Backyard Family Activities
Looking for fun backyard family activities that don’t break the bank?
Let’s be honest – finding activities that keep the kiddos entertained, don’t break the bank, and (bonus points!) actually create sweet family memories can feel like hitting the jackpot.
But here’s the thing: we don’t always need fancy toys or elaborate outdoor spaces to have a good time.
All it takes is a bit of creativity, a small outdoor space, and gathering your family together for some fun!
Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in this blog post:
- supplies you’ll need for backyard family activities
- fun family backyard activities with younger kids (ages 1-8)
- fun family backyard activities with older kids (ages 9+)
Let’s get started by reviewing the different supplies you’ll need for these backyard family activities!
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What supplies do I need for backyard activities that don’t break the bank?
When it comes to outdoor play, you’ve probably already got everything you need right at home or tucked away in that closet you’ve been meaning to organize.
Save money and spark creativity by using what you already have—old household items, recycled materials, and more—to set up fun backyard family activities!
But, things you don’t have can easily be found at your local dollar store, department store, online, or even on Facebook Marketplace.
Pro Tip: Save big by checking Facebook Marketplace for large items like play structures, swing sets, picnic tables, kiddie pools, or trampolines!
Here’s a quick list of go-to supplies that are affordable, versatile, and perfect for turning any backyard into the ultimate play space.
- Hula Hoop
- Frisbees or Flying Discs
- Pool Noodles
- Balls (of any kind and size!)
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Sidewalk Paint
- Bubbles
- Buckets, Containers, etc.
- Plastic Cups or Recycled Bottles
- Water Balloons
- Rope
- Small Cones (for obstacle courses, game boundaries, and the like!)
- Recycled Cardboard Boxes
Once you’ve got your supplies, you can get creative with backyard activities.
Here are some ideas to get you started, starting with the activities that are best for families with younger kids!
Fun Family Backyard Activities With Younger Kids (ages 1-8)
Here’s the great news – keeping your little ones entertained is easier than you might think!
With just a bit of outdoor space, you can create a world of fun, adventure, and family discovery.
And since young kids thrive on simple joys, these activities focus on using items you probably already have around the house – no fancy gadgets needed!
Here are ten fun family backyard activities that are perfect to do with younger kids.
1 – Family Sensory Bins
I always preferred doing sensory bins outside because my kids could get messy without me having to follow them around like a crazy cleaning lady.
Plus, the possibilities are limitless!
Once you’ve got a shallow bin, you can use pretty much any supplies or materials to make a sensory bin from!
Start with a “base” material like:
- rice
- oats
- dry beans
- dry pasta
- sand
- mud
- rocks
- silly string
- shredded paper
- small balls
- homemade dough
- foam peanuts
- cotton balls
- shaving cream
- fake snow
Then, add some small toys, such as spoons, measuring cups, cookie cutters, small garden tools, pinecones, leaves, or anything else you can think of!
When we did these as a family activity, I even went so far as to make them themed, but this is optional.
In the summer, we would do family sensory bins with beach materials, gardening supplies, etc.
In the fall, we would do family sensory bins with pinecones, leaves, etc.
Plus, doing it together as a family made it fun to collaborate, and we could easily show the kids different techniques for doing things, such as building mini sandcastles, scooping and pouring to create “mountains” or “rivers,” and even sorting different materials by colour or size.
Everyone would even add their own little twist, whether it was making patterns with rocks or hiding tiny toys for a surprise treasure hunt.
The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that you can switch it up whenever they’re ready for a new adventure – all without spending a dime!
2 – Bubble Contests
Bubbles are one of the easiest ways to make a fun-filled family activity outside for your young kids without spending a dime – especially if you are prepared to do it with a DIY twist!
Start by making your own bubble solution with water, dish soap, and a little corn syrup or glycerin for those giant, sturdy bubbles.
Then, gather the family and have everyone find or make their own unique bubble wands – think straws, cookie cutters, twisted pipe cleaners, or whatever creative tools you can dream up!
