Making Family Gatherings Exciting With Outdoor Activities

simple family gathering outdoors with food in the table
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  • Prep your outdoor space before engaging in any activities by adding seating areas, landscaping, and lights. 
  • Enjoy a game of Giant Jenga that requires both skill and strategy, or have fun with a classic cornhole game that can be enjoyed by all age groups. 
  • Cool off with a refreshing water balloon toss, or wind down with a backyard movie night that’s sure to create some unforgettable memories. 
  • Enjoy quality bonding time with your family by playing these fun outdoor games and activities.

There’s nothing quite like spending a beautiful day outside with your family and loved ones, especially in the summer and fall seasons. And what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by engaging in some fun-filled outdoor games and activities? Whether you’re hosting a big barbecue, a family reunion, or just enjoying a quiet day in your own backyard, there are plenty of exciting outdoor games and activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained for hours. Here are some tips and recommendations.

Prepping The Outdoors

No matter what type of outdoor activity you plan on playing, it’s essential to make sure your backyard or garden is prepped for the occasion. Make sure that you have enough space for everyone to play and move around comfortably. Here are some things you can do:

Have a Seating Area

Having a designated seating area ensures everyone participating in the outdoor game or activity has a place to sit and relax when they need a break. Make sure the seating area is comfortable and away from any potential hazards.

If you’re hosting a big group, consider investing in some chairs or benches that can accommodate more significant numbers of people. Pack up some blankets and pillows to make it cozy.

Invest in Landscaping

If you want to create the perfect outdoor setting, consider hiring an experienced landscaper. They’ll be able to help you transform your backyard or garden into something magical.

A good landscaper will also be able to provide suggestions on which plants and trees are best for your climate as well as offer advice on how to make sure your outdoor space is safe for everyone to enjoy.

Add Lighting

Adding lights to your outdoor space will create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can also choose lighting options that are energy-efficient or solar-powered. String lights are trendy for outdoor gatherings as they provide just the right amount of light without being too bright.

outdoor seating area with landscaped features

Outdoor Games & Activities

Now that you have everything prepped and ready, it’s time to focus on the fun part — choosing outdoor games and activities for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few ideas:

1. Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a perfect outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by all age groups. You can organize a scavenger hunt with various items, from nature items like pine cones and leaves to things like toys, books, and even small prizes.

You can split your family into teams, give them a list of things to find, and let the fun begin. You can make it even more challenging by giving them a specific amount of time to complete the hunt or by adding clues to help them find the items.

2. Giant Jenga

If you’re looking for an outdoor game that requires both skill and strategy, then Giant Jenga is a must-try. This game is exactly like the classic Jenga, except that it’s played with larger wooden blocks.

Players take turns removing the blocks from the tower and placing them on top without causing the tower to collapse. It’s a fun and challenging game that will have everyone on the edge of their seat. You can even personalize the blocks with your own designs or family photos to add a unique touch.

3. Cornhole

Cornhole is a classic lawn game that has become a go-to game for many family gatherings. The game is played with two boards placed at a distance from each other, and players take turns throwing bags filled with corn toward the opposing board.

The objective is to score points by landing the bags on the board or in the hole. It’s an easy and enjoyable game that can be played by both kids and adults.

kid with glasses tossing bag of corn in a cornhole game in the backyard

4. Water Balloon Toss

For a refreshing and hilarious game, try a water balloon toss. Simply fill up some water balloons and have family members toss them back and forth to each other.

With each round, the distance between the tossers increases, making the game more challenging. It’s a great way to cool off on a hot day and create some memorable moments with your loved ones.

5. Backyard Movie Night

Who says outdoor games have to be all about physical activities? A backyard movie night is a perfect way to wind down the day and enjoy some quality time together.

All you need is a projector, a screen, and some comfortable outdoor chairs or blankets. You can choose a family-friendly movie or even let each family member pick their own favorite movie to watch.

With these outdoor games and activities, you’ll never have a dull moment at your family gatherings. From scavenger hunts to water balloon tosses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The best part is that these games can be played in your own backyard, so you don’t have to go far to create some unforgettable memories. So, gather your loved ones, head outside, and get ready for some fun-filled family bonding time.

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