Having your party games outdoors means less mess, and less stress, plus it gives your children a chance to really let off steam. These 17 old fashioned outdoor party games are great if you have a big backyard, or try taking your kid’s birthday party to the park for some extra space. Make use of our Picnic Party Food article, and party up in the great outdoors.
17 old fashioned outdoor party games
If you are lucky enough to live in rural New Zealand, then chances are you’ve been to an AMP show or farm picnic. These special days are hilarious fun, and provide great inspiration for some outdoor party races.
Clear an area for your ‘race track’, mark a start and finish line on the ground with a rope, then let the games begin. You could have all sorts of picnic style races.
Outdoor picnic party games
1. Sack Races
1. Sack RacesOh, the joy of watching the little ones (and let’s be honest, the big ones too) hopping about in potato sacks, trying not to topple over! It’s a sight that’ll have you chuckling for days. Potato sack races are not just a hoot; they’re a brilliant way to get everyone involved in a bit of friendly competition. And if you’re feeling a tad adventurous, why not turn it into an obstacle course? Just imagine the laughter as everyone tries to hop over makeshift hurdles or weave through cones.
Here’s a tip: make sure the sacks are sturdy enough to withstand the excitement. We don’t want any little escapees mid-race, do we?
Now, if you’re thinking of upping the ante, how about a water balloon toss to cool off after the race? It’s a smashing way to round off the game and trust me, the kids will love the splashy surprise. Just pair up the participants, start close, and take a step back after each successful catch. It’s all fun and games until someone gets a water balloon to the face – then it’s hilarious!
- Set up the race: Find a flat area and mark the start and finish lines.
- Get the sacks ready: Make sure they’re big enough for both kids and adults.
- Explain the rules: No using hands to move forward, and if you fall, get back up!
- Have a blast: Cheer on the racers and be ready for some epic photo finishes.
2. Three Legged Races
Oh, the three-legged race, it’s one of those classics that never fails to fill the garden with giggles and the odd tumble! Picture this: pairs of kids, each duo’s legs tied together, trying to coordinate their steps without ending up in a giggly heap on the grass. It’s a sight that would make even the sternest of faces crack a smile.
Here’s how you set up this classic outdoor game:
- Find a stretch of grass that’s free of obstacles.
- Pair up the kiddos, side by side, and tie their adjacent legs together securely but comfortably.
- Mark a start line and a finish line.
- Ready, set, go! Watch as they hobble, wobble, and race to the finish!
It’s all about teamwork and communication, and let’s be honest, a fair bit of luck if you’re going to avoid a grassy kiss!
Remember the game of “red light, green light”? Well, this is nothing like that, except for the laughter and the running. The three-legged race is a wonderful way to encourage kids to work together, and it’s a hoot for the mums and dads watching, too. Just make sure you have a camera ready to capture those priceless moments of triumph and the occasional, inevitable stumble.
3. Egg and Spoon Races
Give each child a tablespoon and a hard boiled egg. They must balance the egg on the spoon, and run to the finish line. If the egg falls off, they must go back to the beginning and start again.
4. Piggy Back Races
Children piggy back a partner and run to the finish line. If your guests are too little to manage a ‘standing up’ piggy back ride, they could go on their hands and knees with a friend on their back.
5. Wheelbarrow Races
One child puts their hands on the ground, and the other child holds their feet as they walk along. The trick is making sure the wheelbarrow pusher, doesn’t go faster than the wheelbarrow itself.
6. Gumboot Throwing
Give each child a gumboot and see who can throw it the farthest. Of course you could substitute the gumboot for any item that fits into your theme, but the trick is to find something that is ungainly to throw.
7. Egg Tossing
Have the children find a partner, and give each pair an egg to toss. They begin by standing about 1 metre apart, and one child tosses the egg to their partner. The ‘catcher’ then takes a step back, and tosses the egg back to their friend. The game continues, and the pair gets further and further apart, until eventually the egg breaks on catching. The winners are the kids who are farthest apart when their egg breaks.
You could allocate points for each game or race and have an overall winner, or make up certificates for place getters in each activity.
8. Freeze Dance & Musical Chairs: Stop and Go Fun
Oh, the joy of watching a group of kids suddenly freeze mid-giggle as the music cuts out during a game of Freeze Dance! It’s a sight that never gets old, and trust me, it’s as much fun for us mums as it is for the little ones. This game is a winner for kids of all ages, and it’s a brilliant way to let them show off their spontaneous dance moves.
