35 Exciting Backyard Ideas For Kids

Coming up with fun activities can be difficult, especially for busy parents. Therefore, we wanted to do all the work for you to make life easier.

Add these ideas to your to-do list this summer; the kids will have a blast outdoors and you’ll be able to relax knowing they are having fun close to home.

1. Have A Picnic

Whether you pack sandwiches or something a bit fancier, kids love a fun picnic adventure, even if it’s in their backyard.

Kids enjoying a nice picnic on a gorgeous fall day. Picnics are one of the best backyard ideas for kids.

The easiest way to set up for a picnic is to use a blanket from around the house that you don’t mind getting dirty. Place the blanket under a tree or an awning to keep you cool during hot summer months.

In the kitchen, have your kids help you make and pack the lunches. Believe it or not, kids tend to love helping in the kitchen.

Note: Be sure to include an extra special treat to make the event even more enjoyable. A few ideas include cake pops, cookies, or if you’re looking for something a bit healthier, apple slices with caramel.

To add to the excitement, consider playing an exciting game of freeze tag or blast some music.

2. Backyard Camping For Kids

Not only is camping an awesome thing to do at a campground, but you can have the same kind of fun in your own backyard.

Kids get a real kick out of camping and all of the fun activities that go along with it.

Take the kids out camping in the backyard this summer.

Set up a family tent in your backyard and gather pillows and blankets from around the house.

If you’re in store for a family tent, Coleman has an excellent product that we highly recommend: Coleman 8-Person Tent For Camping. You’ll be able to fit the entire family in this tent and it’s affordable, too!

Grab some hot dogs or brats from the local grocery store and roast them above a campfire. Add some music and games and you’ve got yourself a fantastic evening.

Although it isn’t ideal to sleep on the ground when your comfy bed may be 10 meters away, the kids will feel much safer if you are out there with them. This is a great way to bond with the kids while having fun in your own backyard.

3. Set Up A Tree Swing

Tree swings were all the rage back in the 90’s but are they still relevant today? Do they provide the same excitement?

Absolutely!

Tree swings can keep the kids occupied in the backyard for hours.

Tree swings are one of the easiest ways to keep your kids busy without spending a fortune on a swing set. Use your resources and find the best tree in your backyard to hang a tree swing.

Whether you purchase a saucer tree swing, a wooden tree swing, or a good old fashioned tire swing, you’re bound to have the most popular backyard in the neighborhood.

To find the best tree swing options in 2021, check out our post here.

4. Get Creative With A Water Table

Water tables are the perfect solution for busy toddlers.

Whether you purchase a water station from Amazon or create your own using buckets and toys, you’ll keep your toddler busy for hours.

Keep in mind, this isn’t the cleanest backyard idea for kids. We suggest using a rain jacket to keep the little ones dry or dress them in swimsuits during the hot summer months.

To save money, here’s a tutorial on how to make your own water table:

Note: During hot and humid days, it’s best to place your water table in a shaded area to protect the kids from the heat.

5. Zip On By On A Zipline

Ziplines aren’t just for Jamaican vacations and touring the jungle. They are also perfect for backyard summer fun.

Ziplines are best used by older children and we recommend keeping them low to the ground. Accidents happen and it would be devastating to have your kids fall from a zipline that is high off the ground.

We strongly recommend the 60-Foot Zipline by CTSC.

Safety is their main priority at CTSC and they offer a 10-year warranty, so it’s a quality buy.

6. Make A DIY Tipi For Kids

Get the creative juices flowing by getting the kids to help build a DIY tipi. Use the kids tipi for campfires, camping, ghost stories, shadow art, and other fun activities.

Not only is it fun for the kids to play in, but they will love constructing the tipi.

Similar to camping, setting up a tipi is such a fun backyard idea for kids. They will love spending time in their fort.

Gather some large branches or PVC pipe and tie them together using twine. Next, place a tarp, canvas, or a bedsheet over the structure. Pin or sew the bedsheet together at the top, close to where the branches or pipes come together.

DIY tipis are easy, fun, and educational. It will be the perfect addition to your backyard.

