Besides good food and good company, these get-togethers are also the perfect time to enjoy some good old fashion party games. If you’re looking for something to entertain the little ones (and their parents!) look no further – we’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly summer party games for your next backyard bash. Take a look at our ideas below:
1. Potato Sack Race
A classic outdoor game that’s fun for all ages, potato sack races are a staple of family backyard bashes around the world. All you need is some space in your yard, and some large burlap sacks, or large, sturdy pillow cases – make sure your burlap sacks or pillow cases can reach up to each participant’s waist. Then, mark your finish line, and get your participants hopping!
2. Beanbag Toss
Beanbag Toss – also known as “cornhole” – is a simple enough game, but don’t let that fool you! It requires skill and coordination, and is sure to be a hit with kids and kids-at-heart.
You can purchase your own beanbag toss kit on Amazon, or – if you’re more of a do-it-yourself type – make your own beanbag toss game using these instructions.
3. Bocce
This classic outdoor game comes straight from nonno’s playbook, and is tons of fun for the whole family. Bocce ball, also called bocci or boccie, can be traced all the way back to Roman times, and is very popular across Europe to this day.
Perfect for playing on the grass in the yard, bocce traditionally uses two pound balls, so you’ll want to leave the traditional balls to the bigger kids and adults. For a more kid-friendly option, try Boochie, a variation that replaces the heavier balls with plastic rings and lightweight “bean balls.”
4. Limbo
No backyard bash is complete without this classic luau game. Get your family, friends, and little ones together to find out “how low you can go!”
With minimal materials needed – just a long pole and two willing participants to hold onto each side – this game is the perfect low-cost alternative to expensive, complicated party games. So let the music play and get ready to limbo!
6. DIY Twister
If you lost your old-school Twister mat long ago, not to worry – this outdoor variation is just as, or even more fun!
In this backyard party game, the classic plastic Twister mat is replaced by spray-painted circles on your backyard. Luckily, all of the things you’ll need to create your Outdoor Twister game are readily available at your local craft or home improvement store – just grab a paint can for each colour of the Twister “mat” (green, yellow, red, blue) and some construction paper. Make a circle template out of construction paper and spray paint your circles onto the lawn – four rows of six circles in total, each row one colour.
For more in-depth instructions, check out the Sassy Style ReDesign blog for a detailed step-by-step, and a refresher on Twister instructions.
7. Homemade Bubbles
All kids love bubbles – and the bigger, the better! So why not make a game out of it, and see who can blow the biggest bubbles?
Worried that you regular bubble solution just won’t cut it? Try the following recipe for giant bubble solution, that’s guaranteed to produce the biggest bubbles you and your kids have ever seen:
- 6 cups of water
- 1/2 cup blue dish detergent
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp glycerine
- 1/2 cup corn starch
Have fun, play fair, and stay safe!
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These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.
In Quebec, Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins General Insurance Inc. In Ontario and Alberta, Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Direct Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance.