For extra fun, try mini competitions: who can blow the biggest bubble, keep theirs floating the longest, catch one on their hand, or even pop bubbles with their nose!
3 – Nature Painting
Ready to turn your very own backyard into a family art studio?
Nature painting is a fun, creative way for the whole family to explore and create together using materials you find outside.
Mission number one – find materials for “paintbrushes,” like twigs, leaves, pine needles, flowers, and even rocks, which can make unique marks and textures.
Mission number two – find materials to paint, like rocks, recycled cardboard, or just plain paper for your nature masterpieces.
Then, with some washable paint, get to creating!
It will be fun to compare everyone’s artwork at the end to see who paints the best with their nature brushes!
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy peaceful, hands-on family time.
4 – Picnic Play
Who says you need a fancy setup, a unique location, or even lots of food to enjoy a picnic?
Some of my favorite family memories are from when we turned a simple sunny afternoon into a chance to have a picnic right in our backyard!
I never bothered buying a special picnic blanket.
Instead, we would just grab an old blanket or sheet that I could throw into the wash afterwards.
Then, with the help of my daughter, we would pack our snacks and maybe even make some simple sandwiches.
Once you’re ready, let your kids pick a “picnic zone” in the yard and get eating!
To make it even more special, bring out some music, books, board games, or a deck of cards to enjoy as you snack together.
It’s a budget-friendly way to turn a regular day at home into a mini adventure, creating memories that’ll have everyone saying, “Let’s do that again!”
5 – Storytime Circle
Another excellent backyard activity to do as a family is a storytime circle, which could mean reading from a storybook, each family member getting to make up their own story, or even your school-aged kids getting to practice their reading skills or share a story they wrote at school!
There are even some creative ways you can make this even more fun.
- Use their stuffed animals as characters for the story.
- Grab a flashlight for a dramatic effect at night.
- Bring snacks that match the story theme.
Don’t be afraid to try new things to see what the family enjoys!
6 – Nature Scavenger Hunts
Speaking of spending time together outside as a family, we can’t skip over a nature scavenger hunt!
This activity is perfect for getting the whole family to explore and notice the little details all around.
On a piece of paper, make a simple checklist of natural items to find – think leaves of different shapes, rocks, a flower, a twig shaped like the letter “Y,” different types of birds or bugs that frequent your yard, pinecones, or anything else that’s commonly found in your backyard.
This activity can be done individually, as one group, or for some added family competition, you can do it in teams to see who is the fastest.
Make sure everyone’s got a bag to collect their findings or a camera to take pictures with!
The best part?
It’s a chance to share stories about each find, talk about the different plants and creatures in the backyard, and enjoy a mini adventure without going far from home.
Here’s a backyard scavenger hunt if you’re looking for a ready-made one.
7- Water Play
Guess what, mama – you don’t need a swimming pool in your backyard to have fun with water play as a family!
All you need are a few creative setups, and you’re good to go!
Want to try out a DIY splash pad? Just grab a large plastic tarp from the garage or a shower curtain and run the hose over it for an instant slippery area.
Or, keep it classic with a sprinkler attached to the hose and let everyone run, jump, and laugh their way through it.
If you and your family prefer water games, check out this fun list of ideas you could try:
- Water relay races with plastic cups and a few buckets.
- DIY fishing with a kiddie pool.
- Water balloon fight, toss, or dodgeball.
You could even set up a water table with a plastic tub to give your kids their own little car wash for their toy trucks.
No matter which option you choose, water play is easy to set up, budget-friendly, and a refreshing way to enjoy a backyard day together.
Just don’t forget the towels and sunscreen before you start any water play!
8 – Garden Help
This family activity is a win-win!
You get to enjoy quality time together while also saving on groceries, teaching your kids where food comes from, building teamwork, and showing the value of caring for living things.
Whether you have a big garden bed, a few potted plants, or just a small patch of dirt, there are so many ways little hands can help out.
