When the kids are stuck inside with nothing to do, having great DIY outdoor game ideas ready can save your whole day.
You wanted outdoor party games that keep everyone laughing, but pulling it all together on your own felt like too much work.
Store-bought outdoor games can cost way too much money, and most of them end up breaking after just a few uses.
Kids get bored fast, and finding family-friendly outdoor games that work for all different ages can feel really tricky sometimes.
If you have ever searched online for fun ideas and felt lost by too many complicated steps, you are not alone.
Most people want easy and fun backyard games without spending their whole weekend building something way too complicated to finish.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
The good news is that making homemade lawn games at home is actually so much easier than you might think.
I can’t wait to share some fun ideas like a giant Jenga DIY build, plus tips we shared over in our backyard makeover.
You will have a solid list of budget-friendly outdoor activities that actually work for every age group!
Why Play Yard Games
In today’s world, many kids spend more time inside than outside, especially this year in particular. In addition to making family memories, playing outdoor games has many other benefits, including:
- Getting kids active, which improves their fitness level and physical stamina
- Helping them learn new things such as problem-solving and strategy skills
- Lets them explore the world around them
- Helps build a lifelong love for nature
11 Fun and Easy DIY Outdoor Yard Game Ideas To Play
I have scoured the web high and low to find some amazing options for making your own yard games. These DIY outdoor game ideas offer diversity in the types of activities, but they all have one thing in common: they provide a seriously good time.
DIY Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe Game
I love how this game looks! Plus, it’s super quick and simple to make.
My family plays tic-tac-toe often, and we love trying to find “sure-fire” ways to win – you know, those moves where you can win two different ways? Priceless.
DIY Ladder Toss
Some PVC pipe and some bolas are all you need to construct a game of endless fun for the backyard. Play individually or in teams for long-lasting fun.
The first person (or team) to reach 21 wins. Who’s ready for a little friendly competition?
Bigfoot Cardboard Feet
I always like DIY outdoor game ideas that help tire my kids out. Forget about potato sack races or wheelbarrow races. Those are fun, but nothing compared to the thrill of a bigfoot race!
This tutorial gives great step-by-step instructions for this simple DIY outdoor game that will have the entire group in stitches from laughing so hard. Perfect for a birthday party, family reunion, or even just an outdoor family game night.
DIY Giant Dominoes
Your favorite game from when you were a kid just got even better. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this one.
Playing larger-than-life dominoes is a fun way to spend some time in the backyard, together as a family or when you have friends over for a barbecue.
This can even be a great game for toddlers who are learning their numbers. To keep it simple for them, make all the dots on the dominoes coordinate for each number (paint all the one-dot dominoes green, all the dominoes with two dots yellow, etc).
DIY Cornhole Boards
Cornhole is a classic that never gets old. All you need to play are these boards and some bean bags.
Would you like to save this post?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
It may sound simple, but that’s the misconception (and the fun) of playing cornhole. Check out this complete tutorial for making an affordable, lightweight, space-saving cornhole yard game.
I particularly like the idea of DIYing this one because it allows you to make the design something that will coordinate with your outdoor space.
Yard Speed Scrabble
You know how a game of Scrabble can take hours to really play? This version takes a fraction of the time without sacrificing the challenge or the fun you expect from Scrabble.
Plus, because players who only know short words can excel at this one, it’s perfect to play with kids.
DIY Checkerboard
Checkers is a time-honored, fun game that can get quite rowdy! Enjoy hours of implementing strategies against each other and “fighting” to be the last man standing.
If you happen to get tired of checkers (that’s not really likely), you could always bring out – or make – some chess pieces to go with the board and change games.
Glow in the Dark Bowling
Bowling is just classic fun, and this DIY outdoor version is so creative! Enjoy a few rounds of this easy DIY outdoor game as the sun goes down and the stars come out.
This is one of the most budget-friendly DIY outdoor game ideas out there.
Yard Yahtzee
Another classic family game! If you buy this game in a giant yard size, you’ll likely spend more than your entire grocery budget for the week. However, with just a few simple supplies, you can make your own easily on the cheap.
Let the good times roll with this DIY outdoor game.
Pool Noodle Obstacle Course
Have some fun and burn some major energy, too by building an obstacle course. This is one of my favorite ideas for DIY yard games because it’s very affordable and can be as big or as small as you like.
Plus, this is another great one for all ages to participate in. A little creativity will keep the kids busy for a very long time!
Giant Jenga
Ah, Jenga. One of my favorite party games. It’s the perfect kid-friendly combination of simple rules with the thrill that comes from a fast-paced game.
Jenga is a natural to bring outside to the yard and can be played by both older and younger children.
Bonus:
This is one of the DIY outdoor game ideas that adults can enjoy too! Create your own yard game version (it’s easier than you think) and then pull it out whenever you have people over or you just want to have an outdoor family game night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best DIY outdoor games for a backyard party?
Pick three stations: cornhole, ladder toss, and bottle bowling, so guests rotate fast. Set teams of two, use 10 beanbags per board, mark a clear throwing line, and keep score to 21 for quick rounds.
What are easy DIY outdoor games you can make in one day?
Build a simple ring toss with a scrap board, three smooth dowels, and a drill, then cut rope rings. Finish by sanding edges, adding wood glue under dowels, and painting bright targets with outdoor latex.
How do you make DIY yard games like cornhole, ladder toss, or ring toss?
Start cornhole with a 24 by 48 inch plywood top and a 6 inch hole centered 9 inches down. Measure ladder toss rungs 12 inches apart, and use golf balls tied with rope for bolas.
What are cheap DIY outdoor game ideas using items you already have at home?
Turn empty plastic bottles into bowling pins, add a little water for weight, and roll a soccer ball. Use chalk to draw targets for toss, and make beanbags from socks filled with rice, taped shut.
What are the best DIY outdoor games for kids?
Choose soft games like sponge relays, foam ring toss, and mini cornhole with cloth beanbags on grass. Avoid balls, sharp hooks, and splintery wood, sand all edges, seal boards, and supervise toddlers near small parts.
I hope these DIY outdoor game ideas inspired you to create a giant version of your favorite game and take it outside for some good old-fashioned family memory-making time.
Pick one game that excites you the most, gather your materials, and set aside a simple afternoon to build it because most of these projects come together faster than you would expect.
Building your own yard games makes playtime feel even more special because you put your own time and creativity into something the whole family or friend group gets to enjoy together.
Once you try one project and see how much fun it brings, you will be motivated to work your way through the entire list before summer is over.
So grab your supplies, get the kids or your friends involved in the building process, and get ready to create the ultimate backyard game day that everyone will be talking about for a long time!
