dry all items before storing
- Use plastic bins or large bags for storage
- Regularly check for wear and tear, repairing as needed
- For wooden items, consider a coat of weatherproof sealant
Involving Kids in the Creation Process
Getting kids involved in making the games can be half the fun:
- Assign age-appropriate tasks like painting or decorating
- Teach basic DIY skills like measuring and safe cutting techniques
- Encourage kids to come up with their own game ideas or rules
- Always supervise and handle any power tools yourself
Hosting a DIY Game Day
Why not showcase your creations with a DIY game day? Here are some tips:
- Plan a variety of games for different ages and interests
- Create a schedule to rotate through different games
- Organize teams or friendly competitions
- Provide simple, budget-friendly refreshments like popcorn and lemonade
Estimated Costs and Potential Savings
One of the best parts of DIY games is the cost savings. Most games in this guide can be created for under $20, with many costing less than $10. Compared to store-bought versions which can run $30-$100 or more, the savings are significant. Plus, the durability of many DIY games means they’ll last for multiple seasons of play.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
As you play, you might encounter some challenges:
- For games that are too easy or difficult, adjust the rules or physical setup
- If younger kids are struggling, pair them with older players
- For wear and tear, keep materials on hand for quick repairs
- To resolve disputes, consider appointing a rotating “referee”
Conclusion
DIY outdoor games offer a world of fun, creativity, and family bonding, all without the hefty price tag of store-bought entertainment. By using simple materials and a bit of imagination, you can create a backyard full of exciting games tailored to your family’s interests and needs.
Remember, the joy of these games isn’t just in playing them, but in the process of creating them together. So gather your family, start brainstorming, and get ready for hours of laughter and memories.
