School’s finally out for the kids, and suddenly, the yard becomes a hive of activity. But after a few days, someone will inevitably ask, “What do we do next?” Thankfully, DIY outdoor games solve that. These games focus restless energy and make summer days more enjoyable. Instead of fancy equipment, you’ll only a few basic tools and enough leftover materials to create a few DIY outdoor games everyone wants to play.
This guide shares DIY outdoor games that are easy to build and worth keeping out all season.
1. Giant Jenga: Stack, Pull, Repeat
Cut 54 wooden blocks from 2×4 boards, sand them smooth, and stack them in layers of three. Each player removes one block and adds it to the top. The taller the tower grows, the less stable it gets. Use bare wood or paint each piece to match team colors. Keep a milk crate nearby for storage.
Tip: Play on grass to soften the fall and keep blocks from sliding too far.
2. Cornhole Boards: Straightforward Toss Game
Build two boards from plywood and 2x4s, each measuring two by four feet. Cut a circular hole six inches wide near the top of each board. Screw angled legs beneath to tilt the surface.
Sew fabric bags and fill them with rice or dried beans. Toss from a distance. One point for landing on the board. Three points for getting it through the hole. Paint the boards or leave them unfinished. They store flat and stack easily in a garage or shed.
Want a full guide with dimensions and diagrams? Follow this cornhole tutorial.
3. Lawn Bowling: Bottles and a Ball
Use ten plastic bottles filled with sand or water as pins. Arrange them in a triangle on a flat surface. Roll a soccer ball to knock them down.
Adjust the sand/water levels to make the game harder. Mark a rolling line with tape or string. This DIY version works well on driveways and patios. For nighttime games, drop glow sticks inside the bottles.
4. PVC Ring Toss
Cut five short PVC pipes—one for the center, four for the base—and connect them with elbow joints to form a plus shape. Glue the joints so the structure stays firm.
Make rings from sisal rope taped at the ends. Toss them toward the upright pipe and track points based on distance or accuracy. This game teaches aim and coordination. You can store it in a single bin and pull it out for quick rounds.
5. Backyard Obstacle Course
Set up cones, buckets, jump ropes, and pool noodles in a zigzag path. Create clear steps: crawl under, hop over, balance across. Finish with a target toss or sprint.
Let kids help set the course as this will encourage them to play again later. Change the order each week to keep the challenges exciting. Time each run and track each player’s improvement with sidewalk chalk.
6. Sponge Dartboard
Draw a dartboard on pavement using sidewalk chalk. Assign point zones with different colors. Players throw soaked sponges toward the center, with the closest hit winning. Use cool water to make the game a break from the heat, so keep a bucket nearby for quick dips. This DIY project works best on driveways or patios. Even better, clean-up is quick and leaves no mess.
Keep DIY Outdoor Games Going All Summer
The best DIY outdoor games don’t get packed up after one use. They stay in the yard, get dragged out on weekends, and become part of the annual summer games.
Try one game this weekend. Then add another the next. Before long, the backyard becomes everyone’s favorite place to be. For more inspiration, this list of DIY outdoor game projects from Popular Mechanics has even more ideas for all ages.
Which game will you make first? Share your project in the comments. We’d love to hear what you built and how it turned out.
FAQs
What’s the easiest outdoor game to make at home?
Lawn bowling is the simplest. You only need ten empty bottles and a ball. It’s ready in five minutes.
What tools do I need for these DIY projects?
Basic hand tools are enough—saw, drill, sandpaper, and measuring tape. Most builds use scrap wood, rope, or bottles.
Can these games work for large groups or parties?
Yes. Games like cornhole, ring toss, and obstacle courses scale well. Set up multiple stations to rotate between games.
How do I store everything when summer ends?
Use large bins or crates to keep blocks, bags, and parts organized. Stack flat boards in a garage or shed.
