DIY backyard games are a great thing to have up your sleeve as a parent. Sometimes it is hard to get the family outside and active, even though it’s important. Today I’m sharing 18 family-friendly backyard games that you can make yourself!
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Family-Friendly DIY Backyard Games
1. DIY Bocce Ball
Purchase 3-in wood balls from Amazon and paint them in fun colors to make your own game of Bocce Ball.
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2. Ladder Golf
Make your ladder golf patriotic by painting the rungs red, white & blue.
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3. Homemade Twister
Instead of a mat, you can make a twister board as big as you want. Just spray paint the circles on the grass, or on a deck.
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4. Bean Bag Toss
An old-fashioned bean bag toss {or cornhole} is easy to put together!
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5. Recycled Bottle Bowling
Fill empty water bottles with water and food coloring for bowling pins. What a fun and eco-friendly idea!
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DIY Backyard Games for Kids
6. Giant Yard Jenga
You might want to play this one on the patio or side walk instead of the grass. For a tutorial on how to build your Yard Jenga visit Dallas City Mom’s Blog.
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7. Yard Dice
Make giant yard dice! There are lots of fun games you can play, including Yard Yahtzee.
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8. DIY Slip ‘n Slide
Who can deny a fun slip ‘n slide? All you need is a large sheet of plastic and your hose to have an afternoon of fun.
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9. Garden Tic-Tac-Toe
Fun and simple!
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10. Rainbow Hop Scotch
It doesn’t just have to be their favorite game at the school yard…it can be their favorite game in the backyard too!
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11. Backyard Chess and/or Checkers
My husband would be in HEAVEN if I made this for him.
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More Backyard Games
12. Balloon Darts
You could have paint, water, confetti, or another fun thing hidden inside in the balloons!
13. Connect Four
Everyone loves this game! ![]()
14. DIY Yard Dominoes
A lot of work, but fun outcome!
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15. Pool Noodle Fun
There are so many different things you can do with foam noodles.![]()
16. Tire Swing
This is a fun project for a recycled tire. You can purchase a swing kit from Amazon to hang your tire.
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17. DIY Swedish Kubb Game
This is a fun game to make and to play. See more at This Old House.
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18. Water Balloon Pinata
Instead of giving the kids a sugar high, cool them down with a water balloon pinata instead!
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Before you go, check out some additional DIY backyard projects to help you get more out of your backyard!
Can you tell me if there is a pattern for the dominoes and how you made the mark for the numbers?