Musical Chairs, on the other hand, is a bit like a game of musical statues with a twist. As the music plays, the children circle a line of chairs, and when it stops, it’s a mad dash to sit down! With one less chair than players, each round gets more intense. It’s hilarious to see the determination on their faces, especially the younger kids who take it so seriously. Older kids love the competitive edge, and it’s a great way to burn off that extra party energy.
Here’s a little tip: mix up the music to keep things interesting. Throw in some funky beats for the dance-off and then switch to something more classical for the chair scramble. It keeps everyone on their toes!
Remember, the aim is to have a giggle and create some lovely memories. So, don’t fret if things get a bit chaotic – it’s all part of the fun. And if you’re worried about the little ones, pair them up with an older child for a bit of guidance. After all, party games are about bringing everyone together for a good old-fashioned laugh.
9. Bowl Buckets: Aim for the Points
Bowl Buckets is a game that’s a bit like basketball, but without the need for those towering hoops. Instead, we’re keeping it down to earth, quite literally, with bowls placed around the garden. Each one’s got a little piece of paper inside, cheekily whispering the number of points it’s worth.
The kids will have a ball, and I mean that both ways, trying to score as many points as they can by lobbing balls into these bowls. It’s a hoot, especially when you see the concentration on their little faces. And let’s be honest, us mums can get quite competitive too, can’t we? The one who racks up the most points gets bragging rights (and maybe a little prize if you’re feeling generous).
Here’s a quick rundown of how to set up your very own Bowl Buckets bonanza:
- Step 1: Gather a variety of bowls and buckets, each with a different point value.
- Step 2: Mark a throwing line with some chalk or a piece of string.
- Step 3: Decide on the number of throws each player gets.
- Step 4: Keep score and have tonnes of fun!
Outdoor water party games
The one thing you can do outside that you can’t do inside – is play with water, and it is especially good fun on a hot summer’s day. Here are some great water games for children of all ages.
10. Water Balloons
Set up targets for children to throw water balloons at, and allocate points for every target hit. You could set up elaborate marks, or simply line up some tin cans along the fence. The closer they stand to their target, the wetter they’ll get.
11. Relay Races
Have some water themed relay races where everybody gets soaked. A simple relay is to have teams transfer water from one bucket to another using a specific tool or method of transport. It may be that they can only use a sponge, a tablespoon, or a leaky cup. The first team to fill the bucket past a certain point – wins.
For more great relay races, check out our Relay Games article.
12. Water Fight
Nothing beats a good old fashioned water fight. Give each child a water pistol or some buckets, and let them go to it. You may want to have some big buckets full of water on hand, or pull out the hose and stand back.
13. Water Slide
Lay a sheet of polythene down a gentle slope in your backyard, cover it in dishwashing liquid, and turn the hose on it from the top. The children can just slide on it and have fun, or turn it into a mini Olympics where they have to impress the judges with their tricks and stunts. (You may need to put some guidelines in place to avoid broken limbs!)
14. Bubble Blowing
Younger children love blowing bubbles, and you can make up simple bubble mixture with dishwashing liquid and water. To make giant bubble wands, cut out the inside of an ice cream container lid, and leave just the plastic rim. You can buy other types of bubble wands from emporium type stores for just a few dollars.
Run Around Games
15. Flag Football Game
Oh, the joys of a good ol’ game of flag football! It’s all about the rush you get when you’re sprinting down the garden, the wind in your hair, and your eyes on the prize – that elusive flag! It’s a bit like being in one of those action films, except the special effects are your own two feet, and the green light is when mum shouts, ‘Go!’
The aim is simple: grab the opposing team member’s flag before they kick the ball into your end zone. But, as any mum will tell you, it’s never just about grabbing a flag. It’s about the giggles, the strategy, and the teamwork. You’ll see team members huddling together, plotting their next move like little generals. And when one of your teammates snatches a flag, it’s like your team just won the World Cup!
The beauty of flag football is that it’s not just for the kids. Mums and dads can join in too, and let’s be honest, we’re all just big kids at heart, aren’t we? So, dust off those trainers and get ready to show the little ones how it’s done – just be prepared for a bit of friendly competition!
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to get started:
- A football (obviously!)
- Flags or strips of cloth for each player
- Cones or markers to set boundaries
And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and make sure everyone gets a turn to be the hero. Whether you’re the one making the epic catch or the one giving your teammates a ‘well done’ pat on the back, it’s all about playing together. So, gather the opposing teams, set your game faces, and let the flag football extravaganza begin!