Let them take charge of watering duties with a kid-sized can or a simple plastic cup.
Show them how to pull small weeds (the safe, kid-friendly ones!) or gather fallen leaves to help keep the garden looking neat.
Or, if you’re planting flowers, veggies, or herbs, let them dig the holes, place seeds or seedlings, and gently cover them with soil – they’ll feel like little gardeners in no time!
As your kids get older, it might be extra fun to give them their own little section to manage where they can plant whatever they want, take care of watering it, weeding it, checking for bugs, etc.
This family activity is perfect for younger children!
9 – Family Campout
While it’s fun to go camping, you may not always have the time or budget.
Plus, when you’ve got really little kids, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to be far from home when you don’t know what they’ll need or if they’ll enjoy themselves.
That’s why it’s so much fun to do a family campout right in the backyard when the kids are young.
You can set up a tent if you’ve got one, or you can ask your spouse to make a DIY tent or fort for everyone to sleep in.
Then, load it up with blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, lights, their favorite stuffed animal, and whatever else you might need.
For an authentic camping-in-the-woods feel, you can also try cooking dinner outside, gathering around the backyard firepit for s’mores, sharing stories, playing games, and stargazing together.
Pro Tip – If you don’t have a fire pit, you can still roast marshmallows over a small charcoal grill or make s’mores in the oven and bring them outside.
If you’re planning on going camping, here are toddler camping essentials that make camping so much easier.
10 – Classic Backyard Games
Classic backyard games are a fantastic way to get younger kids moving, laughing, and using up that endless energy!
As an added bonus, this will get you moving too!
And you don’t need any fancy equipment, just a little space and a few basic items.
Here are some classic games that are perfect for younger kiddos!
- Hide and Seek
- Duck-Duck-Goose
- Hopscotch
- Relay Race
- Tag
- Simon Says
- Ring Toss
- Bean Bags
- Bocce Ball
- Badminton
- Croquet
These classic outdoor games are one of the most fun things we personally enjoy as a family.
Fun Family Backyard Activities With Older Kids (ages 9+)
Just because they’re getting older doesn’t mean the classic backyard fun has to stop!
Many of the activities we’ve already covered, from water play and nature scavenger hunts to classic games like hide-and-seek and tag, can still bring plenty of joy to older kids.
In fact, as they get older, they often bring a whole new level of creativity and competitiveness to these fun backyard family activities.
But of course, as your kids get older, you can add even more fun family backyard activities to your family’s repertoire.
These additional ideas for older children offer a bit more challenge, a higher level of creativity, and independence.
From DIY obstacle courses to creative experiments, these ideas will help them use their energy, curiosity, and adventurous spirit – all while enjoying that great outdoor space you’ve set up!
1 – Outdoor Obstacle Course
Are you looking for a fun way to get some physical activity as a family with a sprinkle of competition?
Well, look no further than a fun outdoor obstacle course around your backyard.
These are really fun and something we do several times a year.
All you have to do to get set up is fill the backyard with a series of fun activities using what you already have, so it doesn’t even need to cost you a dime.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Layout cones or containers that everyone has to zigzag through.
- Set up buckets to throw balls into.
- Crawl under or over a row of chairs.
- Use a skipping rope as a balance beam.
- Lay hula hoops on the ground for everyone to hop in and out of.
- Lay a blanket on the ground for a “low crawl” section.
- Set up the sprinkler to jump through.
If you enjoy DIY projects, you could also build unique obstacle course elements, such as a DIY climbing wall, balance beams made from sturdy wooden planks, a tire jump from old car tires, or a rope swing using a strong tree branch and a thick rope.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and even see what ideas your kids can come up with to add to the obstacle course.
What makes an obstacle course ideal is that you can customize it to make it as easy or challenging as you’d like.
Plus, what a fun and hilarious way to make memories as a family!
2 – Parachute Games
Whether you’ve got a large or small backyard, parachute games are a great outdoor activity.
And don’t worry – you don’t need an actual parachute.
