Lifestyle

15 Creative Backyard Games for an Epic Summer BBQ

LifestylePublished Jul 12, 2017
By Kelly Ladd
lawn twisterOne Good Thing by Jillee

This summer, throw a BBQ for the record books. You already have the menu ready to go (thanks, Pinterest) and you've designed the perfect summer playlist (hello, "Swish Swish"). Now, all you need are some fun outdoor games that your guests (young and old) can play while they nibble on your famous potato salad.

We've found some great outdoor activities that are sure to make your BBQ a hit. Some of the games also double as easy DIY projects, while the others just require a few supplies you can pick up at a nearby dollar store. Either case, your guests are sure to have a blast.

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Potato Sack Races-placeholder
Potato Sack Races
Design Improvised

Potato Sack Races

Go old-school with some time-honored potato sack races. Modernize the bags with a bit of paint like Haeley from Design Improvised did. With just a touch of color, the classic game is new again.

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Ball Toss Game-placeholder
Ball Toss Game
Nellie Bellie

Ball Toss Game

Looking for an easy and inexpensive DIY game to delight all the kids at your BBQ? Jane from See Jane Blog came up with a creative solution. She hung recycled tin cans from a stick base, then gave her kids large balls of yarn to toss in. The one with the most points wins.

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DIY Lawn Matching Game-placeholder
DIY Lawn Matching Game
Studio DIY

DIY Lawn Matching Game

We are in love this is DIY matching game by Studio DIY. Not only is it adorable and creative, but all of your BBQ guests are going to want to play too. It's sure to keep the younger crowd busy while the hot dogs and hamburgers cook on the grill.

More from CafeMom: 18 Vegetarian BBQ Recipes Even Meat Eaters Will Love

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Colorful Horseshoes
Design Love Fest

Colorful Horseshoes

All you have to do to update the classic horseshoe game is to emulate Design Love Fest and give the pieces a coat of paint. It's sure to bring back a lot of memories for all of the adults at your BBQ and make new memories for the younger ones.

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Frisbee Tic Tac Toe
A Turtle's Life for Me

Frisbee Tic Tac Toe

For her son's party, Natalie from A Turtle's Life for Me transformed a shower curtain to a Tic Tac grid with a little duct tape. The idea of the game is to toss and aim your Frisbee into the squares. It's not as easy as you'd think.

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Water Balloon Spoon Races
Two Shades of Pink

Water Balloon Spoon Races

Kids can't resist any game with water balloons. The idea is simple: Place a water balloon on a spoon and race from one end of the yard to the other. You can make your game even more colorful like Two Shades of Pink did by decorating wooden spoons with washi tape and Mod Podge.

More from CafeMom: 5 Quick Ideas for BBQ Burgers That Sizzle

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Flamingo Ring Toss
Sugar and Cloth

Flamingo Ring Toss

Want to add a little color to your outdoor party? This DIY flamingo ring toss game from Sugar and Cloth will keep your guests busy as they begin to mingle. Plus, the flamingo motif brings some whimsy to your party decor.

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Lawn Dominoes
Iron and Twine

Lawn Dominoes

This DIY lawn domino game from Iron and Twine is going to get the grown-ups wanting to play as much as the kids do. Made from pieces of 2x4 boards and paint, this game will become a favorite pastime each time you throw a BBQ.

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Lawn Twister-placeholder
Lawn Twister
One Good Thing by Jillee

Lawn Twister

We hope you've done your yoga before you try this fun outdoor twister game, because you may have to muster a downward dog. To make this new twist of the popular game, follow One Good Thing by Jillee's and spray-paint dots on your grass. It's sure to be a hit with your BBQ guests.

More from CafeMom: What to Do When Your BBQ Gets Rained Out

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DIY Giant Jenga Game
A Beautiful Mess

DIY Giant Jenga Game

This giant Jenga BBQ game from A Beautiful Mess is sure to be a smash. Plus, it's pretty simple to make. Cut 48 pieces of 2x4 boards and paint the sides. Told you it was easy.

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DIY Tin Can Knock Over Game
Two Shades of Pink

DIY Tin Can Knock Over Game

Place this no-hassle tin can game from Two Shades of Pink in the corner of your BBQ, and the kids will sure to gravitate toward it. Supply them with some colorful bean bags and let the battle begin.

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Squirt Gun Races
Design Dazzle

Squirt Gun Races

Cool off at your BBQ with this squirt gun race idea from Design Dazzle. Hang two lines across your backyard with a plastic cup attached to each. Give the two teams water guns. The one who shoots the cup to the other side of the yard first, wins! Don't be surprised if there is a full-on water gun battle by the end of the game.

More from CafeMom: 8 Awesome Water Games for Backyard Fun on Hot Days

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DIY Yard Yahtzee Game
The Pinning Mama

DIY Yard Yahtzee Game

Love the classic Yahtzee game? Us too! Make your own large version of the game for your BBQ with some pieces of wood, paint, and sealant. This project from The Pinning Mama is super easy and is guaranteed to produce big fun.

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Giant Pick Up Sticks Game
Nellie Bellie

Giant Pick Up Sticks Game

Here's a BBQ game that will get all of the kids in on the action. A few days before your party, spray-paint bamboo sticks from the hardware store like blogger Nellie Bellie did. Then spill the sticks out onto the grass and let the kids have at it.

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DIY Washers Yard Game-placeholder
DIY Washers Yard Game
Sugar and Cloth

DIY Washers Yard Game

Here's a game for older kids and hip parents who want a little more challenge in their games. Made with copper piping that you find at hardware stores and oversized washers, this yard game from Sugar and Cloth is fairly easy to make and looks pretty cool as well.

More from CafeMom: 7 Backyard Games the Whole Family Can Play

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