If you feel like the first half of 2020 has been the longest six months of your life, you probably aren't alone. And if you have run out of ideas to entertain your kids from the comfort and safety of your home home, again, you probably aren't the only parent struggling in that regard. Luckily, there are tons of games and activities you can engage in so they (almost) feel like they are having a normal summer after all.
These are the best DIY yard games for kids [1] you can do right now, regardless of your skill level. So just in case you totally aren't the Pinterest perfect parent — which, let's face it, so few of us are — you'll impress and entertain your kids with at least one of these games. No one is telling you to make a mini theme park or carnival out of your backyard, but you can still fill the rest of the summer with worthwhile memories. Keep reading to find your perfect game!
Giant Connect Four
Nothing says backyard games like over-sized versions of your favourite board games. It will take some experienced handiwork to get this set looking presentable, but it's kind of amazing.
Bottle Toss
A bottle ring toss game might seem more like a carnival game, but when you make one for backyard play [3], it can be a way to force the kids outdoors. Bonus points if you can make the set look adorably shabby chic.
Backyard Obstacle Course
Creating an outdoor obstacle course for your kids is the perfect way to get them moving, while also challenging them in some small way. This particular one involves tons of trampolines, but you can make one as elaborate or low-key as you want. It might not be as alluring as Fortnite [4], but it's a solid screen-free activity outside.
Jumbo Checkers
No one ever said that playing checkers was a thrill, but somehow, when you make a game like checkers giant enough to play across a portion of your backyard, it becomes a whole different game. Kind of. (Bonus, this video has five other fun ideas!)
Backyard Jenga
You haven't considered DIY-ing your way into backyard games unless you have researched how to make a giant Jenga tower. Because yes, you can buy a set, but making one is just a tad more special. And you get full bragging rights.
DIY Slip ‘N Slide
Anyone can buy a slip 'n slide to cool off in the ungodly summer heat. But making your own [5] totally takes things up a notch and makes it possible to have no limit on how long or wide you make it.
Outdoor Ring Toss
OK, so ring toss might seem like a dated garden game your grandparents would rather play than your kids. But it might be so old it's cool again. Or, at the very least, slightly novel to kids who haven't played it before.
Yard Tic-Tac-Toe
All you need for this project are large block letters from a craft store, paint, and rope. You decorate your letters for the game and, using the rope, set up a "game board" anywhere you want. It's so easy your kids could do it themselves. Which we do encourage.
Washer Toss
Some DIY [6] yard games for kids require far too many power tools for those of us who would rather pay someone to make something for us. Luckily, with this washer toss game from Funny Little Fairytale, little effort is required for a decent payoff. Get the full instructions here [7].
Giant Bucket Pong
Giant bucket pong has essentially the same rules as beer pong, but without alcohol. It also involves football balls and rubbish bins, so it's probably a little easier to play for small hands.
Outdoor Bowling Alley
Do you have an overabundance of foam pool noodles and no pool to use them in? Just re-purpose them for this makeshift bowling alley, which is honestly pretty adorable.
Pool Noodle Frisbee Toss
You can also use pool noodles to make a grid for a Frisbee toss game. Just make sure you establish a point system first, or you'll be stuck losing to the kids every single time.
DIY Horseshoe Pit
Even if you've never played horseshoes, it's one of those timeless games that kids take to for some strange reason. It also invites from friendly competition to outdoor family game night! This one takes some work, but is well worth the payoff.
DIY Yard Dice
This is another option that require a little more work. But as long as you can handle some power tools or know someone who can, you can make these yard dice and use them for a variety of different games.
Golf Ball Ladder Game
Building your own golf ball ladder game for the backyard takes some power tools know-how. If you are comfortable, though, then you totally stand the chance of getting cool points from your kids.