Any large, sturdy sheet or lightweight blanket will do.
Here is a list of the most classic parachute games:
- Popcorn – Place lightweight balls or small soft toys on the parachute and shake them to make them bounce around.
- Mushroom – Lift the parachute high into the air and step underneath as it floats down, creating a “mushroom” shape.
- Wave – Move the parachute up and down to create waves, either small ripples or big, rolling waves.
- Colour Call – Assign each player a colour. When that colour is called, they run under the parachute to the other side.
- Cat and Mouse – One person (the “mouse”) crawls underneath while another (the “cat”) crawls on top, trying to catch them.
- Parachute Tag – Lift the parachute and call out two names; they have to run under the parachute and switch places before it falls.
- Ball Roll – Place a ball on the parachute and try to roll it to a designated player or location without it falling off.
- Umbrella – Lift the parachute up, and then pull it down behind your back, creating a “cover” like an umbrella.
- Ring Around the Rosie – Everyone walks in a circle holding the parachute, then falls down together on cue.
- Treasure Hunt – Place small items on the parachute, then try to bounce them off or catch them as they fly.
These simple games encourage teamwork, physical activity, and laughter – and best of all, no fancy equipment is required!
If you want to invest in an actual parachute because you’re planning on using it long-term, here’s a cute parachute.
3 – Backyard Science Experiments
I am a big fan of setting up outdoor family activities that are equally fun and educational.
Outdoor science experiments definitely check that box!
Plus, science is perfect for messy, hands-on learning and exploration!
Here are some easy and fun science experiments that are budget-friendly and can be done with everyday household items:
- Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano – Create a “volcano” in a bottle and watch it erupt with fizz.
- Mentos and Soda Geyser – Drop Mentos into a bottle of soda for an explosive reaction.
- DIY Lava Lamp – Combine oil, water, and food coloring in a bottle, then add a fizzing tablet to watch bubbles rise.
- Rainbow Milk Experiment – Use milk, food coloring, and dish soap to create swirling colors.
- Ice Excavation – Freeze small toys or objects in a container of water, then “excavate” them with warm water or salt.
- Color Mixing with Water – Use coloured water in clear containers and mix to see new colors form.
- Balloon Rocket – Attach a balloon to a straw on a string, let it go, and watch it zoom along.
- Sun Prints – Use construction paper and leaves or objects to make sun prints.
- DIY Sundial – Use a stick and rocks to make a sundial and track the time.
- Density Tower – Layer different liquids like honey, dish soap, and oil to create a density tower.
If you’re looking for even more ideas, we really enjoyed the experiments in this book!
4 – DIY Hideout
When I think of fun backyard ideas, I know my mind immediately goes to treehouses and large playsets.
Unfortunately, not all of us have the right type of trees or a large enough yard to accommodate a full-blown treehouse.
But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t make some other kind of DIY hideout as a family activity that your kids could enjoy with their friends later!
And chances are good you’ve already got many of the materials you’d need, such as a tarp, rope or clothesline, spare lumber, etc.
Then, you can easily decorate it with pillows, blankets, flowers, and leaves.
Once done, you can use the DIY hideout as a cozy place to relax, read together, or play some family board games.
5 – Family Talent Show
Get ready to cheer each other on with a backyard family talent show!
This activity lets family members show off their unique skills, whether it’s singing, dancing, telling jokes, or even making a funny impression.
And, of course, every talent show needs a staging area, so get your kids to look around at what they can find to make the staging area.
Plus, snacks for the event never hurt – think popcorn, carrot sticks, apple slices, and the like!
This backyard family activity is all about encouraging creativity, skills, passions, and fun!
6 – Backyard Movie Nights
Why keep your movie nights inside when you could enjoy a show under the stars?
Your backyard is a great place to enjoy a night together as a family, and there are plenty of ways you can make it creative!
For the screen, all you need is a large white sheet and a projector, which you can often find affordably on Amazon or snag a used one on Facebook Marketplace.