16. Twister
Oh, Twister! The game that ties you up in knots and has everyone giggling like they’ve just heard the funniest joke at the school gates. It’s a brilliant way to get the kids (and let’s be honest, us mums too) moving in ways that defy the usual laws of bodily coordination. You’ll find yourself doing a jolly jigsaw puzzle with your limbs, and it’s a hoot!
- Lay out the mat with those brightly coloured circles.
- Spin the spinner to determine where to place hands and feet.
- Try not to topple over while reaching for red with your left hand and blue with your right foot!
It’s not just about the laughs, though. Twister is a fab way to improve balance and flexibility, and it’s a sneaky form of exercise. The kids are so focused on not falling over, they don’t even realise they’re working out!
After a round of Twister, why not cool down with a bit of jump rope? It’s a simple toy, but it’s amazing how it can keep the kiddos entertained. And let’s face it, it’s a bit of a workout for us if we dare to join in. Just make sure to clear the area; we don’t want any jump rope-related mishaps after untangling ourselves from the Twister mat!
17. Backyard Campout
Oh, the joys of a backyard campout! It’s like a mini-holiday, just a stone’s throw from your kitchen (handy, that). Picture this: a cluster of tents dotting the garden, the kids’ excited chatter as they pick the perfect spot to pitch. It’s a classic game of ‘home away from home’, but with all the creature comforts just inside the back door.
There’s something magical about watching your little ones embrace the great outdoors, their faces aglow from the campfire (or the torch app on your phone).
Now, don’t fret if the thought of organising this outdoor extravaganza has you breaking out in a cold sweat. It’s simpler than you think! First, rustle up some tents—or make a fortress of blankets if you’re short on camping gear. Next, a game plan for the evening: think flashlight tag (a fun game that’ll have them darting around like fireflies), and of course, the quintessential s’mores. Yum!
But here’s a mum’s secret: always have a backup plan. If the skies open or the little ones get spooked, a quick retreat inside for a movie night can save the day. And remember, it’s not just about the sleepover; it’s about the memories. From the thrill of a hide-and-seek game in the dark to the stories shared under the stars, these are the moments that capture the essence of childhood.
- Capture the flag in the twilight
- Sandcastle building (who needs a beach when you’ve got a sandbox?)
- Stargazing and spotting constellations
And if you’re in a pinch, why not turn the sandbox into an archaeological dig? Hide little treasures and watch as your mini Indiana Joneses unearth them with glee. It’s these simple joys, these outdoor activities, that can turn your backyard into the neighbourhood hotspot for adventure. So, go on, give it a whirl!
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there’s a charming simplicity and undeniable joy in the old fashioned outdoor party games that have stood the test of time. From the raucous laughter of a three-legged race to the competitive spirit of horseshoes, these games bring people of all ages together in the great outdoors. Whether it’s the strategic play of lawn bowling or the nostalgic fun of charades, each game offers a unique way to create memories and celebrate special occasions. So next time you’re planning a get-together, why not throw it back to the good old days? Dust off those potato sacks, crank up the limbo music, and let the games begin! After all, there’s nothing quite like the shared fun of classic games to remind us of the simple pleasures in life. For more resources, check out our Games for Big Groups for more ideas and instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some classic outdoor party games for children?
Classic outdoor party games for children include Three-Legged Races, Potato Sack Races, Freeze Dance, Musical Chairs, Charades, and Twister. These games are not only fun but also encourage physical activity and teamwork.
How do you play a Three-Legged Race?
In a Three-Legged Race, pairs of participants tie one of their legs to their partner’s adjacent leg. The goal is to coordinate and run together to reach the finish line before the other teams. It’s a hilarious game that requires teamwork and balance.
Can outdoor games be educational for children?
Absolutely! Outdoor games can help develop hand-eye coordination, balance, agility, and provide a great way for children to burn energy. Games like Horseshoes and Lawn Bowling can also involve counting and strategy, adding an educational element.
What are some outdoor water games for parties?
Outdoor water games include Limbo, where participants must dance under a progressively lower bar, and Lawn Bowling, where players aim to knock down pins with a ball. These games are perfect for cooling down and having fun in the summer.
How can you make outdoor party games more interesting for older children?
To make outdoor party games more appealing to older children, you can create challenges, set up tournaments, or add unique twists to classic games. For example, a backyard campout with a game of flashlight tag can offer an adventurous twist.
What are some tips for hosting a successful outdoor party with games?
To host a successful outdoor party with games, ensure you have all the necessary equipment, set clear rules, and cater to all age groups. It’s also a good idea to have a variety of games to keep everyone engaged and to encourage fair play and sportsmanship.
