Skip to main content

8 yard games that will keep kids entertained for hours

The weather is heating up, and it’s time to ditch the video games and iPads for good old-fashioned outdoor fun-in-the-sun; with yard games for kids, you’ll love playing just as much as they will. Not sure what games are best for your family? We’ve done the research and read the reviews to find safe yard games for kids, in every age group (even for overgrown kids, like you), and in every price range, too.

Some are classics you probably played yourself as a kid, others are new twists on timeless favorites or oversized versions of tabletop games, but each one is certain to get the kids off the couch and into the fresh air! 

Related Videos

Safe yard games for kids that are perfect for summer play!

Jumbo 4-to-Score Giant Game Set

https://www.amazon.com/ECR4Kids-Jumbo-Score-Game-Set/dp/B005I2BBDA

An oversized version of the classic 4-in-a-row game you’ve played for years, this jumbo-sized connect-all-4 is great for two players or teams and kids ages three and up. Not only is it fun, but this brain-boosting game helps enhance motor skills, hand/eye coordination, problem-solving, counting, and critical thinking. Drop the colored disks into the sturdy frame and try to get four of your colored disks in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—to win the game. Play defense by blocking your opponent’s strategy (because they’ll be doing the same to you)!

“This game is indeed the highlight of any event that has children and adults, I personally can’t get enough of it. It’s perfect in size, the colors are vibrant, it’s definitely durable and will last a long time.” Amazon 5-star review

Franklin Sports Fun 5 Combo Set

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Franklin-Sports-Fun-5-Combo-Set-Badminton-Volleyball-Ring-Toss-Flip-Toss-Flying-Disc/106717921

Everything you need for a day of outdoor family fun in one value-priced set!  Open the box to discover all the essentials needed for: 

  • Badminton
  • Volleyball
  • Flip Toss
  • Ring Toss
  • Flying Disc

The set comes with everything you need from the poles, net, badminton rackets, birdies, volleyball, flip toss scoops and ball, ring toss, flying disc—even a ball pump and needle! Perfect for backyard, beach, or picnic gatherings. It helps kids improve their eye/hand coordination, develop team-building skills, and promote a healthy sense of competitiveness.

“Gave this combo game kit to my niece and nephew. I like that it is 5 games in 1. The kids are very excited about all the game options too. Badminton and paddle ball are the two most popular games with the kids.” – Walmart 5-star review 

Spikeball 3-Ball Combo Set

https://www.rei.com/product/876061/spikeball-3-ball-combo-set?

A combination of the popular playground game 4-square and volleyball, kids 14 & up can play singles or doubles games. How does it work? You just spike the ball down on the net, so it ricochets up towards your opponent. Like volleyball, the opponent’s team has up to three hits between them to control the ball and bounce it back off the net. They miss? You score! The set includes everything needed: A 36-inch frame, an elastic net, 3 balls, and a carry sack. Easy assembly is required. 

Reviewers rave about its portability—so it goes with you when you’re camping, for beach days, or visits with friends. It even includes a travel bag to make on-the-go games easier. Adults love this game every bit as much as kids!

Elite Sportz Ring Toss Games for Kids

The carnival game you loved when you were a tot, now in a home version for kids of all ages. Everything is included, and it sets up in 5 minutes or less: 

  • 10 plastic rings
  • 5 rope rings
  • 5 pegs
  • 2-part standing base

To play, toss the rings at the stand. Hit a peg, and you get points. Whoever has the most points per round wins! A great way to help develop hand/eye coordination, fine motor skills, and even learn simple math. A free travel bag lets you take the fun wherever you go! For kids 6 years & up.

“My grandson who is 5 had a great time this weekend playing this with us. Also I had him help me add up the points just to work on his math. I like to incorporate a little learning whenever I can without the stress of him feeling pressured.
It’s a great game for hand and eye coordination. And teaching good sportsmanship. We will be playing every time
he comes over for a visit. Going to look for more games that are physical and mental like this one, to play with him
in his visits.
” – Amazon 5-star review

Tumbling Timbers

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/125587 

The only rule is that everyone can play! Oversized tumbling timbers game can reach up to four feet high (if you’re really good at playing). Take turns removing a block from the stack and re-stacking it on top—without knocking the tower down! It sounds simple, but it’s not! The 56 wooden blocks are made from sustainably sourced New Zealand Pine and hand-sanded smooth for easy setup and gameplay. Recommended for ages 8+.

Buyers love that this game’s blocks are easier to hold, thanks to the smooth finish and beveled edges and that they are lightweight enough not to hurt younger players when the tower falls. 

