10 DIY Outdoor Games for Summer

10 DIY Outdoor Games for Summer


10 DIY outdoor games for kids to try this summer! These are easy and fun and will have the whole family playing!

Updated March 2024

Are you beginning to make your summer bucket list yet? How about adding some DIY outdoor games to play in the backyard or when camping?

Games don’t have to come in a box, and they definitely don’t need to be battery operated to be enjoyable. In fact, the best games are sometimes the simplest. We all remember playing games outdoors as children with little more than simple natural materials, companions (siblings, friends, parents…), and our imaginations.

Here are 10 simple DIY outdoor games perfect to play with the kids this summer!

10 DIY Outdoor Games for Summer

super bubbles
Photo by Andrea Martelle

1. Blow Bubbles

Make a batch of bubble solution and set up a bubble station with all kinds of bubble wands for kids to create and chase bubbles.

2. Hopscotch

This one is so simple but every kid we know loves it! Draw out hopscotch boxes and let the fun begin!

chalk paint
Photo by Rachel Withers

3. Chalk Art

Use sidewalk chalk to create a mural or a game on the driveway or sidewalk. Or you can make some chalk paint and try one of these fun ideas.

4. Obstacle Course

Create a simple obstacle course using items like cones, hula hoops, pool noodles, and ropes for jumping or crawling under.

nature walk kids with binoculars
Photo by Anna Harpe

5. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Go on a walk and see what you can find with a nature scavenger hunt! We’ve made it easy for you with our FREE printable nature scavenger hunt!

6. Bean Bag Toss

Set up targets using buckets or cardboard boxes and have kids toss bean bags into them from a distance.

giant blocks
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

7. DIY Giant Blocks

Raid the recycle bin for leftover cardboard boxes and use them to create giant blocks! They are lightweight and large, allowing you to build BIG!

8. Sponge Relay

On an extra hot day, fill a bucket with water and have kids use sponges to transfer water from one bucket to another, racing against each other.

hide and seek rocks
Photo by Andrea Martelle

9. Painted Rocks

If you’ve got lots of rocks gathered from nature walks, you can paint them or make melted crayon rocks. Then use them in hopscotch, pretend play, or as kindness rocks to hide around the neighborhood!

10. Swimming Pool Painting

This is an Artful Parent classic! Do marble painting on a big scale with balls or water balloons in a kiddie pool!

And don’t forget, you can always bring the arts and crafts outside and try one of our outdoor art ideas for kids!

painting outside
Photo by Rachel Withers

More Outdoor Art Ideas for Kids

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10 DIY Outdoor Games for Summer 10 DIY Outdoor Games for Summer



Originally published in artfulparent.com