Disclosure: I was gifted some items in order to review them, however all opinions are 100% my own.

If you're looking for fun outdoor games for the whole family to use on a hot summer day, we have a brilliant selection for you.

Looking at my own childhood, we had very basic options like giant bubbles, water balloons and a wet sponge! Or even better a water gun! Still one of the most sought after garden toys and so much fun!

Another classic outdoor game was the hula hoop, I spent hours doing this. Or how about the jump rope and just using sidewalk chalk? We actually did this at a street party pre-covid! The old ways are often the best.

So what can you find to keep children of all ages occupied over the summer months? We all need hours of entertainment in the holidays and letting kids make the most of fresh air and lighter evenings creates such great memories.

With that in mind, we have tried some outdoor summer activities. These are things you can take to a local park or play in your own backyard. This means you will be ready when the warm weather arrives!

There are options for all age groups and even the entire family, adults included. So you can use them at a family reunion or just with the neighborhood kids.

Read on for our selection of classic outdoor summer games...

Giant Inflatable Ball

We’ve just discovered the joy of XL Mega Bounce, this is an extra-large bouncing ball with a whopping 2.5M circumference! My children (and husband) loved it and spent ages chasing around the garden with it.

The ball is incredibly bouncy and perfect for unstructured play for older children. It's recommended for age 3 upwards and small children would need to be supervised whilst using it.

In the box there's a foot pump to inflate it, however, I used an electric pump. It comes in blue or red and is a great summer bucket list item and I will definitely be gifting it for birthday presents this summer.

To get one of your own if you’re based in the UK click here. And for US readers here’s yours.

The Best Outdoor Games and Activities For Kids This Summer

Giant Chess

Perfect lawn games such as chess, create great excitement. It's also the best way to get children interested in a more formal board game.

I find this is one activity that brings all members of the family together, as older kids learn the object of the game from adults. You end up all playing or watching, which is fantastic and really memorable.

These giant chess sets are often used at county fairs but we found it's a good idea and not too expensive to hire them. Or if you'd like to make an investment because it's something you're passionate about and will be used a great deal you can find different options and sizes here.

Make sure you check what size the ‘giant’ games are. Some sets are not actually that large and may not make the big statement you’re looking for, so shop around.

Giant Tumble Tower

The original Giant Wooden Tower Game! We've all got fond memories of playing this!

The Magnum Tumble Tower from Jaques of London has been specially made for families to enjoy. The tactile, solid pine blocks are ethically sourced and delightful to hold.

When constructed the tower is over 3 feet tall which my children loved as it was taller than their waists which was a big novelty!

This is a very popular game which can be used indoors or out. We put it on a small table in the garden and everyone loved the height being even more pronounced. This is a classic game which can be used by every age group from grandparents to little ones. It goes down particularly well at parties.

To make it complete and even more mum-approved, it comes with a lovely cream carry bag to neatly store the blocks away ready for your next fun game.

Magnetic Dartboard

Playing a round of darts is always a cheeky, backyard game which brings out the competitive side of the players! Obviously with children around you need a safer version with no sharp points to have a good time!

We love this Magnetic Dartboard by Wicked Uncle. It's just the right size at 16" diameter and has brightly coloured magnetic darts that stick reliably to the board. We checked this and it’s true!

There are full instructions included but it's very user friendly and is mounted in minutes. We've tried it wall mounted on our shed and even just propped up on a chair for use indoors.

This is the perfect way for children to get involved with the adults and play a game together.

Quoits Hoopla Game

Quoits is a very traditional ring toss game and is useful to have at gatherings. The reason we always bring this out is that some children like to play in different ways. They might not enjoy overly physical games with a bit more pressure to perform. Others don't like all the attention of a team sport or having to score a point.

Quoits is an easy option to have at hand, it can be played indoors or outside and with all the family or just two people. A child can even play on their own at this game, just practising throwing the ropes over the pins with no attention drawn to them at all.

I find it an excellent, unassuming game which can also help children develop and improve their co-ordination skills.

This set is available in the UK here. Or in the US.

