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Best Outdoor Games for Kids

Last updated on July 3, 2023
Best Kids' Outdoor Game

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No matter their age, kids love to play outdoors. Whether it’s a bright sunny day or a dreary afternoon, kids will find a way to have fun in the yard. Kids’ outdoor games are a great way to help them spend even more time outside, make friends, develop their social skills and have a lot of fun in the process.

When you’re buying kids’ outdoor games, be sure to consider age and skill level. Safety is a priority, so ensure that the games are designed for the ages of the children who will be playing the game. Getting something that is too advanced could lead to frustration or even injury, while getting something that is too young could lead to boredom. Also consider how many children typically play outside at one time. For example, if your child usually plays outside with kids from the neighborhood, then getting an outdoor game the appeals to multiple kids is best. This way everyone can have an opportunity to take part in the fun.

Even at a young age, kids have specific interests. Their outdoor games can help them further develop their interests and pick up new skills as well. For example, if your child loves mysteries and solving problems, they might enjoy a scavenger hunt game. If your child is athletic, they might enjoy a paddle and ball game.

Our Picks For The Top Kids' Outdoor Games

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Great for Vacation

Funsparks 16-Ring Deluxe Ring Toss Yard Game For Kids

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Funsparks

16-Ring Deluxe Ring Toss Yard Game For Kids

This fun ring-toss game makes it easy to set up outdoor fun wherever you are. You'll get eight rope rings and eight plastic rings so that you can use the ones that fit your preferences. You simply stand behind a designated line and try to land the rings around the pegs, accumulating points for each ring you land.

Overall Take

Party PickThis lightweight set comes with a carrying bag to make it easy to take with you on a quick outing or longer trip.

 Top Pick

CWLAKON Assorted Relay Kids’ Outdoor Games, 24-Piece

CWLAKON

Assorted Relay Kids’ Outdoor Games, 24-Piece

Whether you're hosting a family reunion or a carnival-themed fundraiser for your school, this kids' outdoor game set is a must. It provides all the supplies you need for a potato sack race, 3-legged race and an egg spoon relay. You'll even get a set of medals to hand out to the winners.

Overall Take

Most VersatileAll of the pieces in this kids' outdoor game set are quality made, so you'll be able to reuse them year after year.

 Runner Up

Ayeboovi Family Paddle Ball Kids’ Outdoor Game

Ayeboovi

Family Paddle Ball Kids' Outdoor Game

This spin on catch includes velcro mitts that the ball can stick to, making it easier for everyone to play. Water-resistant padding makes this game safe to use on the beach or around the pool, and reinforced stitching gives it an enhanced durability. The mitts stay snug on your hand using a band.

Overall Take

Fast-Paced FunThe best thing about this kids' outdoor game is that the ball sticks to the mitt, making it easy for little ones to keep up with bigger ones.

 Also Great

Hapinest Nature Find & Seek Scavenger Hunt Kids’ Outdoor Game

Hapinest

Nature Find & Seek Scavenger Hunt Kids' Outdoor Game

Kids will be entertained during road trips and travel with this scavenger hunt kids' outdoor game. It is small and portable. It includes instructions to play the game three different ways.

Overall Take

Fun and PortableThis scavenger hunt game can be played anywhere, even in the car.

What to Look For

  • Many kids like to enjoy their outdoor games with adults, or even play against the adults. In this case, opt for outdoor games that will appeal to parents, grandparents and other caregivers. For example, a large-scale outdoor version of a classic board game typically appeals to people of all ages.
  • When you have a lot of kids’ outdoor games, finding storage for them can be challenging. The storage needs to be easily accessible to kids so they can grab what they want to play with, but also needs to be neat and tidy so you don’t end up with toys scattered all over your yard. Large waterproof storage bins are an effective storage strategy. They can be kept on the porch or even in the garage, and make it easy to keep toys neat.
  • If you have a lot of large toys that won’t fit into bins, consider making a toy parking lot. You can use tape to section off parking spaces on the ground and label them with the names of the toys that should go there. This way, kids will know where to put back their toys once they are done playing with them.

More to Explore

Outdoor toys are exposed to the elements, which means they can often get covered in rain, mud, dirt and grass. To keep your kids’ outdoor toys looking new, be sure to clean them on a regular basis, at least a few times a season. A warm water and vinegar mix is perfect for washing off grime without using any harsh chemicals. You can also use a paste of baking soda and water to help get rid of odor. If you have small waterproof toys, those can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

More to explore