Plan a Fun Day Outdoors With These Picnic Games for the Whole Family
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Being outside becomes a top priority as soon as the weather becomes even the slightest bit warmer. That's probably why picnics are so popular—they're the perfect spring activity (and honestly summer activity, too). There's just something about getting to eat your meal outside that makes things so much better! Though, classic picnic foods and portable picnic side dishes aren't the only thing you should be bringing to your next outing—you'll also want to pack up some fun picnic games, too. There's nothing like a friendly competition to add to the whole outdoor experience.
To help you plan your next outdoor soirée, this list rounds up some fan-favorite picnic games that are guaranteed to offer endless hours of fun in the sun for your friends and family. Choose a classic yard game like corn-hole or ring toss, or learn how to bring your favorite indoor games, like Scrabble or dominoes, to the great outdoors. If you're feeling crafty, there are plenty of fun and easy do-it-yourself tutorials here for you to try, including a DIY jumbo Jenga tower, a homemade hook and ring game, and no-sew sacks for racing. Use these picks for your next picnic and let the games begin!
Check out more group games for the whole family:
Tug of War
You can really get the adrenaline running with a simple, but oh-so-fun competitive game of Tug of War. Split the group up into two teams, and see who the strongest of the crew is! This might be a good game to play before everyone eats.
DIY Cornhole
Cornhole is a staple in the world of outdoor games, but you can make it more fun by customizing your own boards and beanbags. You could also make the entire thing pretty light so it's easy to travel with!
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Hide and Seek
The world is your oyster. You could always decide to have your picnic in your backyard or an outdoor area with lots of trees and bushes so that you can hold a game of hide and seek. It's easy and fun!
Hot Dog Eating Contest
Not everyone brings hot dogs to their picnic, but if you do, you could make a game out of it. Challenge the brave souls of your group who wish to make eating those homemade hot dogs into a competition by seeing who can scarf down the most.
Bubble Making Contest
Listen, when you're naturally competitive, everything becomes a challenge. Even something as mundane as blowing bubbles can stir some friendly rivalry. Bring a bubble making kit to your next picnic, and challenge your group by seeing who can make the biggest ones.
DIY KerPlunk Yard Game
This life-size version of the longtime family favorite game KerPlunk is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Create your own outdoor version with the help of this easy tutorial.
Get the tutorial at Oh So Lovely.
DIY Ring Toss
Turn colorful hooks into a fun ring toss game by following this creative tutorial. This multipurpose game can be used for outdoor parties and picnics, then moved inside to serve as an entryway organizer.
Get the tutorial at Oh Joy!.
DIY Giant Outdoor Scrabble
Put your vocabulary skills to the test with a giant outdoor game of Scrabble. Word nerds will love this one!
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
DIY Hook and Ring Game
The hook and ring game, also known as the ring on a string game, is super popular at beachside bars and casual restaurants in Florida. Now you can bring this fun game to your backyard using items found at your local hardware store.
Get the tutorial at H2O Bungalow.
DIY Giant Lawn Jenga
This giant, vibrantly colored version of Jenga is easy to construct using 2×3 boards and a little paint. This fun, challenging game is great for families and easy to transport with a DIY carrying crate.
Get the tutorial at Her Tool Belt.
DIY Folding Ping Pong Table
Ping pong is the perfect summery picnic game! This DIY ping pong table features a 10-inch wide footprint so it can be easily stored when it's not in use.
Get the tutorial at Jen Woodhouse.
DIY Lawn Dice
Bring all of your favorite games outside with these giant wooden lawn dice! You can use a bag or basket to help shake up the dice before tossing them.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
DIY Ladder Golf
Ladder golf is fun for all ages and even if you've never played before, you can get the hang of it in seconds! All you have to do is toss tethered golf balls, also known as bolas, and try to wrap them around the ladder's rungs. The first player or team to reach 21 points without going over wins.
Get the tutorial at Addicted 2 DIY.
DIY Sack Race
This project is perfect for 4th of July picnics or other occasions you want to show some patriotic pride. These DIY sacks are easy to make using pillowcases from your closet or a local store.
Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostest.
DIY Washers Yard Game
This challenging game is perfect for picnics on the go because of its compact size. Essentially a ring toss game, this project amps up the competition by using small metal washers as rings.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Cloth.
DIY Giant Lawn Matching Game
This summer-themed lawn game offers a fun and colorful way to test kids' memory skills. The best part about this project is that it's made with cork tiles so it's totally reusable for future picnics and parties.
See more at Studio DIY.
DIY Ladybugs and Bees Tic-Tac-Toe
This easy DIY project gives a playful nod to nature with bee- and ladybug-themed game pieces. Your kids will love this summery take on tic-tac-toe!
See more at Creative Mom 101.
DIY Bean Bag Toss
Bean bag toss is a classic lawn game that offers hours of entertainment for the whole family! This easy project can be made using clay saucers and a free printable. Buy beanbags or have fun making your own with a simple sewing tutorial.
See more at Mod Podge Rocks.
Backyard Balloon Darts
Bring a little carnival magic to your next picnic with a DIY ballon darts game. For extra fun, fill the balloons with prizes like candy, coins, or small toys.
DIY Yard Dominoes
Here's another great lawn game with a larger-than-life twist! This game offers a fun way to keep your kids' (and your!) mental math skills sharp over the summer break.
See more at Remodelaholic.
Croquet
Croquet is a fun outdoor game of strategy and skill that anyone can play. Pay homage to this quintessentially British sport by serving Pimms Cups and cucumber sandwiches at your picnic!
Backyard Bowling
Score a strike with your friends and family by turning your backyard into a bowling alley at your next picnic! You can go all out and build a wooden alley, or simply set up the pins on a flat surface.
Water Slide
A water slide offers an exciting way to beat the summer heat at your next picnic. Add some colorful pool floats for extra fun!
Apple Bobbing
Bobbing for apples is traditionally thought of as a Halloween activity, but we think this classic game would be perfect for picnics, too! For a summery twist, try bobbing for peaches instead.
Oversized Outdoor Chess
Giant lawn games are all the rage, but you've never seen one quite like this charming oversized chess set. To create these whimsical chess pieces, paint two sets of giant plastic animals, each in a different color of your choosing.
See more at Paper and Stitch.
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