As the weather warms up, we all want to get outside and make the most of the sunny days. Summer games are the perfect way to bring friends or family together for a good time.
You don’t need to blow big bucks on expensive games. You can create your own or find affordable classics that will keep everyone entertained for years to come.
All you need is a small bit of lawn and a few basic supplies to play most of these games, and there are options for kids and adults alike.
Why not host a summer garden gaming party and play one or more of the following?
1. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a timeless game that keeps little ones entertained for hours. Plus, it’s simple to create. All you need is sidewalk chalk.
You can purchase sidewalk chalk at places like Amazon or make your own with a few ingredients. Mix one cup of powder paint into one cup of water and whisk until fully diluted. There should be no clumps. Add chalk paint coloring to create the hue you want.
To mold the substance into chalk, pour the mixture into cupcake molds or other shapes. Tube shapes are ideal for chalk as they create a pencil-like shape that children can easily hold onto.
Create your own freehand layout or buy reusable stencils for tracing. The rules are easy. Just toss a rock or other object into a square. Hop to the square on one foot and don’t allow the other foot to touch the ground. Pick up the object and hop back on one foot.
The person who can go the furthest without touching the ground with their other foot wins.
2. Ring Toss
Do you have a garden ornament like a flamingo or gnome? You can use it to play a quick game of ring toss. Find some soft plastic rings and draw a line on the ground. Everyone takes turns tossing the rings over the object.
Whoever can throw the ring and land on the object from the furthest away wins.
As far as summer games go, it couldn’t be easier.
Ring toss is a popular game, so you won’t struggle to find plastic rings online. But another DIY option is to create the rings using stiff rope, wire pieces, or pool noodles.
The rings should be a little bigger than the hook so they glide into place effortlessly.
3. Mini Golf
Mini golf is an excellent game for all ages as it doesn’t require a lot of fast movement. If you’re hosting a summer party with older relatives, this is the perfect game to get everyone involved.
There are kits available to purchase online, but you can also make the individual hole designs yourself with plastic cups and cardboard decorations.
Use your imagination and create ramps using cardboard boxes, tunnels using wrapping paper tubes, or hills out of heaped sand. You could even involve the family in painting fun decorations in a theme of your favorite movie or TV show.
4. Fabric Checkers
Checkers is one of the classic summer games, but you usually need a table, chairs, and a board to play it. Check out fabric checkers! This life-sized game takes the fun of checkers but makes it more interactive.
Fabric checkers are easy to make with a patterned piece of fabric. You can either sew squares or draw squares on a piece of black or white fabric using chalk. Then, use slices of wood or large rocks as your pieces.
If you make a super-sized board, you can even use humans as the pieces.
Or you can purchase a pre-made set.
The rules are the same as traditional checkers, but you can take this set to places like the beach where you can play without a table and chairs.
5. Backyard Memory Game
Memory games are the ideal way to pass the time sitting on the grass and listening to the birds chirping. One way to make a memory game is to cut strips of paper or cardboard and draw shapes or animals on one side.
You can also buy sets that are made for outdoor play. Games are a good investment if you pick a high-quality set because they can last through generations.
6. Pétanque
Pétanque (sometimes called bocce, though they’re slightly different) is a classic French game involving throwing balls and trying to get them as close as possible to a small target ball.
It’s a captivating summer activity that has endured for centuries, and you’ll be immersed for hours playing this game.
Before you can enjoy the fun of pétanque, you’ll have to obtain a set of balls. You can find affordable sets for beginners and high-end sets intended to last a lifetime.
This is an excellent game for taking on the road, so if you have a summer vacation planned, add this to your list.
7. Outdoor Board Game
A board game is excellent if you have a flat surface like decking or concrete in your backyard. Some designs come with fabric boards that can be placed on top of grass. These products are also suitable for putting on sand and are safe for pets.
Outdoor board games are big enough for a group of friends or family, and you can play them with just two people.
The rules Sorry! are easy to follow, so you don’t need to read a lengthy education before playing. You can also find the classic game of Life and lots of other fun classics like connect four.
8. Scavenger Hunt
Nature provides a playground for summer games by simply existing. The trees, plants, flowers, and grass are ideal for hiding items and making your own scavenger hunt.
You can also buy a scavenger hunting kit.
It’s also affordable and helpful for carrying as it comes in a drawstring bag. Play this game in your backyard or when you go on a camping trip to discover new facts about nature. Even though it’s aimed at children, adults love playing scavenger hunts.
This product allows you to disconnect from technology and be present with nature. The educational aspect is excellent for children and prevents you from having to think of new activities every time you take a trip.
9. Bowling
Whether you stack up some thin logs and use a basketball that you have lying around or you purchase a fun blow-up version, bowling is one of those summer games that everyone enjoys and knows how to play.
Tips for Planning a Summer Game Party
You can host a summer games party by picking a few different games. Start with warm-up games like ring toss or hopscotch and move on to a scavenger hunt towards the end of the event.
Separate the games into different categories, like small groups or exploration. This encourages people to get involved if they prefer one game to another. Mix the groups up so people get to know each other better.
Here are some other tips for your party:
- Buy or prepare snacks and drinks and prepare them in advance.
- Be an active host by engaging people in conversation.
- Set a fun atmosphere with lights and decorations.
Above all else, your party should be about having fun and enjoying nature.
Decorating with game decorations will help set the tone and get people excited about the selection of DIY and traditional outdoor games.
To make it more competitive, create a leaderboard on paper and record the winners. You can even gift a prize for first place!
Whether relaxing with a memory game or hosting a party, these summer games will be guaranteed to make your loved ones happy this summer.
