Why parents should invest in outdoor games for their kids this summer

Cornhole, or bean bag toss, isn’t a game that needs much explaining — chances are, your whole family knows what it is, but in case you don’t know the rules, this game set comes with instructions. It also comes with everything you need, including two sturdy plywood boards and eight bags (four red and four blue). 

The game is on the larger size so you’ll need a good place to store it, but the legs do fold to help save storage space in the garage.

Whether your little one is just learning how to kick a ball for the first time or your kids want to play matches all afternoon, this soccer kit is perfect. It comes with an easy-to-assemble net and a ball — everything you need to keep your little athlete occupied in the backyard. Hook it up to the hose and it doubles as a water feature on hot days.

The best thing: because it’s made by Little Tikes, this set is sized with little kids in mind, so kids of all ages over two can get in on the game.

Let’s face it: sometimes, the best kids games are the simplest. Water balloons might seem simple, but they allow kids to make their own fun independently with minimal rules. They’re also perfect for keeping kids cool on those hot summer days.

These balloons are better than just any balloon though. They’re small, which means that toddler hands can grab them too. They’re also soft-sided, so you don’t have to worry about them hurting your child. Best of all, though, is the fact that parents can fill and tie off dozens of balloons in seconds. All you have to do is attach the balloon bunch to a hose, turn it on, and voila! 40 water balloons filled in a few seconds. They even self-seal when they’re full. 

Toddlers and preschoolers are at the perfect age to start learning T-ball because it helps them work on their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It’s also just plain fun, whether you’re playing alone in the backyard, with Mom and Dad, or with friends. 

This affordable T-ball set comes with an easy-to-use bat, some baseballs, and a tee. You can even adjust the height of the tee as your child grows. It also won’t take up a bunch of storage space in your garage because it folds up so you can hang it on a wall.

It may seem simple, but this adjustable, portable basketball hoop is a perfect outdoor activity for kids. The height can be adjusted from around 6.5 feet to 8 feet, which means that the hoop grows with your kid over the years. It comes with a high-quality basket and a sturdy base that can be filled with water or sand. Kids can also move it from inside to outside and back again depending on the weather thanks to its built-in wheels.

Reviewer Keira(opens in a new tab) writes:

“Great quality. My son absolutely loves playing with his new basketball hoop! And its great because since it is adjustable and he's only 3 years old, he will still be able to play with it for years to come as he grows! I'm very happy!” 

Not every child loves sports or athletic games, and that’s perfectly okay. There are lots of other fun activities to play outside that don’t necessarily involve playing or catching a ball and this chalk set will help your kid discover them. Whether it’s creating a masterpiece on the front driveway, playing hopscotch, or creating a maze, these Crayola chalks will help your kid have fun outdoors, whether they’re playing alone, with their siblings, or their friends. The set comes with 64 colors — perfect for a little Picasso — and all the chalk is easily washed off little hands and clothes. The chalk is also safe and nontoxic. Best of all, drawing with chalk can entertain a wide range of ages.

Jenga is a beloved game for a reason, which is why we love this oversized, outdoor version. With solid wood blocks, this tower can be stacked to 4-feet high with its 54 pieces.

Of course, a giant game requires more space than a board game, but this does come with a carrying case to stow away the pieces or transport it from place to place.