Looking for fun, budget-friendly outdoor games you can make yourself? This guide offers easy DIY outdoor game projects for all ages and skill levels, perfect for backyards, parks, or camping trips. Discover simple, sustainable fun that brings people together!
Who doesn’t love a good game on a sunny day? Spending time outdoors is fantastic, and adding some playful activities makes it even better. But sometimes, buying ready-made outdoor games can feel a bit much for the wallet, and honestly, finding exactly what you want can be tricky. What if you could create your own unique games using things you might already have or can easily find? It’s a super rewarding way to get creative, save money, and enjoy some quality time outside with family and friends. Get ready to unleash your inner game maker – we’re going to explore some wonderful DIY outdoor games that are simple, fun, and kind to the planet.
Why DIY Outdoor Games Are a Winning Idea
Making your own outdoor games is more than just a way to pass the time; it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, be resourceful, and create lasting memories. Imagine the pride of watching your kids (or friends!) laugh and play with a game you built with your own hands. It’s eco-friendly too! Many DIY projects use recycled materials, giving them a new lease on life and reducing waste. Plus, you can customize them to fit your space, your style, and the ages of your players. It’s all about accessible fun that everyone can enjoy.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Before we dive into specific game ideas, let’s gather some essential tools and materials that will come in handy for many DIY outdoor projects. Having these basics on hand will make your crafting process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools for DIY Game Making:
- Safety First: Safety glasses and gloves are a must when working with tools.
- Cutting Tools: A good utility knife or craft knife for cutting softer materials, and a small hand saw or jigsaw for wood.
- Measuring Tools: A tape measure and a ruler are crucial for accuracy.
- Marking Tools: A pencil or marker for drawing lines and circles.
- Fasteners: Wood glue, screws, nails, and a hammer or screwdriver.
- Finishing Touches: Sandpaper for smoothing rough edges, and weather-resistant paint or sealant to protect your creations.
- Measuring & Marking: For precise construction.
Common Materials for Outdoor Games:
- Wood: Scraps of lumber, plywood, or even sturdy branches can be fantastic building materials. Look for untreated wood where possible.
- Fabric & Rope: Old sheets, canvas bags, or sturdy cloth can be repurposed. Natural fiber ropes are a great eco-friendly choice.
- Recycled Items: Plastic bottles, tin cans, old tires, cardboard boxes – get creative with what you already have!
- Paint: Non-toxic, outdoor-friendly paints in fun colors.
- Balls & Beanbags: You might already have these, or they can be simple to make or buy affordably.
Easy DIY Outdoor Games for All Ages
Now for the fun part! Here are some tried-and-true DIY outdoor games that are perfect for beginners and can be scaled up or down depending on your needs. We’ll cover a range of game types, from active challenges to more relaxed lawn games.
1. Giant Lawn Tic-Tac-Toe
This oversized version of a classic is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s simple to set up and provides hours of strategic fun.
Materials:
- Wooden stakes or thick dowels (4 x 3-foot stakes for the grid lines)
- Twine or rope (about 12 feet)
- Pieces for game markers (e.g., wood slices, painted rocks, large washers, or even repurposed flat stones) – 5 of one kind, 5 of another
- Optional: Weather-resistant paint and brushes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Stakes: If you want to, paint your stakes in fun colors and let them dry completely. You can also sand them smooth to prevent splinters.
- Create the Grid: Find a flat, grassy area in your yard. Lay out the four stakes to form a large square, with each side approximately 3 feet long.
- Mark the Lines: Use your twine or rope to create the tic-tac-toe grid. Tie one end of the rope to the top of one stake, run it across to the next stake, tie it off, then run it down to the opposite stake, tie it off, and so on, until you have your 3×3 grid. You can secure the rope to the stakes with small nails or staples if needed.
- Make Your Markers: Decorate your game markers. Paint your “X”s and “O”s (or choose two distinct designs, like stars and circles) onto items like wood slices or rocks. Make sure you have five of each type.
- Play! Players take turns placing their marker on one of the nine squares. The first player to get three of their markers in a row wins!
2. DIY Beanbag Toss (Cornhole)
Cornhole is a hugely popular lawn game, and building your own set is a rewarding project. This beginner-friendly version uses simple planks.
