School’s out, the sun’s (hopefully) shining, and if you’re wondering how on earth to keep the little ones entertained without relying on screens, we’ve got your back!
Whether you’ve got a garden, a park nearby or just a patch of grass, there’s a whole world of fun to be had right on your doorstep. We’ve pulled together a great list of classic outdoor games, family favourites, and giggle-inducing activities that are perfect for keeping kids active, laughing, and making precious summer memories together.
So grab the sunscreen, fill up your water bottles, and get ready to play!
No Equipment? No Problem!
Sometimes the best games are the ones you don’t need to buy anything for. Just a little imagination, a dash of energy, and a lot of laughter.
Tag
Simple. Fun. Fast-paced! One person is ‘it’ and has to tag someone else, then they’re it! You can play traditional tag or mix it up with versions like “chain tag” or “zombie tag.”
Stuck in the Mud
Like tag, but with a twist. When someone gets tagged, they freeze in place until another player unfreezes them by crawling between their legs or tapping them on the shoulder. It adds a layer of teamwork that kids absolutely love!
Hide and Seek
This never gets old. Whether you’re hiding behind trees, under picnic blankets or in the laundry basket (yes, really), it brings excitement and mystery every time. Bonus: You can play indoors on rainy days, too!
Simon Says
This one is fantastic for younger kids. One person is “Simon” and gives commands like “Simon says touch your toes.” Only follow the instructions if Simon says so! A great game for listening skills and silly moments.
The Grass is Lava
Create a course through the garden or park using objects like cushions, hula hoops, or garden furniture. The goal? Get from point A to B without touching the grass – because it’s lava, of course! Watch out for the dramatic (and hilarious) fails.
Back Garden Sports Day
Why not host your very own sports day at home? It’s a brilliant way to keep kids active and channel some of that endless summer energy.
Dodgeball
All you need are a few soft balls and a big space. It’s fast-paced, competitive and always brings the giggles. Just keep the rules simple for younger players.
Rounders
A family favourite! Adapt it for smaller children with tennis rackets or even footballs. Make your own bases with beanbags or cushions, and you’re ready to go!
Football
No British summer is complete without a good kickabout. Set up a goal with cones, shoes, or sticks, and let the kids pick their dream team.
Frisbee
A great way to improve hand-eye coordination, and perfect for the beach or a wide open park. You can even make it competitive with mini challenges like “who can do the best trick shot.”
Games for the Whole Family (and Then Some!)
Expecting family or friends over? These group games work best with larger teams and are perfect for picnics, parties or full-on family fun days.
Sardines
The opposite of hide and seek. One person hides while everyone else searches. When you find them, you hide with them. Before long, you’re all crammed into the same space, giggling like mad!
Tag Rugby
Split into two teams, hand out fabric tags to clip to your hips, and try to get the ball to the other team’s end without losing your tags! A great intro to rugby without the full-on tackling.
Capture the Flag
The ultimate summer adventure game! Hide your flag – a tea towel will do! Then sneak into enemy territory to steal theirs. Set up safe zones and jails to make it even more exciting.
Octopus
A twist on Bulldog: one person is “it”, and everyone else has to run across the space without being tagged. When someone is caught, they link arms with “it” and help catch the rest. By the end, you’ve got a giant human (or octopus) chain!
Cool Down With Water Fun
When the temperature rises, cool things down with a splash-tastic afternoon. These water games are perfect for back gardens and will keep kids entertained for hours.
Water Balloons
Whether it’s a full-on balloon war or a game of balloon catch, it’s a fun and refreshing way to spend the afternoon. You can also create balloon toss challenges to see who can throw and catch from the furthest distance.
Water Pistol Fight
Grab some water pistols, fill up a few buckets for easy reloading, and get ready to soak! Great for bigger kids and teens, too. Just make sure someone doesn’t cheat with the garden hose!
Slip and Slide
Lay down a plastic sheet, add water and a bit of washing-up liquid for extra slipperiness, and let the sliding begin. Bonus points for who can go the furthest or do the silliest pose mid-slide!
Add a Touch of Creativity
Why not mix a little art and imagination into the fun?
Garden Obstacle Course
Use whatever you have: chairs, hula hoops, skipping ropes, even cardboard boxes. Create a wacky course for the kids to run, crawl, and jump through. Time them and see if they can beat their personal best!
Chalk Art
If you’ve got a patio or a driveway, chalk art is a mess-free way to unleash creativity. Create hopscotch, draw self-portraits, or make your own game board!
Nature Bingo
Draw up a list of things to spot: a butterfly, a yellow flower, a smooth pebble, a feather. Head to the park and let the scavenger hunt begin!
Let the Summer Adventures Begin
This summer, it’s not about expensive outings or hours of planning; it’s about simple fun and making real memories. So kick off your shoes, put your phone down and jump into the fun with your kids. Whether it’s the joy of beating mum at tag or a splash-filled water balloon fight, these are the moments they’ll remember.
And if you’re ready to take the family fun one step further, why not plan a summer getaway at Lady’s Mile? With swimming pools, play areas, entertainment and the stunning Devon coastline right on your doorstep, it’s the perfect place to keep the whole family smiling – rain or shine!
Get outside, get messy, get silly – and make this summer one for the memory books. And don’t forget to pack the snacks!
Ready, Set, Play!
If you enjoyed our Outdoor Games blog, you might like our other blogs. Find them here.
If you’re planning your next getaway, book your stay with us at Lady’s Mile today. Click here to secure your spot and create unforgettable memories!
