Ready to trade screens for sunshine? Outdoor games aren't just a throwback — they're the ultimate secret to raising active, happy kids who want to play outside. Whether you're chasing giggles, building memories, or just trying to burn off some serious energy, these backyard games deliver non-stop fun (and a healthy dose of movement). We've rounded up 10 classic activities and clever outdoor games every kid should know — plus a few fresh twists featuring our favorite outdoor toys for kids, all designed for active, screen-free outdoor fun. Let's get outside and play!
1. Capture the Flag (Backyard Edition)
Split into two teams and hide a "flag" (like a bandana or cone) somewhere in each team’s territory. Players must sneak across the centerline, capture the enemy flag, and race it back home without getting tagged.
Tip: Mark clear zones with cones or chalk, and create a "jail" for tagged players to add extra excitement.
2. Water Balloon Toss
Grab a friend and toss a water balloon back and forth, taking one step farther apart with each successful catch. If your balloon pops, you're out — last person standing with an intact balloon wins!
Tip: Fill plenty of balloons ahead of time and use biodegradable ones to make cleanup a breeze.
3. Trouble Maker™ Target Challenge
Turn your backyard into a mini target range and let the games begin! All you need are a few easy-to-find targets — think empty cans, buckets, chalk-drawn circles, or even plastic cups stacked into pyramids. Kids take turns aiming and firing, racking up points for each target they knock down.
Want to take the fun to the next level?
Grab a Trouble Maker™ Slingshot — the next-gen, kid-powered slingshot for foam-ball-flinging fun! Its genius pouchless design means faster reloads and bigger smiles. (Bonus: It comes with four soft foam balls — no scrambling for “ammo” mid-game — and a matching storage bag with carabiner to clip to your belt loop!)
4. Air Ripper® Rocket Launch Races
Ready, set, launch — and launch again!
This backyard race is all about speed, distance, and a little bit of friendly competition. Set a start line and have kids launch both rockets from the Air Ripper Rocket® 2-Pack, racing to see which of their rockets soars the highest or lands the farthest. You can even draw a giant bullseye with sidewalk chalk and award extra points for precision landings. It’s one of the best backyard games for kids to spark friendly competition, providing endless hours of outdoor play.
Bonus Tip:
Double the rockets means double the fun! Create tournament brackets, add silly launch challenges (like launching while hopping on one foot), or see if players can beat their own first launch with their second shot. It's high-flying action that keeps kids (and grown-ups) coming back for more!
5. Three-Legged Race
Tie the inside legs of two players together and race them down a marked course and back. It’s all about teamwork, balance, and laughter — fastest duo wins!
Tip: Use a soft scarf or bandana to tie legs snugly but comfortably, and keep the course short for younger kids.
6. Backyard Blow Dart Challenge
Hang a bullseye poster, a chalk-drawn circle, or even set up paper cups as targets around the backyard. Armed with safe, soft-tipped Mighty Fun! Blow Darts, players take turns aiming and launching from a set distance.
Want to kick it up a notch?
Move the targets farther away each round, add bonus points for trick shots (like launching while standing on one foot), or set up moving targets like swinging paper plates from tree branches. It’s part aim, part strategy — and a little healthy competition!
7. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Hand out a list of natural treasures — like a feather, a yellow flower, or a heart-shaped rock — and send kids hunting. Whoever finds all the items first, or checks off the most within a time limit, wins!
Tip: Adjust the difficulty based on your setting and age group — easy finds for little ones, trickier clues for older kids.
8. DIY Obstacle Course
Set up a backyard course with cones to weave through, ropes to jump over, and chairs to crawl under. Time each runner to see who’s fastest — or challenge kids to beat their own best time!
Tip: Add silly actions at each obstacle, like hopping three times or striking a superhero pose at the finish.
9. Balloon Tennis
Blow up a balloon and bat it back and forth using paddles (paper plates on sticks work great) or just hands. Keep the balloon off the ground as long as you can — add a string "net" for a real tennis feel!
Tip: Play in teams or solo, and try adding extra balloons for a hilarious, high-energy challenge. Balloon tennis is also an easy outdoor party game for kids that keeps the energy sky-high!
10. Freeze Tag (With a Twist!)
One player is “It” and chases the others, trying to tag them. When you're tagged, you must freeze in place until you complete five jumping jacks to "unfreeze" yourself and jump back into the game. The last player to stay unfrozen becomes the next "It"!
Tip: Switch up the unfreezing move — try hopping on one foot, striking a superhero pose, or doing a silly dance to keep everyone moving and laughing.
Looking for even more ways to fuel active, screen-free adventures?
Check out our full collection of outdoor toys for kids — built for big backyard fun, birthday parties, and everyday play!