We love pulling together a great gift guide for kids. And, if I can find a way to get the kids off their devices and outside then I consider that a major "win". This is why I decided to create this collection of fun outdoor games for older kids to play. If you have a tween and you are looking for entertaining ways to have a blast outside then I'm sure you'll find something on our list.
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It has become increasingly difficult to find ways to get the older kids to put their phones or video controllers down...right? Endless hours of "fun" can be found online, in apps, and in the video game console.Especially as kids grow into tweens and teens. But, there are some fun ways to get the kids (and adults) outside at any time of the year. Yep, even in the cold of winter!
Fun Outdoor Games for Older Kids
Cornhole Game Set - Go Sports has created various designs for the classic cornhole game. If you aren't familiar with cornhole it is a simple game of bean bag toss. This modern black and white version includes a carrying case and weatherproof bean bags. An easy game to set up and play in the backyard with 2 or more players.
Frolf Set - Okay, wanna take your basic game of frisbee up a few notches? Pick up a set of discs to play frisbee golf...frolf. Public frisbee golf courses are popping up all over the place right now. Pack your discs in a backpack and hit the course. Or, invest in your own frisbee golf basket target (aka frolf hole) for your yard or cottage. Can be played solo or with a crowd.
Giant Jenga - It's like the game of Jenga was struck by a magic growth spell. We love the tabletop version and this giant, backyard Jenga version too. Great for backyard parties. Can be played solo or with a bunch of other kids too.
Bocce Ball - You can't go wrong with a bocce ball set. A great investment for any family that wants to play outside. This set includes everything you need to play and has a handy carrying case for storage too. Another super easy game for tweens to set up on their own and play with 2 or more players.
Outdoor Connect Four - If your kids love playing Connect Four then they are going to be blown away by this mega-outdoor Connect Four game. Everything they love about the game, but bigger, weatherproof, and with a carrying case. Another great outdoor game for tweens and teens to play.
Ultimate Backyard Net Games - Pickleball, volleyball, and badminton. You can play all of these games with everything that comes in this kit from Patiassy. Yep, an adjustable height stand-alone net and all the rackets and balls you need in one carrying case. Easy to set up in the backyard or take the net to the beach or an empty parking lot to play. Great for 2 players or more, but could totally be set up against a wall and played solo too.
Spike Ball Game Set - If you've been to a public park or beach lately then you've probably seen folks playing Spike Ball. A collapsible, round net and a few bouncing balls and kids (and adults) are having a blast playing. I love a great, basic ball game and this one has plenty of action to keep everyone bouncing around.
Lawn Darts - These lawn darts are safe and great fun to play with. The darts themselves have weighted tips, no sharp and pointy tips. The kit includes target rings and a carrying case. And, this kit even glows in the dark! Fun for one kid to play with more players too!
Ladder Toss - Ladder toss has quickly become a classic outdoor game for families. Balls attached with a string that are tossed at a ladder...it's that simple. A fun activity for kids to play on their own or with others.
Ring Toss Game - This ring toss game from Elite Sports gives players 4 targets to aim for and 3 sets of rings. This game can be played with one kid or more. Super simple to set up and store.
Wooden Croquet Set - Playing croquet is a total blast from the past kind of game. Set up the wickets however you like and then it's time to bonk the balls all around the course. Can totally be played by one player or with up to 6 players. Great for kids of all ages and adults too. This kit all fits neatly into the carrying case.
Molkky - What is Molkky you ask? It is a super popular, European outdoor game played with wooden pegs. Players toss a wooden peg and knock down pegs...but it's more than just a bowling game. A fun game that the whole family will enjoy playing together. Makes a great gift to bring when visiting a friend's cottage. This set comes with the playing pieces and a carrying box too.
Bottle Bash - Bottle Bash is a silly game of flinging a frisbee at a plastic bottle that has been mounted on a post. The opposing team can defend their bottle too! Great at the beach or to play in the snow too.
Kan Jam Disc Toss Game - Here's another fun frisbee game for the kids and adults. Build two cans and set about trying to sink your frisbee in the can. Different tosses count for different points which makes things a little more competitive — a fun game for kids to perfect on their own and then play with others.
Horseshoes - The classic game of horseshoes is always entertaining. This kit comes with 2 steel steaks, weighted horseshoes, and a nice carrying case. You can take this kit on the road. Play in all year round, at the beach or in the snow.
Ping Pong Table - Okay, this one is a true investment piece. A ping pong table is an investment in hours of fun and games that can be played outdoors if you don't have the space inside. How much fun would it be to have a ping pong table at home?!
More Awesome Gift Guides for Tweens
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...our outdoor play gift guide for older kids...
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...and our expanded gifts for outdoor loving kids!
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