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!
Safe yard games for kids that are perfect for summer play!
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
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/125587Â
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
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!
Yard games for kids that you’ll love playing, too!Tournament Manufactured Wood Cornhole Set
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.
