Look for games that are age-appropriate, durable, fun, and easy to use in your yard or outdoor space. We carefully considered any age recommendations, design, ease of use, entertaining value, toy safety, and durability when reviewing products. Here are the best outdoor games the whole family will enjoy. The Hakol Lawn Darts earn a top spot on our list because they’re safe, fun, and easy for the whole family to play for a beach day, in the yard, or at the park. The game is rated safe for kids 6 and up, and can be used during the day for lots of entertainment. But once it gets dark, kids will love how they glow, so there’s a whole new level of added fun! Simply place the rings in the yard and challenge your crew to toss the rounded weighted darts to land in the rings. The darts can bounce and roll a bit, so it’s a challenge to get them in the ring. Included are four darts, two rings, and a carry bag. Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $65 Price at time of publication: $23 Make sure you have plenty of room to store this 14-pound set and a place to play, especially since successful towers can be built over four feet high. Big kids will enjoy playing (and have the dexterity to manipulate the blocks) and can get creative with the way they use the blocks. Price at time of publication: $50 All the wood pieces are sealed, so they’re safe for outdoor use, but the game needs to be covered if it’s being stored outdoors. While a splurge, the game is fun for all ages and can be moved from the playroom in the winter to the yard in the summer. Knowing toddlers, they will likely have just as much fun putting the pins in and out of the bag as they will setting up the bowling set. Highly praised by reviewers, parents appreciate that the pins and ball are hard plastic, so they’re easy to wipe clean and move from outdoors to indoors. Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $39 Price at time of publication: $25 Playing outside is already important for a growing child as outdoor play allows children to build skills by using all of their senses. However, if a toy or game is not fun or does not meet a child where they are developmentally, it can be boring or overwhelming. Check in with your kiddos to see what they think before making a final purchase, too.
Durability
Outdoor toys and games should be well made and durable. While not all are suitable for outdoor storage, they should at least hold up through a few seasons of use (or more). If your game needs to be stored indoors, select something that you have the space for in the off-season. Durability is especially important if your kids are little. If any pieces break off, they can become a choking hazard for little ones or create sharp edges that are dangerous for kids of all ages.
Safety
Consider the age recommendations on the game before purchasing. Younger kids might be able to play a game rated for older kids if they are supervised or playing with their family, but for their safety, they shouldn’t play these games alone. Avoid toys that are very loud, shoot objects into the air, pose a choking risk (any parts that can fit through a toilet-paper tube be a choking hazard), contain small batteries or magnets, or are made with toxic materials. All of these put your children at risk of injury.
Developmental Level
Once you’ve determined the toy is safe and fun for the whole family, you’ll also want to consider if it helps your children meet developmental milestones, like running, jumping, or throwing a ball. While this is geared mostly towards little ones, knowing where your child is developmentally gives you an idea of what areas they could practice.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year old daughter. Maya loves sending her kids outdoors to play, so any games that keep them out there for longer are great in her book. Her yard is littered with balls, goals, archery sets, NERF darts, and more. Since her kids are getting older, she’s thinking of joining the Spikeball craze and getting a set to play in the yard and on the beach. Playing outside also helps kids learn about science through exploring nature. Getting enough sun exposure also promotes good sleep, which is essential for mood and learning. Playing games outside provides an engaging setting that stimulates kids cognitively. They will learn about nature and the physical sciences as they play and explore outdoors. The outdoor terrain is less even that an indoor floor. When kids play outside, they develop their ability to adjust their movements over rocky ground or steep inclines. Playing outdoors also teaches kids a lot about their own bodies. Moving in the outside world requires them to pay attention to their environment. They will learn through experience about the laws of physics as they climb trees or leap across creeks.
