31 Ridiculously Fun Things To Do With Your Backyard This Summer

A sandbox can be an outdoor destination for children to get outside and work on their imaginative thinking with safe, tactile play. Even sandboxes large enough for siblings and friends could top the list of backyard ideas for small yards. The addition of a canopy can provide cooling shade and keep direct sunlight off of exposed skin. Freeze tag helps promote cooperation and getting your kids better at listening to directions. You can play this game in the open area of your backyard or around your playset or other fun backyard elements. If it’s been a while since you’ve played freeze tag, here are the rules.

A pizza oven is a worthwhile addition for families who love dining outdoors, especially when they get burned out on barbecuing. Play classic outdoor gamessuch as Red Rover, Red Light Green Light, or Steal the Bacon. Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers.

Another way to maximize space in play areas is to use temporary structures and play options. This might include tents, inflatable bounce houses, portable sandboxes, or an outdoor sand and water activity table that can be stored when not in use. Including one or more age-appropriate play structures is a good way to encourage being physically active while having fun.

Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. I encourage any parent to give children their own garden space, whether in a pot or a small plot in the ground––and the support to help make it a success. Grab your blanket and pillows and a big bowl of popcorn and head outside for an awesome backyard movie night.

Start with a homemade map you’ve stained with coffee and scorched the edges. Have some prizes at the end of their adventure. Design a Fairy House - Gather Backyard fun twigs, leaves and flowers and then add a ton of imagination to create a fairy house.

Check out our sunscreen for kids guide here. A trampoline can bring a lot of bouncing fun to your backyard. Many have sturdy mesh netting around the enclosure to help prevent bouncers from tumbling out of the trampoline.