7. Sandbox Fun

Sandboxes are classic. Whether you grew up in the 70s or 2021, sandboxes are still a great way to keep the children busy in your backyard.

Always a classic choice, sandboxes are so much fun and one of the best backyard ideas for kids in 2021.

Some families choose to make their own sandboxes, while others purchase one on Amazon.

Although it’s much more difficult to create your own sandbox, you’ll be able to design it the way you want. Sandboxes from Amazon, on the other hand, are pretty standard. You’ll find the typical round turtle sandbox as well as more extravagant options like the KidKraft Wooden Backyard Sandbox

A classic sandbox is one of the best backyard ideas for kids and will keep your kids engaged in a safe activity for hours and hours.

8. Jump On A Trampoline

If you’re looking to entertain older children, consider purchasing a trampoline. Not only will your kids love it now, but they will love it for years to come.

Trampolines are fun for everyone, including mom and dad! Get active with your children and show them that even adults can play hard.

Trampolines are another excellent summer activity.

Trampoline games are a huge hit for trampoline owners. Check out these 12 awesome trampoline games and teach them to your kids for added fun.

Be sure to do your research before you purchase a trampoline. Make sure that the weight limit is reasonable, the company is respectable, and the materials used are high quality.

Note: Trampolines are not just for older children. Kids of any age can jump on trampolines as long as they are the appropriate size. Check out our post here to find the best trampoline’s for toddlers.

9. Slide Down A Water Slide

During the summer, there is no better way to keep the kids cool than a pool. Unfortunately, not every has the luxury of having a pool in their backyard.

Instead, purchase a water slide that will be fun for kids of all ages. Not only will it cool them off from the summer heat, but it will help them burn energy so they aren’t overly active as bedtime approaches.

Young girl smiles as she splashes into the pool from her water slide. One of the best backyard ideas for kids.

There are water slides for all ages and budgets, making this one of the best backyard ideas for kids.

For toddlers, keep them busy with a smaller slide. If you’re entertaining older children, consider an industrial-strength water slide that can accommodate many kids at once.

To help you make your water slide selection, we’ve created a list of the 15 Best Inflatable Water Slides For A Summer of Fun.

10. Start A Water Balloon Fight

I know what you might be thinking… a water fight? Isn’t that a bit dangerous?

Water fights are exciting, fun, and can be very safe if the right rules are set in place.

This is one of the cheapest backyard ideas for kids and the concept is so simple: splash each other with water!

Grab a pack of water balloons from the local store or add some to your cart on Amazon. Have the kids help fill them up and put them in two separate bowls (one for each team).

If a water balloon fight doesn’t sound like the best idea for your backyard, don’t rule water balloons out. A water balloon toss game is just as fun and will likely cause fewer tears.

11. Construct A Backyard Movie

This activity will require a little bit of planning. Backyard movies are an excellent idea to keep the kids occupied on a summer night.

Use a plain white, thick bedsheet and a projector and invite the neighborhood kids over for some fun flicks. Blankets are perfect for sitting on and pillows add extra comfort.

Neighborhood friends sit and enjoy a summer movie in the backyard.

Pick up a few bags of popcorn at the grocery store and pop in a Disney or comedy. The kids will love this fun backyard event with their friends.

Note: This works best when it’s dark. Since the sun sets pretty late in the evening during summer months, this might be a good activity for older kids that can stay up past 8pm.

12. Conquer A Rock Wall

Before you become concerned about the amount of labor this might take to create, hear me out.

Rock climbing walls are an excellent way to get the kids outside and help them develop vital muscles. They are also great for kids of all ages (yes, even toddlers with the right supervision!).

Kids love rock walls. Why not build one in your backyard?

Although the child in the picture above has the proper harness and climbing gear, this is unnecessary if your rock climbing wall isn’t too high.

Pick up some rock climbing holds on Amazon and secure them to a sturdy compressed board. This may require some hardware and tools, but with a little work, you’ll have a rock wall that can entertain your kids for years.

Note: Always supervise your children when they are on rock climbing walls.

13. Play Pretend In A Treehouse

Remember when you were a little kid and treehouses were the coolest pieces of real estate in the neighborhood?

Yeah, me too!

