Planning a picnic and need to keep the little ones entertained? You know how it goes. A sunny day, a blanket, and… restless kids. Keep them engaged, keep them happy.
We’re diving into picnic games for kids that go beyond the usual. Simple, fun, and guaranteed to make your outdoor gathering a hit.
Forget complicated setups; think easy wins. These ideas work for any age, any space. Get ready to ditch the boredom and embrace the fun. You’ll find something here to keep everyone smiling.
Fun Picnic Games And Activities
StockPlanets
Tug of War
You can really get the adrenaline running with a simple, but oh-so-fun competitive game of Tug of War. Split the group up into two teams, and see who the strongest of the crew is! This might be a good game to play before everyone eats.
Lovely Indeed
DIY Cornhole
Cornhole is a staple in the world of outdoor games, but you can make it more fun by customizing your own boards and beanbags. You could also make the entire thing pretty light so it’s easy to travel with!
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
ozgurcankaya//Getty Images
Hide and Seek
The world is your oyster. You could always decide to have your picnic in your backyard or an outdoor area with lots of trees and bushes so that you can hold a game of hide and seek. It’s easy and fun!
ClassicStock//Getty Images
Hot Dog Eating Contest
Not everyone brings hot dogs to their picnic, but if you do, you could make a game out of it. Challenge the brave souls of your group who wish to make eating those homemade hot dogs into a competition by seeing who can scarf down the most.
ugurhan//Getty Images
Bubble Making Contest
Listen, when you’re naturally competitive, everything becomes a challenge. Even something as mundane as blowing bubbles can stir some friendly rivalry. Bring a bubble making kit to your next picnic, and challenge your group by seeing who can make the biggest ones.
Oh So Lovely
DIY KerPlunk Yard Game
This life-size version of the longtime family favorite game KerPlunk is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Create your own outdoor version with the help of this easy tutorial.
Get the tutorial at Oh So Lovely.
Oh Joy!
DIY Ring Toss
Turn colorful hooks into a fun ring toss game by following this creative tutorial. This multipurpose game can be used for outdoor parties and picnics, then moved inside to serve as an entryway organizer.
Get the tutorial at Oh Joy!.
Lemon Thistle
DIY Giant Outdoor Scrabble
Put your vocabulary skills to the test with a giant outdoor game of Scrabble. Word nerds will love this one!
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
H2O Bungalow
DIY Hook and Ring Game
The hook and ring game, also known as the ring on a string game, is super popular at beachside bars and casual restaurants in Florida. Now you can bring this fun game to your backyard using items found at your local hardware store.
Get the tutorial at H2O Bungalow.
Her Tool Belt
DIY Giant Lawn Jenga
This giant, vibrantly colored version of Jenga is easy to construct using 2×3 boards and a little paint. This fun, challenging game is great for families and easy to transport with a DIY carrying crate.
Get the tutorial at Her Tool Belt.
Jen Woodhouse
DIY Folding Ping Pong Table
Ping pong is the perfect summer picnic game! This DIY ping pong table features a 10-inch wide footprint so it can be easily stored when it’s not in use.
Get the tutorial at Jen Woodhouse.
The Merrythought
DIY Lawn Dice
Bring all of your favorite games outside with these giant wooden lawn dice! You can use a bag or basket to help shake up the dice before tossing them.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
Addicted 2 DIY
DIY Ladder Golf
Ladder golf is fun for all ages and even if you’ve never played before, you can get the hang of it in seconds! All you have to do is toss tethered golf balls, also known as bolas, and try to wrap them around the ladder’s rungs. The first player or team to reach 21 points without going over wins.
Get the tutorial at Addicted 2 DIY.
Hostess with the Mostest
DIY Sack Race
This project is perfect for 4th of July picnics or other occasions you want to show some patriotic pride. These DIY sacks are easy to make using pillowcases from your closet or a local store.
Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostest.
Sugar and Cloth
DIY Washers Yard Game
This challenging game is perfect for picnics on the go because of its compact size. Essentially a ring toss game, this project amps up the competition by using small metal washers as rings.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Cloth.
Studio DIY
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DIY Giant Lawn Matching Game
This summer-themed lawn game offers a fun and colorful way to test kids’ memory skills. The best part about this project is that it’s made with cork tiles so it’s totally reusable for future picnics and parties.
