Summer is in full swing, and it's time to embrace the great outdoors and get your game on. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or looking for new and exciting ways to have fun under the sun, we've got you covered.
In this article, we'll introduce you to the top 20 fun outdoor games for summer 2023. From classic favorites with a twist to innovative new activities, these games are sure to bring laughter, competition, and unforgettable moments to your summer adventures. From birthday parties to tailgates, these yard games are great for the whole family and kids of all ages.
So grab your friends, slather on the sunscreen, and dive into the world of outdoor gaming awesomeness!
What Are the Best Outdoor Party Games To Keep Cool?
It’s supposed to get warm this summer, so make sure your family stays cool with these fun summer games.
1. Water Balloon Dodgeball: Stay Cool, Get Drenched!
Summer is synonymous with water games, and water balloon dodgeball is the ultimate way to beat the heat while having a blast. Combine the thrill of dodgeball with the refreshing splash of water balloons, and you have an epic battle on your hands.
Gather your friends, form teams, and get ready to dodge, duck, and soak your opponents in a wet and wild showdown. Just remember, getting wet is part of the game, so embrace the splash and let the laughter flow.
2. Slip 'N Slide Kickball: A Splash-Tastic Mashup
Slip 'N Slide Kickball is the perfect fusion of two childhood favorites: Slip 'N Slide and Kickball. Imagine sliding into the bases, splashing through inflatable obstacles, and scoring big in a wet and wild experience.
This exhilarating mashup game guarantees laughter, excitement, and refreshing moments as you dive head-first onto the slippery slide. Gather your friends, set up the inflatables, and get ready to relive your carefree childhood days with a delightful twist.
3. Water Gun Tag: Soak and Seek
Get ready for an epic water battle with water gun tag! Arm yourself with water guns, designate a playing area, and let the chase begin. Players take turns being "it" and have to tag others by soaking them with their water guns.
Stay on your toes, dodge the streams of water, and strategize your attacks. This game is an excellent way to cool off, have fun, and unleash your competitive spirit.
4. Water Balloon Toss: Splashy Fun in the Sun
Beat the summer heat with a thrilling game of water balloon toss! Gather your friends, grab a bucket of water balloons, and form pairs. Stand facing each other a few feet apart, and toss the water balloon back and forth. The goal? To keep the balloon intact without it bursting.
As the game progresses, take a step back after each successful toss, increasing the distance and the challenge — but beware, one wrong move, and you'll be drenched in a refreshing splash!
What Are the Best Nighttime Outdoor Games?
If you’d rather wait until the heat dies down, you can still have fun! Here are some of the best nighttime games to play outside.
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag: Nighttime Adventure
Who says the fun has to end when the sun goes down? Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag takes the classic game to a whole new level of excitement under the night sky. Players, armed with glow sticks and their stealthiest moves, will be challenged to outsmart their opponents and capture their glowing flag.
Strategize, communicate in hushed whispers, and navigate the darkness as you immerse yourself in an adrenaline-pumping quest.
6. Flashlight Tag: Hide and Seek After Dark
When the sun sets, the excitement begins with flashlight tag. Grab your flashlights and gather your friends for a thrilling game of hide and seek in the dark. The seeker uses their flashlight to spot and tag the hiders while the hiders try to remain undetected.
Explore new hiding spots, use shadows to your advantage, and experience the exhilaration of this classic game in a whole new light.
What Are the Best Giant Outdoor Games?
If it’s bigger, it’s better, right? Read on for the best giant outdoor games.
7. Giant Jenga: Reaching New Heights
Prepare to stack, wobble, and hold your breath as you play Giant Jenga, a supersized version of the classic game. The objective remains the same: carefully remove wooden blocks from the tower and place them on top without causing the structure to topple. Only this time, the blocks are colossal, and the stakes are higher.
Giant Jenga is a test of your balance, concentration, and nerves. Get ready for heart-stopping moments as the tower sways with each move. With this trendy game, you'll be the center of attention at any backyard BBQ or park gathering.
8. Giant Inflatable Twister: A Twist of Fun
Remember the iconic game of Twister that had everyone twisted up in laughter? Well, now imagine playing it on a supersized inflatable mat. That's right — Giant Inflatable Twister takes this classic game to a whole new level of fun!