Two boys admire their work as they sit atop their treehouse

It’s no surprise that treehouses are still a huge hit, making it one of the best backyard ideas for your kids.

Whether you build your own or hire someone to build one for you, your children will love playing pretend, having sleepovers, and making the treehouse their own.

14. Hop In A Bounce House

One of the best ways to get energy out of your kids is by putting them in a bounce house. You can choose to rent a bounce house from a local company or purchase your own.

Bounce houses are safe and can be used by children of all ages.

This idea is best for families that have large backyards since you’ll need space to set it up.

If you decide to purchase your own, set up and tear down is really easy. Not to mention, prices on bounce houses are relatively affordable. Renting a bounce house might actually cost a lot more in the long run, so we do recommend buying your own.

15. Run Through A Sprinkler or Splash Pad

Another classic and affordable backyard idea for kids is a sprinkler or splash pad.

If a pool isn’t an option, consider setting up a sprinkler or splash pad so that the little ones can run, splash, and cool off under the hot summer sun.

Four kids scream and shout as they enjoy a backyard bash with their friends. These kids are loving running through the sprinkler

There are many different options and places where you can buy a sprinkler for your kids. Stop by your local hardware store for an ordinary sprinkler or grab this highly-rated splash pad on Amazon at a reasonable price.

Note: In order to keep your yard in good condition, we recommend moving the sprinkler or splash pad each time you use it.

16. Float On A Teeter-Totter

Another one of the best backyard ideas for kids is once again a classic. Teeter-totters are still fun toys even in 2021.

Children of all ages will enjoy a teeter-totter and they are a heck of a lot cheaper than an entire swing set.

Young girl at the top of a teeter totter in her backyard.

Teeter-totters are relatively easy to make if you’re handy, but you can also buy one on Amazon if you aren’t keen on DIY.

Depending on the age and size of your kids, be sure that the teeter-totter you build or purchase is appropriate. There are plenty of options for toddlers as well as older children.

17. Chalk Fun!

What’s more fun than drawing with chalk? Not a lot!

Chalk is a classic way to keep the kids busy in the summer. If your backyard has any kind of cement or blacktop, chalk will be perfect for your family.

If your backyard doesn't have grass, pull out the chalk. This is a perfect backyard idea for kids.

Drawing with chalk helps stimulate imagination and creativity. Your children will also develop fine motor skills as well.

We recommend purchasing a large pack of chalk so that it lasts for several years. You can find a pack of 136 pieces of chalk here for a reasonable price.

18. Laser Tag

Older kids will love playing laser tag in the backyard with their friends.

Although it’s a lot cheaper to play regular tag, laser tag adds new excitement and will keep the kids busy all summer long.

Personally, we love the ArmoGear Laser Tag Kit. It allows four kids to play at once and has a long shooting range for large backyards.

19. Horse Around On A Swing Set

There’s nothing quite as entertaining as a swing set, which makes it one of the best backyard ideas for kids of all ages.

If you haven’t set up a swing set yet, what are you waiting for?

Swing set with yellow slide and blue swing.

Most swing sets last for decades. It is one of the safest backyard toy purchases you can make.

Hook up a baby swing to the swing set to accommodate children of all ages and sit back and relax while the kids slide, swing, and play in the playhouse.

Note: Some swing sets even come with sandboxes, so you can kill two birds with one stone.

20. Blow Bubbles

Something as simple as bubbles may just be your summer saving grace.

Set up a bubble station in your backyard or pick up some cheap bubbles and wands to keep the kids busy. Be sure to buy enough bubbles for everyone because this can easily turn into an argument.

Two kids blow bubbles in their backyard; the perfect idea for a summer day.

To really get the kids excited, join them and blow bubbles with them. Whoever can catch the most bubbles wins!

21. Giant Dominoes

If you don’t know what giant dominoes are, you’re in for a real treat. Think of the game dominoes but life size!

Instead of building with small gadgets like Magna-Tiles, set the kids up in the backyard with huge dominoes. They’ll be busy building structures, mazes, and lines of dominoes until the sun sets each night.

Have some life-size dominoes delivered to your house next week by ordering these Giant Dominoes by Refinery and Co.

