Outdoor games are not just a great way to enjoy quality time with your family, but they also offer many benefits. From promoting physical health to strengthening bonds, and igniting a spirit of healthy competition, these games are far from mere entertainment sources. Moreover, they bring out the child in us, remind us of the joy of play, and help us destress in a fun and engaging way, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
Quick Overview
Here’s a brief list of some outdoor family games for adults that we will explore in this article:
- Water Balloon Volleyball
- Ladder Toss
- Bean Bag Toss
- Horseshoes
- Ring Toss
- Cornhole
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball
- Spike Ball
- Lawn Twister
- Giant Jenga
- Oversized Dominoes
The Importance of Outdoor Family Games for Adults
Outdoor family games for adults offer a myriad of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Engaging in outdoor activities can significantly improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility. Games like Uno Party or ‘What Do You Meme‘ not only provide entertainment but also stimulate the brain, promoting cognitive health.
Classic Outdoor Family Games for Adults
Water Balloon Volleyball
This is a refreshing twist on the classic game of volleyball. You only need a volleyball net, beach towels, and water balloons to start. The game involves two teams using their towel to launch and catch water balloons over the net. It’s a great way to cool off during summer gatherings. And if you have leftover water balloons, an epic water balloon fight can be the perfect ending to the game!
Ladder Toss
Ladder Toss, sometimes known as ladder golf, is a lawn game that combines both strategy and skill. The objective is to toss the golf balls, which are tethered together, onto a ladder-like structure. Each rung of the ladder carries different point values, and the first team to reach 21 points wins. This game is a hit at any outdoor party because players of all ages can enjoy it.
Bean Bag Toss
Don’t be fooled by its simplicity; the Bean Bag Toss can quickly become competitive and engaging. It involves players taking turns to throw bean bags at a raised platform with a hole at the far end. Points are scored when the bean bags land on the board or, even better, in the hole. This easy-to-set-up game is a classic that adults and kids can enjoy equally.
Horseshoes
Horseshoes is a staple of family gatherings and backyard games. The goal is to toss horseshoes at stakes in the ground, with points awarded for the closest throw. It requires precision and a little bit of luck, making it a fun and competitive game for adults.
Ring Toss
Ring Toss is a simple yet entertaining game. Players take turns throwing rings at a set of pegs, trying to land their rings around the pegs to score points. It’s a game that requires skill, precision, and a little bit of luck, making it a fun challenge for adults and kids alike.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic lawn game that’s always a hit at outdoor parties. Players take turns throwing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. The goal is to get your bean bag in the hole, or at least on the board, to score points. With its simple rules and engaging gameplay, Cornhole is a great choice for outdoor family fun.
Croquet
Lastly, Croquet is a timeless outdoor game that’s perfect for adults. This classic game uses a mallet to hit wooden balls through a series of wickets. It’s a game of strategy and skill and an excellent choice for a sophisticated outdoor gathering.
Active Outdoor Family Games for Adults
There’s a world of options beyond the classics regarding outdoor family games for adults. These active games will get everyone moving, laughing, and having a great time.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact team sport played with a flying disc. The objective is to score points by passing the disc to a teammate in the opposing end zone. Besides being a great way to stay active, it promotes teamwork and coordination.
Volleyball
Another team sport, volleyball, involves two teams of six players each. The aim is to send the ball over the net and to ground it on the opponent’s side of the court. It’s a fun game that encourages physical activity and team spirit.
Badminton
Badminton can be played in singles or doubles. It involves hitting a shuttlecock across the net with a racket. The aim is to land it within the opponent’s half of the court. It’s a fast-paced game that enhances reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
Crossnet
Crossnet is a unique four-way volleyball game that combines the rules of four-square and volleyball. It’s easy to set up and provides hours of fun. This game can be played on grass, sand, or indoors if you have enough space. It’s a fun way to get moving and enjoy some friendly competition.
Ping Pong
Also known as table tennis, ping pong is a sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table using small rackets. It’s a great game to improve hand-eye coordination and reflexes. You can set up a portable table in your backyard and enjoy a game or two.
Obstacle Course
Set up an obstacle course in your backyard using items you have around the house. The course could include activities like jumping through hoops, crawling under a string, and hopping on one foot. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone moving and laughing.
Capture the Flag
This classic outdoor game involves two teams, each having a flag or other marker at the team’s base. The objective is to capture the other team’s flag at the team’s “base” and bring it safely back to their base. It’s a thrilling game that promotes strategy and teamwork.
At Learning Board Games, we believe games should be fun, engaging, and sometimes even a little active. So why not try out these active outdoor family games for adults? They’re sure to make your next family gathering a lot more fun!
Lawn Games for Outdoor Family Fun
Outdoor family games for adults are not only about movement and physical activity. They also present an excellent opportunity to engage in friendly competition, master new skills, and simply have a great time with loved ones. Here are some lawn games that are sure to bring a lot of fun and laughter to your family gatherings.
Spike Ball
Spike Ball is an active and engaging game that’s easy to set up in your backyard. It’s like volleyball but on a mini trampoline! It’s perfect for couples since it’s limited to four players. You can even create your own DIY version if you don’t have a Spike Ball set on hand.
