Looking for some fun and interesting ways to make the most of your free time with friends or family? Then you need some great outdoor games in your backyard! Not just your lackluster variety of board games, but ones that are fun enough to make your little shindig a regular event to look forward to.
Outdoor games aren’t just great for breaking up the monotony of day to day life. Multiple benefits are associated with spending time outdoors; plenty of scientific research backs this up. Some of the associated benefits of spending time outdoors include improved cognitive capabilities, boosted creativity and imagination especially for the little ones, and so much more.
Few things are more satisfying than watching the people you love getting along as they engage in some friendly competition. And if you have children, outdoor games are an excellent way of teaching kids of all ages how to lose gracefully. Simply being able to move on after a loss is a skill that will keep giving, long after your kids have left home to start their own families.
The best outdoor games to pick are those that bring back those childhood memories that you never want to let go of- consisting of long summer days that forced you to create your own fun-way before the screens took over every facet of our contemporary lives.
It is also generally a good idea to go for outdoor games that are simple enough that a 7-year-old can understand with ease. The games you pick also need to have a sophisticated enough structure that the winners and losers can be undoubtedly identified. As such, if you are looking for great outdoor games to have in your backyard, here are some great options that you should consider:
Ping pong
Ping pong is one of those games that everyone can take part in- even those that have never played before. Also sometimes referred to as table tennis in certain parts of the world, ping pong is a relatively simple game to figure out. The best part? You can also play it indoors which means that you never have to miss out even when it is raining or freezing outside.
Ping pong has the perfect balance of high-octane energy and pure fun. It is also a great choice if you want to improve your flexibility as well as quicken your reflexes. Before you go ahead and throw that ping pong tournament, you first need a ping pong table.
The good news is that buying a ping pong table is more straightforward than you’d expect. You’ll be treated to multitudes of ping pong tables so you can be sure that you’ll find one that will suit your outdoor needs nicely. Remember to invest in a waterproof protective cover (robust reviews here) to keep your ping pong table safe, particularly if you intend in storing it outdoors.
Foosball
If you’ve been looking for an activity that will get your friends or family to shut down their devices and have fun sans Instagram, then Foosball is it. What’s so great about Foosball is that it is inclusive and can be played by anyone.
A great Foosball tournament will involve some laughter and friendly rivalry. It’s the sort of outdoor game that will keep everyone glued to the edge of the seat. This way, you can have an even better experience owing to the wonderful memories that you will create together.
Numerous schools, clubs, and community centers usually have Foosball in the rec room or hall. As such, most of your guests will probably have encountered the game at least once in their lifetime. As such, the nest time you are all together for a family gathering, do give Foosball a try.
Giant Jenga
You see it all the time; you’re all gathered as a family or group of friends but somehow everyone finds themselves busy in their little bubble. Most times, you’ll find necks craned and eyes glued on a small screen, which has undoubtedly become more powerful as time has progressed.
As a result, it’s almost impossible to forge a personal connection or interaction that’s uninterrupted by the vast online world. Looking to draw your loved ones from their technology bubble? Jenga is one of those games or activities that manages to effortlessly bring everyone together without leaving any man behind.
A customary game of Jenga on Christmas, Thanksgiving, Cinco de Mayo, or any other special event worth celebrating is a great tradition that can be passed on from one generation to the next.
Cornhole
Who doesn’t love a good old game of cornhole? Cornhole is a game that was solely designed for your backyard. Check this nice how to article with pictures if you’re wondering if this game is for you or not. No family barbecue, lazy summer afternoon, or casual hangout would quite be complete without a fun game of cornhole.
Cornhole is popular, especially in the east. As such, if you are worried about finding it locally, don’t be. You can build your own cornhole game if you fancy yourself handy with a saw and a power tool or if you are working on a budget. And who wouldn’t want the bragging rights for making their own cornhole game from scratch?
If building your own cornhole from scratch sounds like too much for you, then consider getting your cornhole lumber cut at your local home improvement store. Make the event even more memorable by allowing the winner to go home with the set.
Final Thoughts
Organized sports are great and all. However, there are some downsides, most of which primarily involve too many strict rules. Sometimes the best family bonding moments are created with simple fanfare involving creative outdoor games.
Such games are great for all members of the family- even the little ones- because they involve such few regulations and demand creativity and imagination instead. As such, when you are looking for outdoor games to entertain yourself, think of simple, classic options, such as the ones listed in this article. Perfect for a weekend barbecue with the guys or a family reunion, these fun outdoor games were designed for everyone to participate and enjoy.
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