See more at Studio DIY.
Creative Mom 101
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DIY Ladybugs and Bees Tic-Tac-Toe
This easy DIY project gives a playful nod to nature with bee- and ladybug-themed game pieces. Your kids will love this summery take on tic-tac-toe!
See more at Creative Mom 101.
Mod Podge Rocks
DIY Bean Bag Toss
Bean bag toss is a classic lawn game that offers hours of entertainment for the whole family! This easy project can be made using clay saucers and a free printable. Buy beanbags or have fun making your own with a simple sewing tutorial.
See more at Mod Podge Rocks.
Jupiter Images//Getty Images
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Backyard Balloon Darts
Bring a little carnival magic to your next picnic with a DIY ballon darts game. For extra fun, fill the balloons with prizes like candy, coins, or small toys.
Remodelaholic
DIY Yard Dominoes
Here’s another great lawn game with a larger-than-life twist! This game offers a fun way to keep your kids’ (and your!) mental math skills sharp over the summer break.
See more at Remodelaholic.
Johner Images//Getty Images
Croquet
Croquet is a fun outdoor game of strategy and skill that anyone can play. Pay homage to this quintessentially British sport by serving Pimms Cups and cucumber sandwiches at your picnic!
Elva Etienne//Getty Images
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Backyard Bowling
Score a strike with your friends and family by turning your backyard into a bowling alley at your next picnic! You can go all out and build a wooden alley, or simply set up the pins on a flat surface.
wundervisuals/Getty
Water Slide
A water slide offers an exciting way to beat the summer heat at your next picnic. Add some colorful pool floats for extra fun!
Ryan Benyi Photography//Getty Images
Apple Bobbing
Bobbing for apples is traditionally thought of as a Halloween activity, but we think this classic game would be perfect for picnics, too! For a summery twist, try bobbing for peaches instead.
ugurhan//Getty Images
Oversized Outdoor Chess
Giant lawn games are all the rage, but you’ve never seen one quite like this charming oversized chess set. To create these whimsical chess pieces, paint two sets of giant plastic animals, each in a different color of your choosing.
See more at Paper and Stitch.
Final Thoughts
So, you’ve got a list of picnic games for kids that’ll keep them busy and happy. That’s the goal, right? It’s more than just filling time; it’s about creating those moments where everyone’s laughing and having a good time. Here’s a few things to keep in mind, things that make the difference.
- Adapt to the Age: What works for a five-year-old might not work for a ten-year-old. Pay attention to the age range and tailor the games accordingly. Little ones love simple, active games. Older kids might enjoy something more strategic.
- Keep it Simple: You’re at a picnic, not a sports tournament. Avoid overly complicated rules or equipment. The best games are the ones you can start with minimal fuss. Think about what you have on hand and how you can use it.
- Embrace the Space: Use the natural environment to your advantage. If you’re by a field, run races. If you’re in a wooded area, try a scavenger hunt. The location itself can add to the fun.
- Mix it Up: Don’t stick to one type of game. Alternate between active and quiet games to keep the energy levels balanced. A fast-paced game followed by a calmer activity can prevent anyone from getting too tired or restless.
- Involve Everyone: The best picnic games are ones that everyone can join in, regardless of age or ability. Look for games that are inclusive and encourage teamwork or friendly competition.
- Safety First: Check the area for any potential hazards before starting any game. Make sure the kids know the boundaries and any safety rules. A little bit of planning goes a long way in preventing accidents.
- Don’t Over-Schedule: Leave room for spontaneity. Kids often come up with their own games and ideas. Let them lead the way sometimes. The most memorable moments are often the unplanned ones.
- Bring Extras: Pack a few extra items that can be used for impromptu games. Things like balls, jump ropes, or bubbles can turn a dull moment into a fun activity.
- Capture the Memories: Take pictures and videos of the kids playing. These moments are precious and you’ll want to look back on them. It’s a great way to document the fun and share it with others.
- End on a High Note: Finish with a game that leaves everyone smiling. A group activity or a simple prize can be a good way to wrap things up. This way, everyone goes home with positive memories of the picnic.