Bocce Ball
Bocce Ball is a classic lawn game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. It’s simple to learn, making it ideal for all ages. You can read more about the basic rules here.
Lawn Darts
Lawn Darts is a simple yet exciting game that is great for all ages. It doesn’t require a lot of setup, and it can be super competitive, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.
Kan Jam
Kan Jam is a fun game where you score points by throwing your flying discs into an opening in a trash can-like apparatus. However, it might be best to avoid this game on windy days unless you have a version with sturdier cans!
Flickin’ Chicken
Originally designed for children, Flickin’ Chicken has proven to be hilarious and awesome for adults too. It requires very little setup and can quickly turn into a super competitive game.
Rollors Lawn Game
Rollors Lawn Game is a unique game that combines aspects of horseshoes, bocce ball, and outdoor bowling. You roll discs, earning points for getting close to the goal. It’s a perfect combination of skill and luck.
Giant Yard Pong
Giant Yard Pong takes the classic game of Pong to a whole new level. It’s especially great for adults and can make your outdoor family gathering a lot more exciting.
Giant Board Games for Outdoor Family Gatherings
When it comes to outdoor family games for adults, nothing beats the excitement of playing giant board games in your backyard. These games bring all the fun of traditional board games to the great outdoors, providing an excellent way for adults and kids alike to enjoy some active, engaging, and strategic playtime together.
Lawn Twister
Twister is a classic game that’s always a hit at gatherings, and playing it on the lawn adds a new level of fun. You can easily create your own Lawn Twister setup using paint or chalk directly on your grass. This game is entertaining and a great way to promote physical activity and flexibility.
Pictionary
Why not take the classic game of Pictionary outdoors? You could use a large dry-erase board or draw chalk on your driveway. The game rules stay the same, but the outdoor setting provides a larger canvas and more space.
Giant Jenga
One of the most popular giant board games is Giant Jenga. This game takes Jenga’s balancing act to a whole new level. You can easily DIY your own set or purchase one if you prefer.
Outdoor Checkers
Checkers is a game that players of all ages can enjoy. An outdoor version can be easily created with painted stones as pieces and a checkered mat or painted squares on the lawn as the board. You could also buy an outdoor checker set or make one yourself.
Wooden Four in a Row
This is a larger, outdoor version of the classic game Connect Four. The rules remain the same, but the larger format means more movement and fun. You can build your own wooden board or find an outdoor version on Etsy or Amazon.
Yard Yahtzee
A giant version of Yahtzee can be a big hit at outdoor gatherings. Instead of rolling dice on a table, you’ll be tossing them onto the lawn. It’s an easy game to set up and can be a lot of fun to play.
Yard Tic Tac Toe
A simple yet engaging game, Tic Tac Toe can easily be set up in your backyard. Use rope or garden lines to create the grid and large painted stones or frisbees as pieces.
At Learning Board Games, we believe in the power of games to bring families together. These giant outdoor board games offer a fun and engaging way to spend quality time together while enjoying the great outdoors. So why not try some of these games at your next family gathering? You’ll enjoy the fun, the laughter, and the memories you’ll create.
DIY Outdoor Family Games for Adults
Looking to add a creative and personal touch to your outdoor family games for adults? Consider making your own games! DIY projects provide an opportunity for family bonding and allow you to customize the games to your liking. Here are some DIY outdoor family games you can try today.
Giant Wood Lawn Dominoes
Lawn dominoes are a fun and engaging way to take the classic game of dominoes outdoors. All you need are some large wooden pieces, paint, and a little bit of creativity. This game is simple and easy to play, making it a great addition to any outdoor gathering.
DIY Yard Yahtzee
If you’re a fan of the classic board game Yahtzee, then you’ll love this outdoor version. It involves creating large wooden dice and a scorecard. This game is not only fun but also challenges your strategic thinking skills. It’s a great way to involve the whole family in a game requiring luck and strategy.
DIY Outdoor Scrabble
Bring the popular word game to your backyard with DIY outdoor Scrabble. Create large wooden Scrabble tiles and a grid on your lawn or patio. This game provides hours of fun and challenges your vocabulary and spelling skills. It’s an engaging way to make learning fun for both adults and kids.
Tic Tac Toe Frisbee
Combine the classic game of Tic Tac Toe with the fun of frisbee tossing. This game requires a grid (which can be drawn out on the lawn or made using ropes) and frisbees in two different colors. The aim is to get three frisbees in a row, just like in Tic Tac Toe. It’s simple, fun, and a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
Checkerboard on a Picnic Table
Turn your picnic table into a giant checkerboard for endless fun. All you need is some paint to create the board and large checkers. This game is perfect for family gatherings, as it encourages strategic thinking and friendly competition.
Life-sized Trouble Game
Create a life-sized version of the classic board game Trouble. You can use large pieces of colored cardboard for the game pieces and a big dice. This game is sure to bring lots of laughter and fun to your outdoor family gatherings.
The aim of these games is not about winning or losing, but about spending quality time together as a family. So try some of these DIY outdoor family games for adults today. We at Learning Board Games believe that games should be fun, engaging, and educational. So, whether you’re playing a classic board game or trying out a new outdoor game, remember to enjoy the process and cherish the memories you create.
