When school’s out, kids have months laid out for them to enjoy limitless arts and crafts projects, day camps, books, and video games. They’re constantly in search of entertainment and fun, which can be challenging to keep up with! Sure, they can spend hours on end inside playing video games and watching videos on their various devices, but there’s something special about a summer day spent outside.

By playing in the backyard, kids are able to stretch their imagination with various games and stay active. But how can you make sure the backyard games are as entertaining as the world wide web?

 In order to get kids to enjoy the great outdoors, consider some of these awesome backyard games to keep kids entertained all season! From group games to independent play, here are some of our top 6 recommended outdoor activities for kids.

For Purchase

Giant Connect 4

It’s a classic game with an outdoor twist! This family-favorite activity is now optimized for the backyard, and would be a hit with your kids. A game of Connect 4 is entertaining for all ages, and having it out in the yard provides plenty of room to strategize and jump in celebration when there’s a winner! The entire family can play together, or kids can gather up their friends for an exciting challenge. Not only is it entertaining for children, it also encourages critical thinking and fine motor skills. A Giant Connect 4 board is an awesome backyard game for kids, and the entire family, to enjoy.

Glow-in-the-Dark Lawn Darts

Lawn darts are a perfect backyard activity for the entire family, and made even more awesome by glowing in the dark! What kid doesn’t love an outdoor, glow-in-the-dark activity after sundown? You’ll have a blast with this backyard game, working on your aim, and enjoying a warm, summer night in the backyard. Leave the equipment out during the day to soak up the sun, and watch them glow brilliantly that night. Of course you can play this outdoor game during the day time, and that’s part of what makes this one of the best backyard games for kids: the fun lasts for hours and hours.

Slip and Slide

The simple joy of gliding down a Slip and Slide spans generations. No matter your age, you’ve either used a Slip n Slide or still enjoy one on a summer day! It’s a good backyard toy for the entire family to have, especially on an unbearably hot day. Whether it’s brand name or a DIY version, a Slip and Slide is a perfect backyard activity to entertain kids. This is a staple when it comes to outdoor games and summer activities. Kids will learn the importance of taking turns, and even a little bit about physics when they overshoot the slide! With an outdoor activity like this, you get the refreshing experience of a pool without the hassle. A classic Slip and Slide will always be on our list of the best outdoor, summer activities for kids and families.

Free Games

Simon Says

This classic kid’s game is a perfect outdoor activity on a sunny day. Playing Simon Says outside gives kids more freedom to run around the backyard, incorporate outdoor elements you wouldn’t be able to inside, and of course enjoy the fresh air. It’s a fantastic outdoor kid’s game for many reasons, including the fact that it’s simple, easy to understand, and appropriate for all ages. Even the little ones can follow along with the Simon Says prompts by copying the older children. It’s a great game for the whole family, and can be played in any backyard, regardless of size.

Red Light, Green Light

Red Light, Green Light is another simple outdoor game for kids of all ages. You need plenty of room to run around when playing Red Light, Green Light, which is why it should be played outdoors. Groups of all sizes and kids of all ages can join in on this simple, backyard game. Red Light, Green Light is also not overly competitive, and doesn’t necessarily limit kids based on age or size. A game of Red Light, Green Light will also tire the kiddos out, giving parents a bit of a break! Next time your kids complain about summer boredom, suggest this classic backyard game.

Freeze Tag

Freeze Tag is an awesome backyard game for kids, because it puts a unique spin on a classic game we’ve all played before. The person who is “It” freezes the competition, but with teamwork and cooperation, the other players can bring their friends back into the game. It gives kids of all abilities and ages the chance to make it in the game, eliminating some competitive frustration. As long as you have enough space in your yard to run around, Freeze Tag never gets old. One of the best parts is that it’s an awesome form of exercise for kids.

 With a child’s imagination, there is no limit to the amount of backyard games and activities they can come up with. We’ve outlined some of the best, most classic backyard activities your kids can choose from. From there, they can let the spirit of play take over! It’s going to be an entertaining summer if you incorporate any of these games into your daily routine. Enjoy some bonding activities with your kids, or watch them enjoy these awesome backyard games with their friends and neighbors.