Looking for a fun way to spend time outside with family and friends?

You don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive backyard toys. Many of the best outdoor games can be made with simple materials you may already have at home.

Here are 17 easy DIY backyard games that everyone will love.

17 Backyard Games Everyone Will Love

  1. Cornhole
  2. Giant Jenga
  3. Ring Toss
  4. Ladder Toss
  5. Backyard Bowling
  6. Yard Yahtzee
  7. Bucket Ball
  8. Giant Tic-Tac-Toe
  9. Water Balloon Toss
  10. Sponge Relay Race
  11. Obstacle Course
  12. Frisbee Golf
  13. Horseshoes
  14. Scavenger Hunt
  15. Tug of War
  16. Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss
  17. Backyard Mini Golf

1. Cornhole

Cornhole is a backyard favorite that’s fun for kids and adults.

Build your own boards or buy a basic set. It’s perfect for cookouts, birthday parties, and weekend gatherings.

https://amzn.to/4gmKI6s

2. Giant Jenga

Use wooden blocks to build a life-size version of the classic game.

It’s simple to make and gets more exciting as the tower grows taller.

https://amzn.to/4vwNABH

3. Ring Toss

All you need are a few rings and some wooden pegs.

It’s easy to set up and fun for players of all ages.

https://amzn.to/4wugdAg

4. Ladder Toss

Build a ladder from PVC pipe or wood and use bolas to score points.

This game is great for family competitions and backyard parties.

https://amzn.to/4eJTXwf

5. Backyard Bowling

Fill empty plastic bottles with a little sand or water and use any playground ball.

It’s a fun game that younger kids especially enjoy.

https://amzn.to/3SJFI1V

6. Yard Yahtzee

Make oversized dice using wood blocks.

Take the classic game outside and enjoy it in the fresh air.

https://amzn.to/4wvXzIl

7. Bucket Ball

Set up buckets in a triangle and toss balls into them.

It’s easy to learn and always gets people laughing.

https://amzn.to/4pn9jdT

8. Giant Tic-Tac-Toe

Create a large game board with rope or tape.

Use painted rocks or bean bags as your game pieces.

https://amzn.to/3SFiXw4

9. Water Balloon Toss

Nothing says summer like water balloons.

Partners toss a balloon back and forth while taking a step backward after each catch.

https://amzn.to/4y4TIDA

10. Kan Jam

All you need is a flying disc and two goals.

Work with a teammate to score points by throwing and deflecting the disc into the goal. It’s fast, active, and great for all ages.

https://amzn.to/4eM7PWS

11. Obstacle Course

Create challenges using cones, ropes, chairs, or pool noodles.

Time each player and see who can finish the fastest.

12. Frisbee Golf

Use buckets, laundry baskets, or other targets around your yard.

Create your own course and see who finishes with the fewest throws.

13. Horseshoes

This classic backyard game never gets old.

If you don’t have horseshoes, use rope rings or plastic versions for a safer option.

https://amzn.to/4gmtZQE

14. Scavenger Hunt

Hide objects around your yard and create a list of things players need to find.

You can even choose a fun theme for extra excitement.

15. Tug of War

Grab a sturdy rope and divide everyone into two teams.

It’s simple, active, and always brings lots of laughs.

16. Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss

Play after sunset using glow sticks and illuminated rings.

It’s a fun way to keep the party going after dark.

17. Backyard Mini Golf

Use cups, cardboard, books, and other household items to build your own mini golf course.

Every hole can have a different challenge, making each round unique.

What You’ll Need

  • ✔ Buckets
  • ✔ PVC pipe
  • ✔ Wood scraps
  • ✔ Rope
  • ✔ Pool noodles
  • ✔ Plastic bottles
  • ✔ Bean bags
  • ✔ Balls or frisbees
  • ✔ Glow sticks

Make the Most of Your Backyard

You don’t need expensive equipment to have fun outside.

With a few simple supplies and a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into the perfect place for family game nights, birthday parties, and weekend get-togethers.

Pick one game this weekend, invite some friends over, and start making memories.