Summer is the perfect time to gather friends and family for outdoor fun. While store-bought yard games can be great, there are plenty of exciting games you can play without spending a dime. Here are some engaging yard games that you can enjoy with materials you likely already have at home.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic summer game that's easy to set up and fun for all ages. If you don't have a cornhole set, you can create your own using some cardboard boxes and bean bags or small bags of rice.
How to Play:
- Place two boards (or cardboard boxes) opposite each other with a distance of about 27 feet between them.
- Each player or team takes turns tossing bean bags at the opposite board, aiming for the hole.
- A bag in the hole scores 3 points, and a bag on the board scores 1 point.
- The first player or team to reach 21 points wins.
DIY Frisbee Golf
Frisbee golf is a fun way to get everyone moving and enjoying the outdoors. You can set up a simple course in your yard with household items as targets.
How to Play:
- Choose a starting point and identify targets around your yard (trees, buckets, or any upright object).
- Players take turns throwing the frisbee, aiming to hit the targets in as few throws as possible.
- The player with the fewest throws to complete the course wins.
Sack Races
Sack races are a great way to bring out everyone’s competitive spirit while having a blast. All you need are some old pillowcases or large sacks.
How to Play:
- Mark a start and finish line in your yard.
- Each player steps into a sack and holds it up around their waist.
- On “Go,” players hop to the finish line. The first one to cross wins.
- You can add variations like relay races for more fun.
Water Balloon Toss
Perfect for hot summer days, a water balloon toss is both refreshing and entertaining.
How to Play:
- Fill several balloons with water.
- Pair up players and have them stand a short distance apart.
- Toss the water balloon back and forth, stepping further apart with each successful catch.
- The last pair with an intact balloon wins.
Tug-of-War
Tug-of-war is a simple yet thrilling game that only requires a sturdy rope.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Mark a center line on the ground.
- Teams each take an end of the rope and try to pull the other team across the center line.
- The first team to pull their opponents over the line wins.
Freeze Tag
Freeze tag is an energetic game that doesn't require any equipment, just a group of enthusiastic players.
How to Play:
- Choose one player to be "It."
- The "It" player tries to tag others, who must freeze in place when tagged.
- Other players can unfreeze their friends by touching them.
- The game continues until everyone is frozen or a set time limit is reached.
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a great way to explore your yard and have fun searching for hidden treasures.
How to Play:
- Create a list of items to find around your yard (a specific flower, a unique rock, etc.).
- Players or teams race to find all the items on the list.
- The first player or team to find all the items wins.
With a bit of creativity and some everyday items, you can create a summer filled with laughter and memories without spending money on yard games. Gather your friends and family, head outside, and let the games begin!
