Although the dog days of summer have come in gone this year, the backyard is still where it’s at, especially if you have little ones. Of course, with the cooler weather comes a need, and a demand for moms and dads everywhere to keep the kiddos entertained between homework assignments.
This fall, why not try something a bit different and play with your kids in the backyard? Short on time? Don’t fret, we’ve outlined eight 5 minute games you can play with your kids in the backyard this fall. Get inspired by reading on!
Blow Bubbles
An oldie but a goodie, blowing bubbles is one of the best ways to keep the kids entertained in the backyard. Heck, even adults without kids have been known to indulge in the addictive game of blowing bubbles. All you have to do is set up a bubble dispensary in the back yard by filling up an old laundry soap bottle with dish soap. Dawn tends to work best, so fill her up and grab a wand or two from your local department store and get out there in the backyard. Don’t worry, the kids will know exactly what to do.
Homemade Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic-Tac-Toe is a favorite of young and old alike, and it also so happens to make an excellent backyard game. All you have to do us grab nine river rocks and add X’s and O’s on them. Set up a few pieces of white tape on the ground or on your patio and let the kids go to town. If they haven’t played before run through the basics, but they’re sure to get the hang of it in a minute or two. It’s a quick and easy way to get them out of the house and into the outdoors. (great article about making your own backyard tic-tac-toe board: http://learncreatelove.com/homemade-tic-tac-toe-game-100-days-of-play/comment-page-1/ ; image also comes from that website)
Scavenger Hunt
This one might take a bit longer than 5 minutes, but it is totally worth it. Hide a few select items throughout your yard and give the kids a list of those items. Tell them any areas that are off limits and let them run wild. Give the winner a special treat or promise a big ice cream to the winner. Scavenger hunts are always fun, and even more fun when the whole family is in on it.
DIY Hopscotch
This can be done anywhere there is pavement, so if your backyard has a small cement area you’re good to go. Opt for washable chalk and make sure the kids have on clothing you don’t mind getting stained just in case. You can even have your kids draw the lines on the cement themselves. If you aren’t familiar with the hop scotch pattern do a quick search on Pinterest.
Nighttime Bowling
If the sun has already gone down and the kids are driving you nuts inside, then why not have some outdoor fun after dark. Set up a nighttime bowling game by filling water bottles up with glow sticks and placing them in the grass. Use a basketball or some other rounded object as the ‘bowling’ ball and have some fun. Your kids will love the colors and glow sticks, and you’ll love it because they won’t be inside!
(image from Crafts by Amanda: http://craftsbyamanda.com/glow-in-the-dark-bowling-kix-cereal-collaboration)
Freeze Tag
If there is a game that belongs to children it’s freeze tag. The next time the kids are complaining they are bored, usher them into the backyard and tell them to play tag with each other. Freeze tag is extremely fun, and, thankfully for you, it’s also tiring. You can add a pin the tail on the donkey element with a sticker that is passed from tagger to the tagged throughout the game for a bit of extra fun.
Bean Bag Toss
Use a double-taped posted board and glue it to the top of another box. Add a design to the bottom of the other box to match up the holes and add more if need be. Grab some beanbags and hand them out to the kiddos. FYI, a beanbag game retails for over $99, so you’re definitely better off just making your own game.
Glow Ring Toss
We can’t get enough of glow sticks, and neither can your kids. Grab a few dollar priced glow in the dark necklaces and a few empty or full water bottles. Place them in your back yard and hand out your necklaces. Keep one or two for yourself, and migrate to the backyard. Get your toss on and consider a present or prize for the winner of the game (AKA whoever gets the most rings over the bottles). This is a super easy way to enjoy the family throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to have fun with your family and kids, then hopefully these ideas inspire you to follow up with your goal to get the kids outside more. Good luck!
How to Get Your Backyard as Green as Professional Turf – FREE EBOOK
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