22. Drip, Drip, Drop

One of our favorite games and one of the best backyard ideas for kids is called Drip, Drip, Drop. Not only is it fun, but it is cheap and easy to play.

First, pick up a pack of water splash balls. These are typically found at local stores like Target or Walmart, or you can purchase a 4-pack here.

Next, have all of the children sit in a circle.

Fill a splash ball with water and select one child to walk around the circle dripping a small amount of the splash ball on each participant’s head while saying, “drip, drip, drip, drip…”. The child doing this is called the dropper.

When the dropper finally gets to the person they want to select, they will squeeze out the remaining water onto their head and say, “DROP!”

The child that was selected will then run around the circle as they try to catch the dropper. If the dropper can make it back to the same spot and sit down in the circle, the new kid will become the dropper.

Think of this game as a wet-n-wild version of Duck, Duck, Grey Duck (or Goose depending on where you’re from).

23. Backyard Kids Garden

There’s nothing more important than education, which means that working with your kids on a backyard garden is one of the best ideas for summer.

Older kid looks at the garden vegetables she has grown. Gardens are an excellent backyard idea for kids.

Whether or not you have a green thumb, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about plants with your little ones. Pick up a gardening book at your local bookstore or watch some videos on Youtube that will help you keep your plants healthy and thriving.

At the end of the summer, collect all of the different vegetables that you have grown and have the kids assist you in cooking them. Kids are much more open to trying foods that they help create.

24. Scavenger Hunt

This idea is perfect for older kids that are looking for a challenge

Write clues for the kids to follow and hide them throughout your backyard. Then, let the kids loose to find the clues and the prize at the end of the game.

Scavenger hunt map for the kids. Set this up in the backyard.

The clues you write will depend on the age of the kids you are entertaining. Older kids will be able to solve more difficult riddles, while younger kids might benefit from picture clues.

25. Ride A Roller Coaster

Before you freak out about this idea, let me just say that a backyard roller coaster is actually a lot more manageable than you think.

No, you don’t have to be a special kind of structural engineer to make this happen. You can easily buy a toddler roller coaster on Amazon (and no, it isn’t ridiculously expensive either).

If you’re up for the challenge, build your own roller coaster in your backyard for bigger kids to enjoy. You’ll definitely win the award for the coolest parents in the neighborhood.

26. Score Some Goals

Soccer is always a good choice among kids, especially those with high energy.

Father and sons play soccer in the backyard.

Whether they’re shooting goals into a net or into a garbage can like the old days, they will love the thrill of playing soccer.

Invite the neighbor kids over for a friendly game before turning on the sprinkler or splash pad.

27. Hang Out In A Hammock

One of our favorite backyard activities is hanging out in hammocks.

Hammocks are fun for camping, backyards, and anywhere two trees are available. Whether the kids use it for swinging or for quiet reading time, your hammock is bound to get a lot of use.

The best part about hammocks are the fact that anyone can use them; parents will get just as much enjoyment out of them as kids.

There are hundreds of different brands selling hammocks these days, but none quite match up to ENO Hammocks. We recommend purchasing a DoubleNest Hammock to hold multiple people at once.

28. Shoot Hoops

If your backyard has any type of cement or concrete, a great backyard idea is a basketball hoop.

You can decide between a stationary basketball hoop or a portable one depending on your preference. If you’re looking to stay on a budget, we recommend going with a portable one. It’s very easy to find a great portable basketball hoop for under $200.

Stationary basketball hoops can cost up to $2,000 depending on what brand and style you prefer.

Both of these options should last for a decade, so it’s a great investment.

29. Watch The Stars

Teach your kids a little bit about astronomy and take them out at night to watch the stars and find different constellations.

Understandably, this might become boring for young children pretty quickly, so we recommend turning it into a game.

Learn about the constellations that are visible in your area during that specific time of year and race to find them all. The winner gets to pick the next backyard game.

To find the constellations visible in your area, checkout this awesome website.

30. S’mores Creation Table

Let the kids live a little with a s’mores creation table. Light the bonfire and set up chairs for neighbors and friends to join.

Stock up on graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Smores stations are all the rage among kids.