Materials:
- Two pieces of plywood (24 inches x 48 inches) for the boards
- Eight pieces of 2×4 lumber: Four at 48 inches and four at 21 inches
- Wood screws (1 1/4 inch and 2 1/2 inch)
- Wood glue
- Drill with drill bits and a hole saw (3-inch diameter recommended)
- Saw (hand saw or miter saw)
- Sandpaper
- Optional: Exterior paint, stencils, brushes
Instructions:
- Cut the Wood: Cut your 2x4s to size: four at 48 inches (for the long sides) and four at 21 inches (for the short sides).
- Build the Frame: For each board, create a rectangular frame using two 48-inch 2x4s and two 21-inch 2x4s. Apply wood glue to the ends and screw them together with 2 1/2 inch screws.
- Attach the Plywood: Place a piece of plywood on top of each frame. Secure the plywood to the frame using 1 1/4 inch screws, spaced about 6 inches apart around the perimeter.
- Create the Legs: Cut two of the remaining 2x4s into legs. You’ll want one leg to be longer than the other to create the slope. A common approach is to cut one end of each leg at an angle so they fit flush against the board when attached. For a standard board height of about 12 inches at the back, the legs might be around 13-14 inches.
- Attach the Legs: Position the legs on the underside of the board at the back (the 12-inch high end). They should be angled to support the board. Secure them with wood glue and 2 1/2 inch screws. You may need to pre-drill pilot holes.
- Cut the Hole: On each board, measure 9 inches from the top edge and center it side-to-side. Use a 3-inch hole saw to drill a hole for the beanbags.
- Sand and Finish: Sand all surfaces smooth to prevent splinters. If you plan to paint, apply a couple of coats of weather-resistant exterior paint. You can add stencils for decoration!
- Make Beanbags: For the beanbags, you can use sturdy fabric (like canvas or denim) and fill them with dried corn kernels (about 1 pound per bag) or rice. Sew them shut securely in a 6-inch by 6-inch square. You’ll need 8 beanbags total (4 of one color, 4 of another).
- Play! Set the boards up facing each other, about 13 feet apart. Teams take turns tossing beanbags, aiming to land them on the board for 1 point or in the hole for 3 points.
3. DIY Ring Toss Garland
This game is inspired by carnival-style ring toss. It’s easy to make, portable, and uses simple materials.
Materials:
- Sturdy rope or thick twine (about 10-15 feet)
- An empty plastic bottle or a sturdy cardboard tube (like from paper towels or wrapping paper)
- Craft rings (you can buy wooden or plastic ones, or even make your own from sturdy cardboard or painted rope) – 5 to 8 rings
- Optional: Paint, scissors, strong glue
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base: If using a plastic bottle, remove any labels and ensure it’s clean. You can paint it for a more festive look. If using a cardboard tube, ensure it’s sturdy; you might want to reinforce it with tape or paint.
- Set Up the Garland: Tie one end of your rope to a tree branch, a sturdy hook in a fence, or even have a helper hold it.
- Attach the Base: Tie the other end of the rope securely to your bottle or tube, allowing it to hang freely about 3-4 feet off the ground.
- Prepare the Rings: Ensure your rings are a good size to fit over the bottle neck or tube. If making your own from cardboard, cut out rings about 4-6 inches in diameter. You can also paint them.
- Play! Players stand a set distance away (e.g., 10 feet) and try to toss their rings to land over the bottle or tube. Assign points for each successful ring toss.
4. Cardboard Box Castle or Fort
This isn’t a game in the traditional sense, but it’s an incredibly engaging DIY project that leads to imaginative play. Perfect for younger children.
Materials:
- Large cardboard boxes (appliance boxes are ideal, but any large ones will do)
- Box cutter or sturdy scissors
- Packing tape or duct tape
- Markers, crayons, or paint
- Optional: Fabric scraps for flags, glitter, glow-in-the-dark paint
Instructions:
- Gather Your Boxes: Collect your boxes. The more, the merrier!
- Plan Your Design: Decide if you want a simple fort, a towering castle, or a maze. Think about doors, windows, and battlements.
- Cut and Connect: Use your box cutter to carefully cut out doors, windows, and any connecting openings between boxes. Always cut away from yourself and use a stable surface. Tape boxes together securely to create your structure.
- Decorate! This is where creativity shines. Let kids draw bricks, add flags, paint shields, or even create a moat around it.
- Play! Once built and decorated, the castle is ready for epic adventures, knightly quests, or simply a cozy hideaway.
5. DIY Giant Jenga
Take the classic table-top game and make it life-sized! This is always a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings.