Backyard Bocce Set with 8-Balls

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GoSports-90-mm-Backyard-Bocce-Set-with-8-Balls-Pallino-Case-and-Measuring-Rope-Made-from-Premium-Resin-BOCCE-90-01/304945759

Not familiar with free play bocce? It just means that you play on grass, sand, or even the carpet—no officially marked court required. The object of the game is simple—throw your bocce balls closer to the Pallino (that’s a little white ball) than your opponent and earn points along the way. The first team to reach 12 points wins the game! This backyard set includes eight throwing balls, each with circle cut and square cut designs (allowing for more players during your game), including two Red, two Blue, two Green, two Yellow, and one 40 mm white Pallino, a measuring rope, and a durable canvas carrying base (convenient for storing the game when not in use, too). For kids 12 & over. 

Perfect for casual play and beginners, it even includes easy-to-follow instructions and rules. Reviewers loved how more kids can play at once because it provides four different colored balls. A great game for the whole family, bocce is a good excuse to get outside, get a little exercise, and enjoy fresh air and sunshine.

Yard games for kids that you’ll love playing, too!

Tournament Manufactured Wood Cornhole Set

https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/triumph-sports-usa-2-x-3-tournament-manufactured-wood-cornhole-set-esca1153.html

The perfect choice for beginners aged 13 & up and full-fledged “cornstars,” this compact version of the beloved bean toss game is made to travel—to the park, the beach, the campsite, tailgating, or a sleepover party at a BFF’s house. You know the drill: Toss the bean bag and aim for the hole. But beware, your toss might push your opponent’s bag into the hole and earn them a point! Once playtime is over, this convenient set includes boards that lock together so you can even store the bags right inside. 

Customers love the sturdiness of this set and how it brings out the best competitive rivalry in kids of any age—boys vs. girls, family vs. family, kids vs. grownups. A great skill to learn as a youngster that will come in handy well into adulthood (especially during those college years). Some shoppers noted that the plain board even inspired them to DIY their own custom-painted one-of-a-kind design.

Jenga® GIANT™ JS7™ Hardwood Game

https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/jenga-giant-js7-hardwood-game-jega1001.html

That table game you know and love is now an outdoor sport that’s as fun to play as it is to watch. Due to the sheer size of the pieces, this game is recommended for players 13 & over. Made with the same crafting and quality as the original but giant-sized for outdoor enjoyment. Stack the oversized wooden blocks and pull one block out at a time, rebuilding the stack without making it tumble over. It’s a skill that takes nerves of steel and a steady hand. Play in groups, or all alone! The game includes a rulebook and convenient carrying case. 

“Jenga GIANT is fun for all ages. We play it at birthday parties and family gatherings. It brings a great deal of laughter to every event.” – Wayfair 5-star review

After the year we’ve all had, there’s never been a better time to gather friends together and take advantage of every sunny day and warm night that summer has to offer, with one—or more—of these yard games for kids of all ages.

Editors' Recommendations

8 nostalgic Netflix movies and shows we love streaming with our kids
Family watching TV together on the couch

Family movie nights are a terrific way to bond with the kids. If you’ve been watching the same Disney or Dreamworks reruns for a while now, it might be time to switch up the movie routine. There are several kids and family Netflix classics that you and your family are sure to enjoy, so it might be time to take advantage of what the platform has to offer.

If you’ve been craving some nostalgic shows and are ready to share your own childhood adventures with your kids, we’ve rounded up a list of eight fantastic films that people of all ages will enjoy.

Read more
How to keep your playroom closet in check and teach your kids to do the same
pastel playroom with cubby organization

Creating kid-friendly storage solutions doesn’t have to be challenging. If your child’s playroom closet has seen better days, don’t worry -- we won't judge. After all, playrooms are meant to be spaces for fun and play. However, kids still need to learn and practice responsibility, and cleaning up their play space is a great way to do so. We’ve gathered some of the best organization hacks to help you manage the playroom in a way that is functional, fun, and educational.
Clear organizers
Clear organizers keep everything in one place without overcomplicating the process. This trick is especially beneficial for young children, since many kids struggle with object permanence and memory. As they age, this will disappear, but kids can be a bit forgetful about where to put toys or how things are organized when they’re young.

Clear organizers allow you and your child to see the contents within. It makes it easier to get the toy they want without digging through all the bins and boxes, which translates to less clutter on the floor. Additionally, since children can easily see where their toys go, clean-up time will be much more manageable.

Read more
6 tips for hosting a virtual Easter egg hunt kids and adults will love
virtual easter egg hunt eggs kids

Easter will be here before you know it, and while some may be attending socially distanced events to celebrate, others will be finding the Easter bunny's eggs at home this year. Even though Easter may still look different, there are fun ways to celebrate with friends and family near and far.

One fun idea that will get everyone in the Easter spirit is hosting a virtual Easter egg hunt. It's actually easier than you might think; it just takes a little bit of prep work, and the smiles on your kid's faces will be all the thanks you need.
Get everyone on the same page (or screen)
A few weeks before the big day, send out a message to everyone who will be participating in your Easter egg hunt online with the time, date, any supplies needed, and some hiding spots for the eggs. Be sure to include the videoconferencing app you use—be it FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype. If there's anyone on the list who hasn't used your platform of choice before, send your message along with instructions so they can test it out in advance.

Read more