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School is out and summer is finally here, so it is a perfect time for these fun DIY Yard Games games for kids and adults! We love DIY yard games for so many reasons, not least of which – they are just fun to have on hand for when company is over, a BBQ breaks out, or you just want to get the kids outside to ‘touch grass‘ (as the young people say). But there are even more selling features than these obvious ones. Let’s list some!
First off, DIY Yard Games are usually giant size. Giant-sized anything is scientifically demonstrated to be awesome!
We’ve owned normal-sized Jenga since forever and, sure, the kids play it occasionally. But haul out the Giant Jenga and try to stop them from playing! The stakes seem bigger (because they literally are) and every move carries anxious and hilarious implications.
So many of these other games are super-sized too and we can’t wait to try them (Kerplunk! With tomato cages!? Genius!).
You can also use the ‘DIY’ part of these DIY yard games to teach the kids (or yourself) some new skills.
Many of these are simple, a-trip-to-the-dollar-store-&-one-afternoon-of-work sort of projects. Kids’ learning thrives on anything where they can see a quick payout and they can do some of the steps.
Add in the fact that you are making awesome, fun games that they will get to play OUTSIDE and you have a winner from the ‘good parent’ point of view.
Even if your kids are younger and can’t handle the power tool or higher-skill parts that a few of these involve, they can help paint or decorate the finished product. Wins all around!
Finally, just scrolling through this list shows how creative and amazing our fellow humans are.
I really wish I had thought of the water gun race game, as we totally would’ve adapted it for a Spy– or Heist-themed birthday from days gone by.
Similarly, glow-bowling and backyard Quidditch are so simple yet would engage kids (and, again, adults) for hours. Even if you think you’re not a DIY or Backyard game person, check this stuff out because we think there is at least one that will convert you!
Plus, being able to tell your guests that you made it will be a great feeling. They will marvel at your skills and your clever inventiveness (and you don’t have to tell them that you found the idea here).
Summer is short. Get making your favourite games(s), grab some snacks and a cooler of drinks. Invite some friends over and GAME ON!
20+ Fun DIY Yard Games
Robin and Ed are a DIY-loving couple with over 25 years of design and build experience. Also, Robin is a Nutritionist and former Registered Dietitian and Ed is an award-winning Business Educator. We share strategies for living a rich life on a DIY budget: creative money-savvy ideas for a stylish home, healthy meals and family fun. Our work has been published in the pages of Do It Yourself, Farmhouse Style and Better Homes & Gardens magazines.