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Summer is here! The happiest season of the year brings a wave of mood-boosting energy, urging families to get outside. There's no better way to enjoy the weather than with delicious summer recipes at a backyard barbecue and the best outdoor games to have some fun. (Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you walk out the door!)

Whether you have little ones running around or you’re coming up with things to do on the 4th of July, now is the perfect time to prepare for a busy summer filled with backyard games and activities. Because who doesn't love a healthy dose of friendly competition?! Ahead, you'll find creative DIY outdoor games, like ring toss, bowling, and jumbo versions of Jenga and Yahtzee. There are also portable game sets like bocce and checkers that you can pack up and take on a picnic. If you'd prefer to buy rather than craft, you'll love options like ladder toss, bean bag toss, and the bestselling KanJam game. These games are perfect for all ages, whether you're entertaining your kids or playing with friends. Everyone will want to come over this summer and play these super fun backyard games!

Give old horseshoes a touch of personality with gold spray paint and pops of color. This activity is ideal for playing in a large backyard.

Get the tutorial at Salty Canary.

You can bring this fun idea to life with burlap sacks, acrylic craft paint, and painter’s tape. Hop to it!

Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.

Bring the classic dice game outdoors by making these large wooden blocks with bright dots. Don’t forget to sand them!

Get the tutorial at Design Mom.

Place this themed bag toss in the backyard to provide your little ones with hours of entertainment. You could even repurpose it for a birthday party!

Your kids will want to spend hours outdoors with this cute DIY bowling idea. It's actually pretty easy to build!

Get the tutorial at Cloudy Day Gray.

Fill this ball with sugar, cream, and your flavors of choice before tossing it around the yard. After just 30 minutes, you can spoon out your very own ice cream.

This chic croquet set is also travel-friendly. Take it to the park or throw it in the trunk for your next family road trip.

Buckets of sidewalk chalk easily provide hours of artistic entertainment. While you’re at it, put your own creativity to the test by making your own chalk—it only takes three ingredients!

Get the tutorial at Twine and Table.

Once complete, these giant lawn dominoes are sure to be a family favorite for outdoor game nights and barbecues. Opt for a simple palette in bright hues like the turquoise one shown.

Get the tutorial at iron & twine.

Everyone needs this lawn game. The objective is simple: Knock down wooden blocks with batons. It’s a blast for all ages!   

While most giant Jenga tutorials call for 2” by 4” boards, these bloggers found that 2” by 3” boards are the closest match to the scale of the original game. If you already have the right tools at home, this bargain of a project can be completed for just $10.

Get the tutorial at Yellow Brick Home.

Keep this idea on hand for a hot summer day. Break out the hose and send the kids down with a splash!

See more at Welcome to Nana’s.

You can easily recreate this memory activity with cork tiles, stencils, and spray paint. It's a fun game for all ages!

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.

Cornhole boards are so easy to personalize. Check out this tutorial for a few DIY tips to try. Consider decorating your boards with a token that symbolizes a favorite family memory, vacation spot, or sports team.

Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

SHOP PAINTER’S TAPE

Try this creative game that combines the ideas of cornhole, washer toss, and disc golf into one tower. It's portable and easy to set up and take down.

Who said piñatas were only for parties? This fabulous project is great for anytime fun! Fill it with candy or another surprise for your family to break open.

Get the tutorial at The Sorry Girls.

This 3-in-1 game set features a reversible rug with a checkerboard on one side and tic tac toe board on the other. Flip it back and forth for hours of outdoor fun.

You’ll fall in love with this pretty project. Start by cutting a wooden strip to build the frame of your kite, then let your kids get creative with how to decorate it.

Get the tutorial at Paul & Paula.

Perfect for a summer tailgate, this family-friendly game is a hit for all ages. Place the buckets farther away each time you play.

Test your precision skills with this fun and safe outdoor game for all ages. The set comes with axes and stars that are designed to stick to the bristle target. 

Your kids are guaranteed to nail that spiral after practicing their throws with this simple football toss.

Get the tutorial at Cherished Bliss.

Give your backyard a touch of class with the vintage feel of this sophisticated ladder toss set. It also comes with a portable bag for easy storage and transport.

A ring toss is always a crowd pleaser, and this game is no exception. If you’re worried about tearing up your lawn with stakes, you can use sand or soil to secure your target of choice to the grass.

Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.

This game’s been a bestseller summer after summer—and for good reason! It’s portable, versatile, and great for team bonding.

This bocce ball set comes with a durable carrying case for easy transport and storage. Choose from classic, soft rubber, or LED light up balls.