Twist, stretch, and contort your way to victory as you navigate your limbs across the colorful dots. The oversized mat ensures everyone can get in on the action, so gather your friends and prepare for an evening filled with laughter, tangled bodies, and unforgettable memories.
9. Human Foosball: Life-Size Tabletop Excitement
Get ready to step into the giant-sized version of the classic tabletop game with human foosball. Imagine being a player on a life-sized foosball table, holding onto a bar while trying to kick the ball into the opponent's goal.
Strategize with your team, move together in sync, and aim for victory in this larger-than-life foosball extravaganza. The sheer size of the game guarantees an adrenaline-fueled experience that will leave you breathless and craving more.
10. Giant Connect Four: Strategy and Fun
Take the classic game of Connect Four to giant proportions! Giant Connect Four will put your strategic thinking to the test as you aim to be the first to connect four discs in a row.
This larger-than-life version of the game is perfect for backyard gatherings, picnics, or even beach days. Challenge your friends to a battle of wits and see who can outmaneuver their opponents to claim victory.
11. Giant Checkers: King Me!
Challenge your strategic skills with giant checkers, where you become a living piece in this oversized version of the beloved board game. Jump, capture, and strategize your way to victory as you maneuver across the giant checkerboard.
With its larger-than-life pieces, this game is sure to make a statement at any outdoor gathering, and it's a perfect activity for all ages.
12. Kubb: The Viking Chess Game
Step into the shoes of a Viking and engage in a strategic battle with Kubb, also known as Viking Chess. This outdoor game involves two teams throwing wooden batons to knock down their opponent's wooden blocks.
The objective is to knock down the king block in the center to claim victory. With its combination of accuracy, tactics, and friendly competition, Kubb is a game that will transport you to an ancient world of excitement.
What Are the Best Bean Bag and Ball Games?
Test your athletic prowess with these uber-fun bean bag and ball games.
13. Spikeball: The Rise of the Backyard Sport
If you haven't heard of Spikeball yet, you're missing out on the hottest backyard sport of recent years. This fast-paced and energetic game has been taking the outdoor scene by storm, and Summer 2023 is no exception.
Like volleyball, Spikeball involves teams of two trying to spike the ball onto a small net, challenging the opposing team to return it within three hits. With its easy-to-learn rules and intense rallies, Spikeball is an addictive and competitive sport that guarantees hours of fun and friendly rivalry.
14. Foam Party Volleyball: Bump, Set, Splash!
Prepare to dive, spike, and make a splash with foam party volleyball. Take your regular volleyball game to new heights by playing on a giant inflatable court filled with foam.
Challenge your friends to a high-flying and foam-covered match that will have everyone laughing, slipping, and sliding. With foam-filled dives and epic spikes, this game promises endless entertainment and a refreshing twist to your typical beach day or poolside gathering.
15. Bocce Ball: Precision and Strategy
If you're looking for a game that combines strategy and precision, Bocce Ball is a perfect choice. Players take turns tossing their colored balls as close as possible to the target ball (the pallino) to score points.
This Italian classic can be played on various surfaces and is suitable for players of all ages. What's not to love?
16. Bean Bag Toss (Cornhole): Aim for Victory
Bean bag toss, also known as Cornhole, has become a staple toss game at outdoor events and tailgating parties. Grab your Cornhole boards and Cornhole sets and start the outdoor play! Test your aim and accuracy as you toss bean bags onto a raised platform with a hole in it. Score points for landing bags on the platform or, better yet, through the hole.
With its simple rules and addictive gameplay, Cornhole games are excellent for socializing and friendly competition.
What Are Some Other Fun Outdoor Games?
Read on for a winning list of games so fun they can’t be defined.
17. Frizbowl: Catching Fun in Mid-Air
Let's start with Frizbowl — a game that takes frisbee throwing to a new level. Picture this: you and your friends flinging a flying disc in the air, but instead of catching it with your hands, you catch it on your head! It's gravity-defying, wacky, and guaranteed to bring laughter to the whole crew.
The challenge lies in mastering the art of balancing the hat on your noggin while attempting impressive catches. Frizbowl is an instant hit for parties, beach outings, or any gathering where you want to turn heads and have a blast.