Take it a step further and make an event out of it. Include ingredients like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Oreos, and other treats to add to your s’mores. The kids will love the variety and you will love the smiles.

Note: Be sure to monitor kids near an open flame at all times.

31. Slackline

Trick your kids into energy-burning exercise by setting up a slack line.

Slacklines are great for balance, coordination, and building core muscles. They are also excellent for team-building. The kids will quickly learn patience and sharing with one of these in the backyard.

Balance is key when it comes to slacklining. Slacklining is one of the best backyard ideas for kids.

Be sure to put the slackline low to the ground to avoid injury and always monitor little ones who may want to try.

Check out our post to find the perfect slackline for you and your backyard.

32. Fly A Kite

Get the kids excited about going outside by flying kites. Kites may be considered “old-fashioned” to some, but they are one of the best backyard ideas for kids.

Choose between kites of all shapes, sizes, and designs to match your kiddos style. Is your daughter a fan of Frozen? Get her this Elsa kite by WindNSun.

Does your son obsess over dragons? Add this dragon kite by Hengda to your cart the next time you order from Amazon.

Whatever you choose, the kids will love getting their kites in the air and soaring through the sky.

33. Design A Nature Playpen

This idea might be a little confusing to some, but it’s one of the best backyard ideas for little kids.

This one will likely require a DIY day since I haven’t found any companies that sell them.

Little girl looks through a magnifying glass into the camera.

In order to make a nature playpen, you’ll need to set up a gate of some sort. We recommend this foldable play pen by Fortella because it’s easy to move.

Next, fill the playpen with different objects and things you would find outside.

Supervise your little ones while they play with all sorts of knick-knacks. Not only will it occupy the little kids in your life, but they will learn through exploration and discovery.

Note: Be sure not to put anything in the playpen that might be a choking hazard.

34. Race Remote Control Cars

Many of the best backyard ideas for kids are geared toward younger children. So, we thought it would be helpful to add just as many ideas for older kids.

Most remote control cars are designed for indoor use only, but there are still plenty of them that can drive through grass and other rough terrains.

Remote control cars race in the backyard.

This stunt remote control car can handle any kind of terrain, making it an excellent choice and fun activity for the backyard this summer.

Bring two remote control cars home so that the family can have races and crown a winner!

35. Mini Putt-Putt

What’s more fun than mini putt-putt? How about mini putt-putt in your backyard? The kids will love practicing their short game with a mini putt-putt green.

This portable putt-putt green has an automatic ball return, which is a huge plus. Unfortunately, you will need to purchase a putter separately.

A mini putt-putt green will help the kids develop concentration and gross motor skills while doing something they love.

Overall, you won’t be disappointed with a mini putt-putt green.

Backyard Fun By Age

Let’s be clear. There are many backyard ideas for kids that are age-specific. Unfortunately, a child that might enjoy rock climbing probably wouldn’t like a water table. Age matters when picking out the best toys to occupy your kids this summer.

With convenience in mind, we’ve created a section where you can find the best backyard ideas for toddlers, young kids, and older kids:

Backyard Ideas For Toddlers

Toddlers require a lot of attention. There’s no secret about that.

In order to keep your energetic toddler busy this summer, we suggest the following backyard ideas:

Have a picnic
Swing on a tree swing
Play at a water table
Explore in a sandbox
Hop on a toddler trampoline
Slide down a water slide
Jump in a bounce house
Run through a splash pad
Draw with sidewalk chalk
Blow bubbles
Ride a roller coaster
Hang out in a hammock
Discover Mother Nature in a playpen

Toddlers of any age will enjoy these activities.

Although you already know, we must remind parents to always supervise toddlers during any of the above activities.

Backyard Ideas For Young Kids

As toddlers grow, they’ll be ready for more complex toys and games.

Here are a few backyard ideas for young kids between the ages of 3 to 6 years old:

Fly a kite
Roast marshmallows over the fire and make s’mores
Hang out in a hammock
Score some goals
Finish a scavenger hunt
Plant a garden
Drip, Drip, Drop
Giant dominoes
Play on a swing set
Draw with chalk
Blow bubbles
Float on a teeter-totter
Run through a sprinkler
Jump in a bounce house
Climb a rock wall
Water balloon fight
Water slide
Jump on a trampoline
Play in a sandbox
Play pretend in a tipi
Set up camp
Hang around on a tree swing
A picnic

As many of you know, young children want to do the same things that older kids do. Be there to support them and let them try new activities with supervision.

