DIY Garden Games for Endless Summer Fun

Summer is the perfect time for families to enjoy the great outdoors, and what better way to make the most of it than by creating your own garden games? DIY garden games are not only cost-effective but also offer endless opportunities for fun and bonding with your kids. This blog post will provide you with a variety of creative and engaging game ideas that you can easily set up in your back garden. Let’s dive in and turn your garden into a summer fun zone!

Why Choose DIY Garden Games?

What are the benefits of DIY garden games?

DIY garden games come with several benefits that make them an ideal choice for summer entertainment:

• Cost-Effective: Most DIY games can be created using items you already have at home or inexpensive materials, saving you money compared to store-bought games.
• Customization: You can tailor the games to suit your children’s interests, age, and skill levels, ensuring that everyone can participate and have fun.
• Creativity: Building your own games encourages creativity and problem-solving, both for parents and kids.
• Bonding Time: Working together to create and play these games strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.

Classic Games with a DIY Twist

How can you make a DIY cornhole game?

Cornhole is a classic American outdoor game that’s easy to make and fun for all ages. Here’s how to create your own cornhole set:

Materials Needed:

• Two large pieces of plywood (24″ x 48″)
• Four wooden legs (12″ each)
• Bean bags (you can make these with fabric and dried beans or rice)
• Paint and brushes for decoration
• Screws and a drill

Instructions:

1. Build the Boards: Attach the wooden legs to the back of each plywood piece at an angle so that the board stands at a slight incline.
2. Cut the Holes: Cut a 6-inch diameter hole near the top of each board.
3. Decorate: Paint the boards with fun colors and designs. Let your kids help with this part!
4. Make the Bean Bags: Sew small fabric squares into bags and fill them with dried beans or rice.
5. Set Up: Place the boards 27 feet apart and start playing by tossing the bean bags into the holes.

What are some variations of the classic ring toss game?

Ring toss is another timeless game that can be easily customised:

Materials Needed:

• Wooden dowels or empty plastic bottles
• A wooden base or a piece of cardboard
• Rings (you can use plastic rings, curtain rings, old jar lids, or make your own from rope)
• Paint and brushes for decoration

Instructions:

1. Set Up the Base: Secure the wooden dowels or plastic bottles upright on the wooden base or cardboard.
2. Decorate: Paint the base and dowels/bottles in bright colors.
3. Make the Rings: If making your own rings, form rope into circles and secure the ends with tape or glue.
4. Play: Place the base a few feet away and take turns tossing the rings onto the dowels/bottles. You can increase the distance for a greater challenge.

Creative and Unique DIY Games

How can you create a DIY giant Jenga?

Giant Jenga is a fantastic way to scale up the classic game for outdoor play:

Materials Needed:

• 54 pieces of 2×4 lumber (cut into 10.5-inch pieces)
• Sandpaper
• Paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Blocks: Sand down the edges and surfaces of each 2×4 piece to prevent splinters.
2. Decorate (Optional): Paint the blocks in different colors or patterns if you wish.
3. Set Up: Stack the blocks in alternating layers to form a tower.
4. Play: Take turns removing one block at a time and placing it on top of the tower without causing it to collapse.

What is a DIY obstacle course and how do you make one?

Creating a backyard obstacle course is a fantastic way to get kids moving and challenge their agility and coordination:

Materials Needed:

• Pool noodles
• Hula hoops
• Cones or markers
• Ropes
• Anything else you have on hand that can be used for obstacles (e.g., buckets, skipping ropes, ladders)

Instructions:

1. Design the Course: Plan out your obstacle course layout. You can include tunnels made from pool noodles, hopping through hula hoops, balancing on ropes, and weaving through cones.
2. Set Up: Arrange the obstacles in your garden, making sure there is a clear path from start to finish.
3. Demonstrate: Show your kids how to navigate each obstacle.
4. Race: Time each other completing the course or set it up as a relay race for added fun.

Water-Based Games for Hot Summer Days

How can you create a DIY water balloon toss?

A water balloon toss is perfect for cooling down on a hot day:

Materials Needed:

• Water balloons
• Buckets or large bowls

Instructions:

1. Fill the Balloons: Fill the water balloons and place them in buckets or bowls.
2. Pair Up: Have players pair up and stand a few feet apart.
3. Toss: Toss the water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch.
4. Challenge: Continue until the balloon breaks. The last pair standing wins!

What is a DIY slip and slide and how do you make one?

A slip and slide can provide hours of fun and is easy to make:

Materials Needed:

• Heavy-duty plastic sheeting (at least 10 feet long)
• A garden hose
• Washing-up liquid
• Pegs or heavy objects to hold down the plastic

Instructions:

1. Set Up the Plastic: Lay the plastic sheeting on a flat, grassy area. Secure the corners with stakes or heavy objects.
2. Add Water: Turn on the garden hose and place it at the top of the slide to keep the plastic wet.
3. Add Soap: Pour a small amount of washing-up liquid onto the plastic to make it extra slippery.
4. Slide: Take a running start and slide down the plastic! Make sure to supervise children to ensure safety.

Engaging Games for All Ages

How can you make a DIY garden bowling game?

Garden bowling is a fun game that everyone can enjoy:

Materials Needed:

• Empty plastic bottles (10)
• A rubber or tennis ball
• Sand or water (to fill the bottles for stability)
• Paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pins: Fill the empty bottles with a small amount of sand or water to weigh them down.
2. Decorate (Optional): Paint the bottles to look like bowling pins.
3. Set Up: Arrange the bottles in a traditional bowling formation at the end of your yard.
4. Bowl: Take turns rolling the ball to knock down the pins. Keep score just like in regular bowling.

What are some tips for making DIY games more engaging?

To make your DIY backyard games more engaging:

• Themes: Incorporate themes based on your child’s interests (e.g., pirate treasure hunt, superhero obstacle course).
• Challenges: Add different levels of difficulty or time challenges to keep older kids interested.
• Prizes: Offer small prizes or treats for winning games or completing challenges.
• Involvement: Let your kids help in the creation and setup of the games to boost their excitement and engagement.

Conclusion

DIY garden games are a fantastic way to keep kids entertained, active, and engaged during the summer. By creating your own games, you can save money, foster creativity, and build stronger family bonds. Whether you’re playing a classic game with a DIY twist or inventing a completely new activity, these games are sure to provide endless summer fun. So, gather your materials, get creative, and enjoy a summer full of memorable moments right in your back garden!