Some of the best childhood memories happen right in the backyard.
The great thing is, you don’t need fancy toys, expensive equipment, or a Pinterest-perfect setup to keep kids entertained…thank goodness!
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Give them some space to run around, a few simple “props” you already own, and the fun practically creates itself.
I’ve learned that kids actually love the simplest games the most — the kind where you’re using a ball, a stick of chalk, or even just your imagination.
They’re easy, budget-friendly, and great for burning off energy after school, on the weekend, or during summer break.
25 Backyard Games For Kids
1. Tag (and Its Many Versions)
Classic tag never gets old. One player is “it,” and everyone else runs to avoid being tagged. You can switch it up with freeze tag (where players must freeze until another teammate unfreezes them) or shadow tag (tagging someone’s shadow instead of their body). It’s a high-energy game that can go on for ages with zero setup.
2. Red Light, Green Light
This game is perfect for younger kids who are still working on listening skills. One player calls out “green light” to run and “red light” to stop. If anyone moves during red light, they go back to the start. It’s simple, requires no props, and always gets kids giggling when someone forgets to freeze.
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3. Hide and Seek
Hide and seek works in just about any backyard, big or small. Kids take turns being the seeker while everyone else finds hiding spots behind trees, bushes, or patio furniture. It’s a classic for a reason — kids love the thrill of finding (and being found).
4. Duck, Duck, Goose
Kids sit in a circle while one player walks around tapping heads and saying “duck” until they pick a “goose.” The goose has to jump up and chase the first player around the circle. It’s easy, silly, and a guaranteed hit for birthday parties or playdates.
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5. Simon Says
A great way to sneak in listening practice! One player calls out instructions, but the catch is they must only be followed if the command begins with “Simon says.” It can be as simple as “touch your toes” or as goofy as “hop like a kangaroo.”
6. Relay Races
Divide kids into teams and set up a start and finish line. Each child runs to a marker and back before tagging the next teammate. Add challenges like balancing a ball on a spoon or running backwards to keep it exciting.
7. Hopscotch
All you need is chalk to draw the classic hopscotch grid on your driveway or patio. Kids take turns tossing a marker (like a rock or beanbag) and hopping through the squares. It’s simple but gives just enough structure to keep kids engaged.
8. Freeze Dance
Play some music and let kids dance their hearts out. When the music stops, they must freeze in place until it starts again. It’s hilarious to see the poses kids end up in, and it’s a great game to mix high-energy play with bursts of calm.
9. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Make a quick list of backyard “treasures” — a feather, a smooth rock, three different leaves. Give each child a bag or basket and let them explore. It’s a low-prep way to keep kids busy while connecting them with nature.
10. Follow the Leader
One child is the leader and everyone else copies their moves — crawling, hopping, skipping, or silly walks. The leader can switch often to keep everyone involved. Kids especially love making up their own silly actions for others to follow.
11. Sharks and Minnows
One player is the shark in the middle of the yard. The other kids (the minnows) line up at one side and try to run past without being tagged. If they’re caught, they join the shark team. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and works great with groups.
12. Balloon Keep-Up
Blow up a single balloon and see how long the kids can keep it from touching the ground. For a bigger challenge, add more balloons. This one is great for mixed ages, and kids can play for surprisingly long stretches.
RELATED: 25 Fun Balloon Games For Young Kids
13. Hula Hoop Contest
If you’ve got hula hoops lying around, challenge kids to see who can keep theirs spinning the longest. You can also make it silly with challenges like hooping while walking or balancing on one foot.
14. Obstacle Course
Use whatever’s on hand — chairs, cones, buckets, or even sticks. Kids crawl under, jump over, and race around obstacles as fast as they can. It’s endlessly customizable and always gets them burning energy.
15. Simon’s Silly Races
Like relay races but sillier — kids might hop like frogs, crab walk, or waddle like penguins to the finish line. It’s fun, goofy, and perfect for kids who love to laugh while they play.
16. Mother, May I?
One child plays “Mother” and stands at the end of the yard. The others ask, “Mother, may I…?” and request moves like “take three giant steps.” Mother can say yes or change the instructions. The first to reach Mother wins.
17. Red Rover
Kids form two lines holding hands and call for someone from the other team to run through their “chain.” If the runner breaks through, they join the other team; if not, they stay. This one’s best for slightly older kids who understand teamwork.
18. Jump Rope Games
From counting jumps to classic rhymes, jump rope games are simple but addictive. If you’ve got two kids holding the rope, others can try double-dutch or timed challenges.
19. Shadow Tag
On sunny days, switch up regular tag by tagging shadows instead. It’s trickier than it looks and gives kids a whole new way to play outside.
20. Kick the Can
A backyard twist on hide and seek. One player guards the can while others hide. If someone sneaks in and kicks the can, everyone who was caught is free again. It’s a mix of strategy and speed, which older kids especially love.
21. Tug of War
Grab a rope, or improvise with a long towel or old sheet. Kids split into two teams and see who can pull the other past a marker. It’s simple, active, and always full of laughter.
22. Egg and Spoon Race
Each child balances an egg (or plastic egg/ball) on a spoon and races to the finish line. Drop the egg and you start again! It’s harder than it looks and great for focus.
23. Ring Toss
Set up sticks, cones, or bottles as posts and make rings out of rope, paper plates, or pool noodles. Kids take turns tossing rings and keeping score.
24. Animal Races
Pick an animal and race across the yard in character — hopping like bunnies, waddling like ducks, crawling like crabs. This one gets the biggest laughs because kids love acting out the animals.
25. Parachute with a Sheet
No parachute? No problem. A bedsheet works just fine. Have kids hold the edges and bounce balls in the middle, or run underneath when it lifts. It feels just as magical as the real thing.
The games kids love most are often the simplest ones — where imagination takes center stage.
I’ve found that even when I try to plan something more elaborate, they end up going back to tag or scavenger hunts anyway.
So the next time the kids say, “I’m bored,” just head outside and try one of these backyard games.
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