Backyard Ideas For Older Kids

Older kids are hard to entertain, aren’t they? They no longer find happiness and excitement in things like sandboxes, splash pads, and bubbles.

So, here are a few things you can do with your older kids this summer (or sit back and watch):

Remote control cars
Golf on a mini putt-putt mat
Scale a slackline
Cook marshmallows for s’mores
Watch the stars
Shoot hoops
Read in a hammock
Play soccer
Find clues in a scavenger hunt
Plant and grow a garden
Build mazes with giant dominoes
Play on a swing set
Laser tag
Play in a treehouse
Swing on a tree swing
Climb a rock wall
Watch a backyard movie
Jump on a trampoline
Play on a zipline
Set up camp
A picnic

Any of these activities will bring a smile to your kids’ face and keep them busy this summer.

Note: The above list is intended for children 7+.

Kid-Friendly Backyard Ideas On A Budget

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to stay on a budget when brainstorming and creating backyard activities for your kids.

Some ideas on the list we created above require a hefty amount of money. So, to make things easier, we’ve made a list of the best kid-friendly backyard ideas for those on a budget:

Play Drip, Drip, Drop
Throw some water balloons
Set up a picnic
Watch the stars
Blow bubbles
A DIY tipi adventure
Complete a scavenger hunt
Run through the sprinkler
Draw with sidewalk chalk

All of these ideas typically cost under $20; they are perfect for staying on a budget.

DIY Backyard Ideas For Kids

DIYers like to get things done by themselves. Typically, the care and detail they put into their work really shows.

There are several DIY options for backyard ideas. We recommend building a tipi, creating a rock wall, starting a garden, building a teeter-totter, designing a water table, constructing a sandbox, and setting up a nature playpen.

For more DIY ideas, be sure to bookmark our page: My Backyard Kids

The Easiest Backyard Ideas For Kids

The easiest backyard ideas for kids are the ones that require minimal assembly and minimal effort. We recommend these backyard ideas for quick wins: remote control cars, fly a kite, play soccer, shoot baskets, watch the stars, hangout in a hammock, play on the swing set, set up the sprinkler, jump on a trampoline, and swing on a tree swing.

Each of these activities can be set up and taken down in a matter of minutes or less. They are low maintenance, which is perfect for busy parents.

FAQs Backyard Ideas For Kids

With so many options and ideas, I’m sure you still have plenty of questions swimming around in your head. Here are the two most common questions surrounding backyard activities for kids:

1. What Activities Can You Do With Kids With A Small Backyard?

There are plenty of backyard ideas for kids even if you are working with a small plot of land.

The best activities for small backyards include:

Picnics
Water tables
DIY tipis
Sidewalk chalk
Sandboxes
Blow bubbles
Nature playpens
Watch the stars
Small gardens
Scavenger hunts

Get creative with your small backyard and keep the kids busy with these awesome ideas.

We also recommend checking out your local park. This will give your kiddos the chance to run and play in a larger area while still keeping them safe.

2. Which Backyard Kids Activities Can You Do Without Grass?

Perhaps your backyard doesn’t have grass. There are lots of people that live in cities so let’s make due with what we have, right?

The best backyard kids activities for houses without grass include drawing with chalk, playing basketball, remote control cars, giant dominoes, blowing bubbles, watching a backyard movie, water balloon fights, playing in a sandbox, and splashing in a water table.

If you’re located in the city, check with your local community to see if they’ve organized any events for kids at the nearby park.

A Final Note: 35 Backyard Ideas For Kids

There are plenty of exciting backyard ideas for your kids to enjoy at home. We hope this list helped you think of some exciting activities for the summer of 2021.

Not only will these ideas help your kids stay occupied, but you’ll keep them away from screens. With so much exposure to screens these days, it’s vital that children get out and explore nature.

What do you do to keep your kids busy in the backyard?

How To Make Your Backyard Fun