Materials:
- Lumber: Typically, you’ll need 54 pieces of wood cut to the same length and width. A common size is 1.5 inches x 2.5 inches x 7.25 inches. Pine or furring strips are good, affordable options.
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Optional: Paint or sealant
Instructions:
- Cut the Pieces: You need 54 identical blocks. Ensure all cuts are straight and the lengths are exactly the same for stability. The standard size is often based on what you can get from a 2×4 cut down.
- Sand Smooth: Sand every surface and edge of each block until they are very smooth. This is crucial for safe play and for blocks to slide easily.
- Assemble the First Layer: Lay out three blocks side-by-side, flush against each other.
- Build Subsequent Layers: Place the next three blocks on top of the first layer, but perpendicular to them. Continue alternating the direction of each layer (three blocks parallel to the ground, then three blocks perpendicular, and so on).
- Stack and Play: Once all 54 blocks are cut and sanded, you can stack them in the standard 18-layer tower. To play, players take turns removing one block from anywhere below the top completed layer and placing it on top of the tower. The goal is not to knock the tower over!
- Optional Finishing: You can paint or seal the blocks to make them more durable and visually appealing, but ensure the finish is completely dry and smooth.
6. Outdoor Obstacle Course
An obstacle course is less about building one specific game and more about using what you have to create a fun challenge.
Ideas for Obstacles:
- Crawl Under: Use a hula hoop or a low-strung rope laid on the ground.
- Jump Over: Small logs, stepping stones, or garden gnomes.
- Balance Beam: A low plank of wood or a garden hose to walk along.
- Wiggle Through: A tunnel made from large cardboard boxes or even draped blankets over chairs.
- Target Toss: Set up buckets or targets for a beanbag or ball toss.
- Agility Test: Mark out squares on the lawn with chalk or stakes for zig-zag running.
- Nature Element: Have participants run around a specific tree three times.
Instructions:
- Scout Your Space: Look at your yard and identify natural features or areas you can use.
- Gather Your Props: Collect items from around your home or garden that can be used as obstacles. Think about different movements: crawling, jumping, balancing, running, and tossing.
- Plan the Path: Lay out your obstacles in a sequence that makes sense. Ensure there’s enough space between them.
- Mark It Out: Use chalk, stakes, or brightly colored flags to indicate where each obstacle begins and ends.
- Safety Check: Make sure all obstacles are stable and there are no tripping hazards.
- Set the Rules: Decide if it’s a race against the clock, a team challenge, or just for fun playing through it.
- Race! Let the fun begin! Encourage participants to do their best and have a blast.
Tips for Making Your DIY Games Eco-Friendly
Sustainability is at the heart of many EcoPatchy projects! Here’s how you can make your DIY outdoor games even greener:
- Repurpose and Recycle: Look for materials you already have – old wood scraps, durable plastic containers, fabric remnants, glass jars (for tossing targets). Give them a new purpose!
- Choose Natural Materials: Opt for untreated wood, bamboo, or sturdy branches from fallen trees. For fillers in beanbags, consider dried beans or rice instead of plastic pellets. Natural fiber ropes are also a great choice.
- Use Eco-Friendly Finishes: If you paint or seal your games, choose non-toxic, water-based, or low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and sealants. Look for certifications like EPA Safer Choice.
- Durable Design: Build your games to last! Using good construction techniques and weather-resistant finishes means your games won’t need frequent replacement, reducing waste.
- Proper Disposal: When a game has truly reached the end of its life, try to recycle or compost its components where possible.
Caring for Your DIY Outdoor Games
To ensure your handmade games last for many seasons of fun, a little care goes a long way. This is especially important if you’re using natural materials or simple finishes.
Storage:
- When not in use, store your games in a dry place. A shed, garage, or even a large outdoor storage bin is ideal to protect them from moisture, sun, and harsh weather.
- For games like Giant Jenga, an old laundry basket or a sturdy tote bag works well for storage and transport.
Maintenance:
- Wood: Periodically inspect wooden games for any signs of rot, splintering, or cracking. Lightly sand any rough spots. You may need to reapply a coat of sealant or paint every year or two, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight or rain.
- Fabric: If you have games with fabric elements (like beanbags), check for rips or tears. Wash them if they get dirty and ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.
- Painted Surfaces: Touch up any chipped paint to maintain the game’s appearance and protect the underlying material.
Troubleshooting Your DIY Game Projects
Even the best laid plans can hit a snag! Here are some common issues and