Lacrosse equipment for kids

Is another excellent choice because it is a fun and exciting sport for young people. With the correct tools, kids can learn the fundamentals of lacrosse and hone their skills, making it a pleasant and active way for them to spend their summer days. Make sure to choose lacrosse equipment for kids that is safe, appropriate for their skill level, and appropriate for their age.

Football matches at home

If you have children with a lot of energy or need to entertain slightly older children, having footballs around or even some small goals make such a difference.

Choosing a goal isn't always easy. They need to be sturdy enough not to topple over at the slightest kick. However, they don't actually need to be too big either. It's better to have a smaller goal so that your kids are targeting more accurately where they want the ball to go rather than strong kicks going all over the garden and hitting others or going over fences! It also improves their football skills too.

The FORZA Mini Target Football Goal is a great starting goal and the Kipsta products also work well. They are both light enough to move around and can be used on various surfaces. The Forza goals are available in the UK. And for little US soccer fans!

If you're looking for a funky football to go with your match setup, the new Smart Ball counts out loud your child's keepy-uppys as they try and keep the ball in the air and do tricks! Check them out at Wicked Uncle in the UK here. Or for US readers.

Bean Bag Toss

This cute Monster Bean Bag Toss Game is a gift great idea for active little ones. It's a ton of fun, easy to explain and so suits all ages. The bright colors appeal to younger children, but my two still play this at six and ten years old.

Based on the original tin can alley game, this set includes monster fabric bean bags and tin cans with numbers and monster patterns.

A really simple way to develop hand-eye coordination, improve their reaction speed and agility. It's a small, light game for travelling or having a picnic outdoors with friends and family.

You can find this set here in the UK. Or in the US.

If you don't have time to buy one of these you can create a DIY bean bag toss game yourself. See how to do this here.

Crazy Golf Set

Last summer the children's Grandma gave them mini golf clubs, other golf accessories, and balls. I wasn't really sure about this gift. Would they accidentally hit something or each other! Would we have golf balls going missing all the time? Actually, I was completely wrong!

They loved the game and created little obstacle courses around the garden. It turns out it's very easy to have some summer fun with a makeshift starting line, finish line and home base. They did this themselves but as parents, you could even make it a scavenger hunt if you organised it for them.

This little crazy golf set even has its own holes for you to put around your backyard as challenges. A lovely option for primary age children and adults to play together.

To buy this sports toy in the UK click here: And for US readers grab your set here.

Baby pool

For very small children I can't help but mention water play. An inflatable pool is an ideal solution on a hot day for very small children or younger kids.

I love this cute Mushroom Baby Pool mainly because with my mamma hat on, it has a sunshade as well. It's a great way to escape the summer heat. We had one like this for our children which had a pirate sail across the top and it really stopped them from becoming too overwhelmed in the sunshine.

They can also be filled with sand on other occasions if you need a quick sandpit.

Obviously, remember to always supervise children in the water and smother their delicate skin in plenty of suncream!

To buy this sweet little mushroom pool in the UK click here. And in the US here.

Giant Two Player Buzz Off or Beat The Buzzer

This is another one to hire for gatherings and parties. A fun way to catch people out and do something a little unusual! We hired ours from Epic Inflatables in Kent.

This game is called Buzz Off or Beat the Buzzer. It's a bit like the Operation Game of my youth, which may be showing my age!

Two players go head to head, the aim of the game is to pass the looped wand very carefully around the hand from one side to the other without touching it and making the buzzer sound! The Giant Buzz Off option is a really hilarious game. You don't find it often and this makes it the perfect entertainment and something everyone remembers.

It can be used for all but the youngest children and is usable both indoors and out.

I hope you found our selection of fun outdoor activities useful. Summer is the perfect time to get together with all those friends and family we’ve missed in the past two years.

In our experience, any group of kids, large or small need simple things like fresh air, ice cream and outdoor play to create extra fun for their summer days. Lastly, water games are always popular but try not to allow any water balloon fights til the end of the day when they all end up in a beautiful mess! An ice block treasure hunt might be a good compromise.

