A holiday weekend is upon us, which means tons of time spent outdoors and with family. If you’re anything like me, however, you’re busy and didn’t quite get around to planning all of the fun yard games and activities you’d hoped to before the weekend arrived.
Have no fear—here is a list of fun outdoor games and activities for all ages that can be put together in a jiffy without much effort or expense. I’ve divided the list into three categories based on the amount of effort required: low, medium and high. This way, you can choose which ones you want to try based on how much time and energy you’ve got.
Low-Effort DIY Yard Games
1. Squirt Gun Races
Whose cup will get to the end of the string the fastest?
What you’ll need: plastic cups, string, duct tape, scissors and squirt guns.
What you’ll need: posterboard, scissors, 4 cans of spray paint, Twister spinner is optional.
Get the instructions on SheKnows. (Note: If you are averse to spray-painting your grass, you could always hold a regular Twister sheet in place on the lawn with camping tent stakes).
Freeze small objects (plastic toys, rubber balls or even coins) in bowls or bins of water, and then race to see who can melt or crack the ice to release the goods the fastest.
What you’ll need: freezer-safe containers, little objects to freeze, water and supplies for warming or cracking the ice (spray bottles, warm water, plastic or wooden hammers, etc.)
A cute, colorful game to make and play with your kids.
What you’ll need: Printer and paper, bean bag toss printable (get it here), 5-6 8-inch clay pot saucers, white spray paint, scissors, spray adhesive/Mod Podge Outdoor, paintbrush, beanbags in various colors (you can buy or make them).
If you have never tried giant Jenga, you don’t know what you are missing.
What you’ll need: 54 Feet of 2×4s, Measuring Tape and Pencil, Chop Saw (or hand saw), Sanding Block and 100 or 120 Grit Sand Paper, stain of your choosing and Minwax finishing paste (optional).
