Summer is the perfect season for outdoor fun, and DIY yard games are a fantastic way to bring friends and family together for hours of entertainment. Making your own games adds a personal touch, is budget-friendly, and lets you get creative. Here are five awesome yard games that you can easily make yourself this summer, from giant Jenga to a lively round of Yardzee!
1. DIY Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga takes the classic tabletop game to new heights—literally! Creating a supersized version is simple and brings a lot of excitement to any gathering. Here’s how to make your own DIY giant Jenga set.
Materials Needed
- 2×4 Wooden Planks: Typically, you’ll need around 54 pieces cut to identical sizes (about 10.5 inches each).
- Sandpaper: For smoothing out rough edges to prevent splinters.
- Optional Paint or Wood Sealant: Choose outdoor-grade paint or weatherproof sealant to keep the wood protected.
Steps to Create
- Cut the Wood: Measure and cut the 2x4s into 54 equal pieces. Each piece should be about 10.5 inches long.
- Sand the Edges: Use sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth out all edges and corners to make the pieces easy and safe to handle.
- Paint or Seal: For a colorful finish, paint each block in different colors, or use a weatherproof sealant to protect them from the elements.
Tips for a Fun Finish
Customize your set by painting blocks in team colors or writing fun challenges on each piece, like “Hop on one foot” or “Sing a song.” This adds a fun twist to the game and keeps players laughing throughout the round!
2. Cornhole Set with a Personal Touch
Cornhole is a backyard classic, and making your own set allows for customization that reflects your style. Whether you go for a minimalist look or something bright and colorful, a DIY cornhole set is always a hit at outdoor gatherings.
Materials Needed
- Wooden Boards: Two boards measuring about 24×48 inches.
- Drill and Saw: For cutting holes and shaping the wood.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing rough edges.
- Paint and Brushes: Optional, for custom designs.
- Cornhole Bags: You can make these by filling small cloth bags with dried beans or corn.
Steps to Create
- Cut the Hole: Using a drill, cut a 6-inch diameter hole near the top of each board, about 9 inches from the top and centered.
- Sand the Boards: Smooth out all edges and surfaces to prevent splinters.
- Attach Legs: Attach legs to the top of each board to angle it for play. Legs should be cut to allow the board to sit at a slight angle, with the top about 12 inches off the ground.
Decorating Ideas
Customize your boards with paint to match a theme or your favorite sports team. You could even paint each board in different colors for friendly competition! A weatherproof sealant will protect the paint, ensuring your boards last through many summers.
For more ideas on adding creative, fun play areas to your yard, check out this small garden play area guide.
3. Lawn Bowling with Recycled Bottles
Lawn bowling is easy to set up, especially when you use recycled materials, like plastic bottles. This is a fun, eco-friendly way to bring some competition to your backyard while keeping the game inexpensive.
Materials Needed
- 10 Empty Plastic Bottles: Fill with sand, water, or pebbles for weight.
- Paint or Duct Tape: To decorate each “pin.”
- A Medium-Sized Ball: A soccer ball or rubber ball works well for knocking down the pins.
Steps to Create
- Fill the Bottles: Add sand, water, or small pebbles to each bottle to give them enough weight to stand up but still fall when hit.
- Decorate the Pins: Get creative by painting the bottles or wrapping them in colorful duct tape. You could paint numbers on each to keep score.
- Set Up the Pins: Arrange the bottles in a triangle shape at the end of a level patch of grass.
Adding Fun Touches
Make each bottle unique by painting them in bright colors or patterns. You can even add stickers or labels to personalize each “pin,” creating a visually exciting setup that will catch everyone’s attention.
For more fun yard game ideas, check out this guide to keep the summer fun going!
4. DIY Ring Toss Game
The ring toss game is a simple but challenging game that both kids and adults enjoy. It doesn’t take up much space, so it’s perfect for smaller yards or patios.
Materials Needed
- Wooden Dowels or Stakes: For creating the posts.
- Rings: You can make rings from rope or purchase them from a store.
- Paint: For decorating the stakes.
- Sand or Gravel: To anchor the stakes if you’re placing them in a bucket.
Steps to Create
- Set Up the Stakes: If placing directly in the ground, insert each stake firmly into the ground. For a portable option, place each stake in a small bucket filled with sand or gravel.
- Paint the Stakes: Paint each stake in bright colors to make the game visually appealing.
- Make the Rings: If making your own rings, tie rope into circles and secure with tape. Color each ring with paint or fabric to add some personality.
Scoring and Setup Ideas
Assign different point values to each stake based on distance or difficulty, then keep score for added excitement. Consider using different colors for the stakes or painting points on them for easy scoring.
5. Yardzee (Giant Dice Game)
Yardzee is a larger-than-life version of the classic dice game, Yahtzee. This game requires a set of oversized dice that you can easily make with wood or foam blocks. It’s a fun and engaging game that will have everyone cheering!
Materials Needed
- Wooden or Foam Blocks: Six blocks, each around 4×4 inches.
- Black Paint or Stickers: To mark the dots on each side.
- Clear Sealant: For wood blocks to protect against weather.
Steps to Create
- Prepare the Blocks: If using wood, cut and sand the blocks to create six identical cubes.
- Paint the Dots: Use black paint or stickers to add dots to each side of the dice, mimicking standard dice.
- Apply a Sealant: If using wood, apply a clear sealant to protect the dice from outdoor elements.
Game Rules and Setup
Set up a scoring sheet similar to Yahtzee, or download one to keep track. Players take turns rolling all six dice and attempt to achieve scoring combinations, just like in the tabletop game. The oversized dice add a level of excitement, making Yardzee perfect for an afternoon of friendly competition.
Conclusion
Making DIY yard games is an easy, affordable way to bring a summer of fun to your backyard. Whether you’re playing giant Jenga, challenging friends to a cornhole match, or laughing over a game of Yardzee, these homemade games will keep everyone entertained. Get creative with your designs, add a personal touch, and enjoy a summer full of laughter and memories right in your own backyard!
FAQ: DIY Yard Games for Summer
1. What are some affordable materials for DIY yard games?
Many DIY yard games use affordable and accessible materials like wooden planks, plastic bottles, and household items. For example, wooden blocks for Jenga, recycled bottles for lawn bowling, and rope for ring toss can all be easily sourced at low cost or repurposed from items you may already have.
2. How can I make my DIY yard games weather-resistant?
Use outdoor-grade paint or a weatherproof sealant on any wooden items, like Jenga blocks, cornhole boards, and Yardzee dice. These coatings help protect the materials from moisture and sunlight, ensuring they last longer outdoors.
3. What is a good space requirement for these yard games?
Most DIY yard games can be set up in small to medium-sized yards. For instance, games like ring toss and lawn bowling need only a few feet of space, while giant Jenga and cornhole may require slightly more room. Be sure to leave enough space for safe play, especially if children are involved.
4. Can kids of all ages play these DIY yard games?
Yes, many DIY yard games are suitable for a wide range of ages! Games like giant Jenga and ring toss are simple enough for younger children, while older kids and adults can enjoy cornhole, Yardzee, and lawn bowling. Always supervise young children and adjust the difficulty level as needed.
5. What’s an easy way to store these games after summer?
Many of these games can be stored in plastic bins or storage boxes to protect them from weather and prolong their lifespan. Cornhole boards and larger wooden items can be covered with a tarp or kept in a shed or garage. For smaller items like ring toss rings or Yardzee dice, a simple storage tote works well.
For even more DIY outdoor play ideas, check out this guide on small garden play area ideas for kids.