If you are looking for more traditional game ideas for kids, like an obstacle course, marco polo, or a water balloon fight, the old classics which you can do with what you have at home. How about these?

Tag: Tag is a great outdoor game that can be played with a large group of kids. One player is "it" and must chase and tag other players to make them "it." The game continues until you get to the last person and everyone has had a turn.
Red Rover: In Red Rover, two teams stand facing each other, holding hands. The first team calls out a player's name from the opposing team and that player runs to try to break through the other team's linked arms. If they succeed, they take one player back to their team. If they don't, they join the other team.
Simon Says: Simon Says is a fun game that can be played indoors or outdoors. The first person is "Simon" and gives commands such as "Simon says touch your toes" or "Simon says hop on one foot." The other players must only follow commands that begin with "Simon says," or they're out.
Freeze Tag: Freeze Tag is similar to regular tag, but when a player is tagged, they must freeze in place until another player tags them to unfreeze.
Duck, Duck, Goose: In this game, kids sit in a circle and one player walks around, tapping each player on the head and saying "duck." Eventually, they'll tap a player and say "goose," and that player must stand up and chase the first player around the circle. If they catch the first player, they become the new "it."
Kickball: Kickball is a fun game that's similar to baseball. The pitcher rolls a ball to the kicker, who tries to kick it as far as they can and run around the bases before the fielding team can retrieve the ball and tag them.
Capture the Flag: In Capture the Flag, two teams have a flag on their side of the playing field that they must protect while trying to capture the other team's flag.
Four Square: Four Square is played with a large square drawn on the ground, divided into four smaller squares. One player stands in each square, and they must hit a ball to the next player's square without letting it bounce twice in their own square at the end of the line.
Hula Hoop Contest: A Hula Hoop Contest is a fun game for kids of all ages. Players see who can keep their hula hoop up the longest, or who can do the most tricks with their hoop.
Tug of War: Tug of War is a great game where two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, trying to pull the other team over a designated line. This is often popular at summer camp.
Lastly the favourite - Water ballon fight games. These are a fun and refreshing way to cool off on a hot summer day. Here's how to set up a water balloon fight game. Fill up a bucket or several buckets with water balloons or spray bottles. Divide the players into two teams and give each team a different color of water balloons. Set up a boundary for the game, such as a marked off area in a park or a backyard. You can use cardboard boxes stuck together with duct tape to create a den for each team. On the count of three, have both teams start throwing their water balloons at each other. If a player is hit by a water balloon, they're out of the game. The last team standing wins. It's good to have a time limit on this game so children don't get too overexcited! You can also add variations to the game, such as having a designated "referee" who can declare when a player is out, or having special "golden" water balloons that are worth more points. Make sure to clean up all the broken balloon pieces after the game is over to avoid littering, especially if you are playing at a public space such as a water park.

Children will be a little bit tired and thirsty after all this garden fun! Make sure you have some paper plates and plastic cups (compostible) ready when you host various outdoor activities. These are useful for picnics, barbecues, and other events. The main thing is they aren't dangerous if they get broken.

So what will you organise for the summer break?

Which of these games would your family love?

Why do we concentrate on outdoor games? Remember there are many benefits of children being outside, including:

Physical exercise: Outdoor activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and playing sports can help children develop their gross motor skills, strengthen their muscles, and improve their overall physical health.
Exposure to sunlight: Sunlight provides a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for children's bone development and overall health. Spending time outside also helps regulate sleep patterns and can improve mood and behavior.
Improved cognitive development: Being outside provides children with opportunities to learn about nature, the environment, and their surroundings. Outdoor activities can also help improve problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and critical thinking.
Increased socialization: Outdoor activities provide opportunities for children to interact with other children, develop social skills, and build friendships.
Reduced stress and anxiety: Spending time outside can help children feel relaxed and reduce stress and anxiety. Outdoor activities can also help improve mood and self-esteem.
Boosted creativity: Outdoor play encourages imagination and creativity, allowing children to explore and discover the world around them in new and exciting ways.

Overall, being outside can have a positive impact on children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development, and is an essential part of their overall health and well-being.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means should you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.