Fun for Everyone
Looking for family backyard activities and games that allow you time away from the screen? Then you are in the right place. With ideas ranging from backyard camping to obstacle courses, you’re sure to find something everyone will love.
I’ll share some easy activities in this slideshow that are perfect for every age group, whether you’re planning an action-packed day for the kids, a relaxing evening for adults, or some quality family time. Let’s get started.
Backyard Nature Scavenger Hunt
Everyday routines and screen addiction have made everyone less active. A backyard scavenger hunt is a perfect activity to add some movement to your life.
You can easily turn your backyard into a mini-exploration zone. Make a list of items like specific leaves, rocks, or insects, and let everyone in the family search for them. Customize it with age-appropriate challenges.
This is a fantastic way for everyone to get moving and explore without leaving home.
DIY Obstacle Course Fun
For a fun family time game during the weekend, set up an obstacle course in your backyard. Use items available at home like chairs, cones, and ropes.
Design different “stations” with challenges like crawling under ropes, balancing on a wooden beam, or doing mini-hops. It’s a fun way to bring a bit of adventure home, and everyone can get involved by timing each other for some friendly competition.
Movie Night Under the Stars
Ditch the home cinema and create a cozy outdoor cinema with a projector, a sheet or outdoor screen, and plenty of blankets and pillows. Pick a family favorite movie, pop some popcorn, and let the night unfold.
Younger kids love the “theater” atmosphere, while adults can relax under the stars. Do add some string lights for that perfect outdoor magical vibe.
Sidewalk Chalk Art Gallery
Add some creativity with a chalk art day on your patio or driveway. Kids love creating colorful drawings and patterns, while adults can join in with their designs.
Try fun themes like “underwater world” or “space adventure,” and take pictures of everyone’s artwork. It’s a simple, mess-free activity that lets everyone express themselves.
The fun part is the rain will eventually clear the canvas for a new round of creativity
Create a Cozy Outdoor Reading Nook
Set up a reading nook with blankets, cushions, and a hammock or chair, perfect for curling up with a good book.
It’s a peaceful way for everyone to enjoy the outdoors in a quiet, relaxing setting. Encourage kids to bring their favorite stories and maybe even have a mini “book club” discussion.
Best part? You can finally dive into those novels you’ve been meaning to read.
Host a Backyard Mini Olympics
Set up a mini Olympics with fun backyard games like relay races, jump rope, and tossing bean bags. Make it official by creating “events” with fun twists like balancing on one leg or running backward.
Award homemade medals to winners and create a family scoreboard. It’s a perfect way to bring some friendly competition and loads of laughter to your outdoor space.
Host a Backyard Family Picnic
Bring the fun of a picnic to your own backyard with a blanket, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, and enjoy a sunny meal outside.
Add a little fun by bringing a frisbee or setting up a game of catch. Kids love the “special” picnic setting, and adults can relax without worrying about crowds. Soak up some sunshine while enjoying the snacks.
Backyard Water Play Day
While winter nights invite cozy movie marathons and s’mores, hot summer days call for cool water games to beat the heat. Make a splash with activities like running through sprinklers, tossing water balloons, or lounging in a kiddie pool.
Or set up a DIY “water park” with simple items like buckets and splash pads for a fun, refreshing way to cool off. Everyone can join in the fun, from water balloons tosses to sprinkler runs.
Outdoor Yoga for Relaxation
Want to start your fitness routine again but find it hard and boring to do it alone? No worries. Invite your family or friends for some DIY backyard yoga sessions.
Lay down yoga mats, play some soothing music, and follow a simple yoga routine that everyone can enjoy. Kids can join in and learn basic poses, while adults relax and stretch.
Morning sessions are great for fresh starts, while evening sessions are perfect for winding down.
Try Stargazing in Your Backyard
When night falls, lay down a blanket and look up at the stars for a simple stargazing session. Bring a telescope or stargazing app to help spot constellations and planets.
The best backyard stargazing experience is during new moon phases, as minimal moonlight lets the stars shine even brighter. Aim to stargaze between 10 p.m. and midnight when the sky is at its darkest, reducing the impact of light pollution.
Winter months are especially rewarding, as the crisp, clear air makes stars more visible.
Fly a Kite on a Breezy Day
Kite flying isn’t just for parks; it can be done right in your backyard. Choose a breezy day, bring out colorful kites, and let them soar.
It’s a timeless activity that brings joy without needing lots of space or supplies. Add a friendly challenge to see whose kite can fly the highest or try out some fun tricks in the air.
Birdwatching from Your Patio
Life has become fast-paced, take a little break and enjoy some classic activities that reminisce about the old slow days. With just a pair of binoculars, you can turn your backyard into a mini birdwatching haven.
Further set up a bird feeder or bird bath to attract local species, and enjoy observing the different birds that visit. Use a birdwatching app to help identify them.
It’s a rewarding, low-stress way to enjoy time outside together.
DIY Mini Golf Course
Why not bring the fun of mini golf to your backyard? Set up a simple course using household items like cups for holes, pool noodles for barriers, and cardboard or wood to create ramps.
Each family member can design their hole, making it a creative project everyone will enjoy. With a few putters and a golf ball, you’re ready for a round of backyard golf.
It’s a playful way to spend the day outdoors and have some friendly competition.
Gardening for Mini Green Thumbs
Gardening is an activity everyone can enjoy, and your patio or backyard can become a great place for it. Set up small planters with herbs, flowers, or vegetables, and let the kids help with watering and planting.
Adults can relax while tending to plants, and kids learn about nature and responsibility. Plus, there’s the bonus of fresh herbs or veggies later. It’s also a great way to instill the love of gardening in little ones. Check out Fall Activities To Get Your Kids Into Gardening for some inspiration.
Backyard Camping and S’mores Night
Nothing is more fun than having S’mores with family in the backyard during a winter night. If the weather allows, set up a tent and sleeping bags right in your yard for an easy, cozy campout.
The adventure starts with everyone pitching in to set up, followed by classic camp activities. Make s’mores using a small outdoor fire pit or even a grill. Share stories under the stars and don’t forget to turn off the tech for a “real” camping feel.
For more inspiration for winter nights ahead, check out playful winter activities kids can’t resist.