Then, set up a cozy seating area with blankets, lawn chairs, or even an inflatable mattress to make it extra comfortable.
I’ve even seen people use things like string lights to add some ambiance or create custom movie tickets!
Of course, this wouldn’t been a movie night without the snacks, such as popcorn, fruit and veggies, and a few drinks, that will make it feel like a real theater experience.
And voila – you’ve got a fun family activity to enjoy in the great outdoors.
7 – Outdoor Cooking
While it’s easy to get caught up in the routine of life, it can be a good idea to mix things up, such as choosing a night when the family has to cook an entire meal outside!
This is a great way to get everyone’s creative juices flowing on how to cook everything needed with just your outdoor tools, such as a fire pit, BBQ, or portable camping stove.
To make this an effective family activity, the key is to get everyone involved and maybe even let your kids learn new cooking techniques or experiment with a new recipe that none of you have ever tried before!
From assembling kabobs and wrapping foil packets to roasting hotdogs over an open flame, your kids are bound to enjoy the novelty of cooking outside!
And remember, you can keep it simple – the food doesn’t need to be anything fancy.
Think burgers, campfire pizzas, veggie skewers, or DIY quesadillas!
So gather your ingredients, bring out some chairs, and turn mealtime into a backyard cookout that everyone will look forward to!
8 – Sporty Games
Remember what I said about not needing fancy toys or gadgets to have a great time outside together as a family?
Why not spend your afternoon enjoying a fun game like soccer, basketball, handball, etc?
Not only are these activities a great way to burn off energy and enjoy a little competition, but you also won’t need much in the way of supplies, most of which you should already have.
For goals, you can set something up using cones, recycled bottles, ropes, etc.
If you need a “court” to play, use pegs and rope to create visible boundaries.
Then, you’ll just need a ball or frisbee of some kind, perhaps a glove and bat, and some protective gear!
This kind of activity can provide hours of fun!
9 – DIY Mini Golf Game
One of my favorite Saturday family activities is a mini-golf game.
Unfortunately, going to a course every week is definitely not in our budget.
That’s why I was thrilled to learn there are different ways you can actually set up your very own mini golf course in your backyard.
And you don’t need a ton of supplies.
You can use cups, containers, or small boxes as “holes.”
Then, for each “green,” you can set up obstacles for a bit of a challenge, making ramps with cardboard, tunnels with pool noodles, barriers using toys or rocks, etc.
Don’t be afraid to get creative!
And for a putter, you can use real golf clubs or toy clubs if you have them.
But if you don’t have any, don’t be afraid to use brooms, mops, etc.; it doesn’t need to be fancy!
The goal?
Have a blast, get a little competitive, and see who can complete each hole in the fewest strokes.
DIY mini golf is the perfect mix of creativity, teamwork, and a little friendly rivalry – an ideal way to enjoy an afternoon outdoors together!
10 – Nature Photography Challenge
Last but not least, one of our favorite backyard family activities is to do a nature photography challenge!
In this modern day, with all the technology, it can be challenging to tear everyone away from it.
But what if there was a family activity where we could embrace technology and discover new passions?
That’s what the nature photography challenge is all about!
Grab a phone or digital camera, and let each family member take turns snapping nature pics.
You can even challenge everyone to capture specific themes like “something green,” “a tiny creature,” “shapes in nature,” or “sunlight through leaves.”
You can even give out fun categories like “Best Bug Shot” or “Most Colorful Flower.”
This activity is a wonderful way to encourage creativity, build observation skills, and create memories – plus, you might just discover hidden treasures in your own backyard!
And there you have it – endless backyard fun that doesn’t require a big budget or fancy equipment, just a little creativity and a love for spending time together.
Whether you’re building an obstacle course, stargazing, or diving into DIY science experiments, these activities turn your backyard into a place of adventure, discovery, and unforgettable family moments.
These are the days your kids will remember – the laughter, the games, the quiet moments, and the shared joy of being together.
Here’s to endless backyard memories and a whole lot of family fun!
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