8 Tutorials For Making Your Own Backyard Games

The summer months are a time for BBQ’s, reunions, and get-togethers. Take those parties up a notch by having one of these fun games around and I can promise you will be the hit of the summer! You may even be surprised at how many of the adults join in on the fun and not just the kids. These 8 tutorials are simple enough that you can make them yourself but well worth the effort. Everyone at your party is sure to have a great time.

Thinking about hosting an Outdoor Party?

The outdoors opens up a whole world of possibilities for fun in the sun birthday parties! There are numerous themes to choose from, interesting games to play, and the fresh air and sun shine are an added bonus. Although themes are not essential to a party they are lots of fun, and can result in easier decision making when it comes time to shop and plan for the big event as you can focus on purchasing items specifically for the theme of choice. Holding your party outside can make chooser a theme even easier as the possibilities are endless!

Sports Day

One theme which would be virtually impossible to have take place inside would be a sports day. Break the group of kids up into teams and have mini games of baseball, soccer, basketball, or any other sport they wish to play. To feed the hungry athletes you can fire up the barbecue, order pizza, or serve finger foods such as sandwiches, cookies and beverages of your choice.

Fun Olympics

Similar to sports day fun Olympics would make a great active party. Have the kids take part in mini games such as sack races, egg relay, tug of war, and any others that you can think of. Party foods can also be the same as for sports day with take out, a barbecue or finger foods.

Pool Party

Pool parties are great for Summer time! If you have a pool at home the party can be hosted there, or if not you can take the group to a public pool. Be sure that you have plenty of adult supervision and parents permission before taking the children on an outing. Also, ask that each child bring along a flotation device or provide them yourself. When partaking in water related activities safety must always be a top priority.

Picnic at the Park

Another great party theme for this beautiful time of year is a picnic. You can take the kids to the park or host the picnic right there in your back yard. For games and activities you can have them go on a scavenger hunt, play sports games, search for bugs and critters, or plan a treasure hunt. As with any away from home party always play it safe, have plenty of adult supervision, and keep a close eye on all children at all times. Also, be sure to ask parents for permission before hand.

Camp Out

This type of party may not be suitable for younger children but if the group are above the age of 7 or 8 a camp out would be a great way to celebrate the big day! As this will be an overnight event you might want to make the drop off time a little later, roughly around 7PM, and be sure to set a pick up time that is reasonable as well. You will need one very large tent, or several smaller tents and an adult to sleep in each one with the children. At the camp out you can have a bonfire and roast marshmallows, tell stories and play words games, and even have the kids play some in the dark games such as spotlight. Set a settle down time when kids have to be tucked away inside their tents. This overnight adventure is one that the kids are sure to love!

These are just a few of many themes for an outdoor party. You can add your own ideas, change those listed, or give the theme a complete overall if you wish. Use your imagination and and the resources available to you and the outdoor event will sure to be a success. There are a few key factors to consider when planning the event, regardless of which theme you choose or if you choose one at all, and these factors should be given significant thought before hand in order for you to be prepared efficiently.

Weather

Although it may be a beautiful season and there is no bad weather in sight, this can change fairly quickly. It is wise to have an alternative, or plan b, in case of a change in weather.

Adult Supervision

When hosting an event for a large number of children outdoors it is essential to enlist some help to supervise the group. Ask your spouse, friends, or family to come along and help you out at the party. An idea ratio would be one adult per four children. At all times keep a close eye on the children, count heads repeatedly to ensure the group is still all together, and before the party even begins talk to the children about how sticking together is a must. This is especially important if you are taking them on an outing.

Parental Permission

For certain activities you will need the permission of the guests parents before hand such as an outing away from home. Ask the parents in advance, and you may even ask them to come along. Assure them of the adequate adult supervisors that will be present, and take along a cell phone which they can reach you on. Never, under any circumstances, take any children on an outing without first talking to their parents which is simply showing them the same courtesy and respect as you would also want to be shown.

Rational and Realistic Choices

Be rational when making choices such as how many children to invite and what activities to host. For example, if you have a small pool the rational choice would be to invite a small group. Being realistic in what you can and cannot do will pay off in the long run with less stress and more success on the big day!

The outside is a wonderful place to host a child’s birthday party, allows plenty of wide open space for running and playing, and also requires far less damage control than a party held in your home where things can be broken, spilled or spoiled. In planning your child’s party why not use the use the resource which we have been given..the great outdoors!

Check out these Giant Yard Games on Amazon and this DIY Yard Dice tutorial on out sister site.