Family outdoor games provide affordable entertainment for all ages. The games generally are simple to play and organize so you don't need a lot of planning ahead of time. Most of games involve physical activity, which improves the fitness level of the entire family. Most games work well in the backyard on a nice day, for family reunions and other family gatherings.
Coin Toss
Coins provide a basic material for playing outdoor tossing games. One option is to use a wall to bounce coins onto the ground. You'll need a wall or solid fence next to a concrete surface for the best results. Draw a tossing line with chalk several feet away from the wall. The first player tosses the coin at the wall so it bounces back onto the concrete. The second player tries to toss his coin so that it touches the first player's coin. He earns a point for successfully hitting the coin with his own. A similar option is to draw several circles of varying sizes and distances on the concrete. Assign each circle its own point value. A player who lands his coin in one of the circles earns the corresponding point value.
Family Olympics
An outdoor Olympics game adds an entertaining twist to physical activity. Set up several different events in the backyard. The family members compete in each event to determine the winners. Examples of activities include a long-jump contest, races, ball-throwing competition or soccer goal-kicking contest. Make medals from painted circles of cardboard with ribbon necklaces.
Counting Game
This outdoor game adds an educational aspect for the players. One player names a type of item found outside such as bugs, butterflies, flowers, birds, cars or houses in a particular color. All of the players then search for and count the named item. The goal is to find as many of the selected item as possible. Let each child have a turn selecting the counting items.
Mini Golf
A backyard mini golf course allows the entire family to play a few rounds. One option for the golf holes is to dig small holes in the ground and place small plastic containers down in them. If you don't want to make holes in the yard, place coffee cans or other canisters on their side to use as "holes." A stick placed in the ground behind the can keeps it from moving around when the ball hits it. Add obstacles such as simple ramps, a water sprinkler and backyard toys for more of a challenge. A child's golf club and ball set works well for the mini golf course.
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