How to Make Fun and Affordable Outdoor Games for Teenagers and Kids

From croquet to a bowling alley and Twister, I have them all.

My step-by-step instructions and pictures will guide you through each game, ensuring that you can create memorable moments with your loved ones.

Kickball Croquet

The first backyard activity is kickball croquet, a creative game using pool noodles and bamboo skewers that is sure to keep everyone engaged and having fun.

1. Gather Material

Grab pool noodles, a flag, and bamboo skewers, and choose a ball to play with, such as a beach ball or soccer ball.

2. Set up the Flag

Choose a spot in the yard and insert the flag into the ground, making sure the flag is stable and won't fall over during the game.

3. Prepare the Bamboo Skewers

Remove the skewers from the package and break them in half. Make sure the broken edges are smooth and won't cause injury during the game.

4. Create the Croquet Hoops

Take one bamboo skewer and stick one end in the ground where you want to create the first hoop.

Slip one end of a pool noodle over the skewer, so it forms an arch.

Stick the other end of the skewer into the ground 1-2 feet away from the first one.

Slip the same pool noodle over this skewer to create a hoop.

Repeat this process to create four more hoops, evenly spaced apart.

5. Start Playing Kickball Croquet

Now it's time to get that ball and enjoy playing the game, here is one way you can do that:

How to Play Kickball Croquet:

• Divide players into two teams and decide who goes first.
• One team kicks the ball toward the first hoop, trying to get it through the arch.
• The opposing team tries to block the ball using their pool noodles.
• If the kicking team gets the ball through the hoop, they move on to the next one.
• The game ends when one team successfully makes it through all five hoops.

Backyard Bowling

With just a few simple steps, you can create a DIY bowling alley in your yard and enjoy endless hours of outdoor entertainment.

1. Cut a Pool Noodle in Half

Start by cutting a pool noodle in half with a serrated knife or small saw. 

2. Add Hot Glue to Cut Pool Noodle

Next, use a glue gun to add some hot glue to the top of the cut pool noodle. 

3. Create a "U" shape

Quickly press the first glued edge of the cut pool noodle onto the side of another uncut pool noodle. Repeat this process on the other side of the cut pool noodle so you form a "U" shape.

4. Arrange Water Bottles

Arrange your water bottles in a triangle shape, with the point facing toward the thrower. Use anywhere from 5 to 10 bottles, depending on the size of your playing area and the difficulty level you want to achieve.

5. Play Outdoor Bowling

• Use a kickball, beach ball, or any other ball of your choice depending on the size and weight of your water bottles or cans.
• Take turns rolling the ball towards the bottles and see how many you can knock down!
• Keep score and enjoy some friendly competition with your family and friends.

Outdoor Twister

Get ready for some fun in the sun with this outdoor Twister game! All you need is a few simple materials and you'll be twisting and contorting in no time.

1. Draw and cut the circle stencil

Grab a pot lid and use it to draw a large circle on a piece of cardboard.

Cut the circle out using scissors or a box cutter. It doesn't have to be perfect, just make sure it's big enough for a person to stand in.

2. Paint the circles onto the grass

Lay the cardboard stencil on the ground where you want the Twister game to be and use spray paint to paint the grass inside the circle stencil.

After each circle, carefully pick up the stencil and move it over a little bit, then repeat the process.

3. Create four rows of circles in four different colors

Once you have four circles of one color, move the stencil and create a new row using a different color.

Repeat this until you have four rows each with four circles using four different colors.

You should end up with a total of 16 circles in four different colors, arranged in a grid pattern.

4. Play Twister

• Have players take off their shoes and stand at the edge of the grid.
• One player spins the spinner to determine which body part and which color to place on.
• Players must then move their body part to the corresponding colored circle without falling or touching the ground outside of the circle.
• The last player standing wins!

You now have a handful of entertaining outdoor games for teenagers and kids that they can enjoy with friends during the summer holidays.

These games are not only fun, but they are also a great way to stay active and enjoy the beautiful weather.

So, go ahead and give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments below.

I would love to hear about your favorite outdoor games and any additional ideas you have to share with the community.

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