18. Disc Golf: Frisbee Meets Golf
Combine the love of frisbee and the precision of golf, and you have Disc Golf, the perfect outdoor game for summer. Navigate a course filled with baskets as you aim to throw your disc into each target in as few throws as possible.
Disc Golf courses come in various terrains, adding an extra challenge to the game. So gather your pals, enjoy the scenic outdoors, and embrace the excitement of this unique twist on a classic sport.
19. Obstacle Course: Conquer the Challenge
Turn your backyard into an adventure zone with an obstacle course. Set up a series of physical challenges, such as crawling under ropes, catching a Frizbowl on your head, leaping over tires, balancing on beams, running through hula-hoops, and climbing walls.
Whether you design it for kids or adults, an obstacle course promises excitement, laughter, and a healthy dose of friendly competition. Time each participant, award points for completing obstacles, and see who can conquer the course with the fastest time.
Get creative, unleash your inner ninja, and let the obstacle course frenzy begin!
20. Hopscotch: Skip and Jump
Rediscover the joy of childhood with Hopscotch, the classic sidewalk game that combines balance, agility, and a touch of nostalgia. Draw a hopscotch grid on the pavement, grab a small object to toss, and hop through the numbered squares.
From simple single-digit patterns to more complex designs, Hopscotch is a versatile game that people of all ages can enjoy. Challenge your friends to a hopping competition and see who can reach the end without stepping on the lines.
Hop, skip, and jump your way to outdoor fun this summer!
21. Horseshoes: Aim for the Ringer
Bring some classic Americana to your summer gatherings with Horseshoes, the original ring toss game. Set up stakes and take turns throwing horseshoes at them, aiming for a "ringer" – when the horseshoe encircles the stake.
Whether you're playing competitively or casually, Horseshoes is a lawn game that combines skill, luck, and a touch of nostalgia. Call up the crew, channel your inner cowboy, and see who can score the most ringers.
22. Scavenger Hunt: Unleash Your Inner Explorer
Embark on a thrilling adventure with a Scavenger Hunt! Create a list of items or clues for participants to find in a designated area, whether it's your backyard, a nearby park, or even a bustling city. Divide into teams, arm yourselves with curiosity, and let the hunt begin!
From hidden treasures to secret codes, this classic outdoor game challenges your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to think outside the box.
23. Badminton: Smash and Serve
Bring the excitement of the court to your backyard with Badminton, a fast-paced and exhilarating game. Set up a net, grab a racket, and challenge your opponents to a friendly match.
From casual rallies to intense smashes, Badminton tests your reflexes, agility, and strategic thinking. Dive, jump, and unleash your best shots as you strive for victory. So, grab your racket, gather your friends, and let the birdie soar across the net!
24. Ladder Toss: Aim for the Top
Ladder Toss, also known as Ladder Ball, is a backyard game of precision and skill that will keep you hooked all summer long.
Set up a ladder structure and take turns tossing bolas, which consist of two balls connected by a string, aiming to wrap them around the rungs. Each rung has a different point value, so strategic throws are key to success.
25. Jump Rope: Skip to the Beat
Get your heart pumping and your feet moving with Jump Rope, a classic game that never goes out of style. Grab a rope and challenge your friends to a skipping showdown. From single jumps to crisscrosses and double-unders, jump rope tests your coordination, rhythm, and endurance.
Whether you're jumping solo or in a group, this timeless game is guaranteed to bring smiles, laughter, and a great workout to your summer days.
Ready, Set, GAME!
There you have it — the top 25 outdoor games for Summer 2023! From Frizbowl's gravity-defying catches to giant Twister's tangled limbs and Slip 'N Slide Kickball's watery fun, these games offer endless laughter, competition, and memorable moments.
Whether you're lounging by the pool, hitting the beach, or hosting a backyard BBQ, these fun-filled activities will ensure that your summer is nothing short of amazing.
So, gather your buddies, embrace the sunshine, and let the outdoor gaming adventures begin!
Sources:
Twister | The Strong National Museum of Play
Horseshoes | New World Encyclopedia
The History of Italy's Second Favorite Sport—Bocce Ball | Italian Sons and Daughters of America