53 Fun Outdoor Games For Children and Adults

This is an incredibly fun game to watch and play, guaranteed to get everyone excited. It’s perfect for challenging your guests at an outdoor party or letting kids try it out at a garden birthday party.

The game is played two at a time. Each player gets two spoons and one apple. Place the apple on one spoon, held in any hand you choose, and have the other spoon (or ladle) in your other hand.

When the signal is given, the goal is to knock the opponent’s apple off their spoon without dropping your own. The first player to have their apple fall to the ground loses. You are not allowed to touch your opponent with your body, only the spoons may be used. To protect your apple, you can hold it high, low, or even behind your back. Anything goes as long as the apple stays balanced on your spoon.

You can even organize it as a tournament, where everyone competes until one person is crowned the winner.

Tips

For kids (and sometimes adults), it can be helpful to play in a small, defined area (about 3x3 meters) to keep the game quick and lively.

This challenging party game is played in pairs. If you’re playing at a kids’ party, it’s a good idea to pair children who are roughly the same size before starting. With adults, having mixed sizes often adds to the fun!

The game works like this: each pair sits back-to-back on the ground and links their arms together. When the start signal is given, the teams must work together to stand up without breaking their arm hold. The first team to successfully stand up wins!

While it may seem easy, this game often turns out to be much trickier than expected. Keep playing until every team has managed to stand.

Here is a simple kicking game best played outdoors, in a backyard, garden, or any open space.

The aim is to kick the ball at chosen targets, such as a tree, a garage door, a swimming pool, or a specific bush, or under a table. There are two easy ways to play:

Soccer Golf

Set up several targets and count how many kicks it takes each player to hit them. Fewer kicks result in a better score. The player with the lowest total wins.

Target Challenge

Choose one target and give each player three kicks. Score 1 point for hitting the target once, 2 points for hitting it twice, and 3 points for hitting it three times. Switch targets and repeat the process.

Use whatever safe targets you have nearby and get creative!

This is a fun yet challenging balancing competition, perfect for adults, teens, and older kids. It works well in both your garden and at a park.

Begin by placing the knife, fork, plate, and glass on the tray. Players must carry the tray by balancing it on one flat hand held underneath. Note that players are not allowed to curl their fingers around the edge of the tray for support at any time.

The goal is to complete a designated course as quickly as possible without dropping any items.

The course can be simple, like running around a tree and returning to the starting point, or more adventurous by adding obstacles. For an extra challenge, consider incorporating tasks such as crawling under a table, stepping over objects, or weaving between markers.

If a player drops any item from the tray, they must stop to retrieve it. The game may only continue once all items are back on the tray and the player is again balancing it with one flat hand. Players are allowed to place the tray down and use both hands to reset any dropped items before continuing.

The fastest player to complete the course wins!

Team Relay: To turn this into a relay race, divide players into teams. Each team member completes the course in turn, passing the tray to the next player upon finishing. The first team to have all members complete the course is declared the winner!

This hilarious balloon race game is enjoyable for both kids and adults. It’s a bit goofy and chaotic, making it entertaining for spectators as well.

The game works great as either an individual challenge or a team competition.

Each player starts with a fully inflated balloon placed snugly between their knees. (Tip: use smaller balloons for younger kids to make it manageable.) At your signal, contestants must waddle, hop, or shuffle their way to a designated checkpoint, round it, and make their way back - all without dropping or popping the balloon.

If a player drops their balloon before reaching the checkpoint, they must pick it up and return to the starting line to try again. However, if they drop it after rounding the checkpoint, they only need to go back to that point, not all the way to the start.

If someone pops their balloon, they must run back to the start, inflate a new balloon, and return to the point where the old balloon burst before continuing.

Balloon Race Relay (Team Version)

To play a relay version, divide players into teams. Each team will have its own course and checkpoint. One player at a time completes the race and then hands the balloon over to the next teammate. The first team to have all members complete the course wins!

This game can be played at parties, in schools, or in preschools, making it suitable for all ages.

This is a fun and simple outdoor game where participants team up in pairs to test their tossing and catching skills.

Each team starts with one water balloon. The first player tosses the balloon to their partner, who tries to catch it without popping it. If the balloon breaks, that team is eliminated. If the catch is successful, both players take one step backward, increasing the distance for the next toss.

Players continue to toss and catch the balloon, moving farther apart each time they do so. The team that manages to throw and catch the balloon successfully over the longest distance wins!

Kid-Friendly Version

This game is a cooperative and friendlier version that typically lasts a bit longer. If the balloon doesn’t break during a toss but a player fails to catch it, both players take a step forward to reduce the distance. If they successfully toss and catch the balloon from that distance, they can each take a step back and try the same distance again. If a balloon pops, the team is disqualified.

Get ready for some splashy, fun, and friendly competition!

Challenge your friends to a fun and tasty race in this competitive party game for two players! To set it up, prepare a long candy string. If necessary, tie together two or three pieces to make it extra long. Tie a small treat or candy in the middle of the string.

Each player should hold one end of the candy string in their mouth, standing face-to-face with each other. When the game starts, the goal is to be the first to eat your way along the string and reach the treat in the center.

Remember, hands must stay behind the back the entire time, and players aren’t allowed to pull, yank, or twist the string with their heads - only bite and nibble!

Get ready for a fun, sweet challenge!

This party game is a lot of fun for both kids and adults, and the best part is that everyone can participate, regardless of age. It’s easy to set up, hilarious to play, and just as entertaining to watch for those who aren’t competing. While it’s often played outdoors, it works just as well indoors as long as there is enough space.

To prepare for the game, set up two chairs for each player or team, placing them at least seven feet apart. On one chair, place a bowl filled with cotton balls; on the other, an empty bowl.

Before the game begins, apply a small dab of, for example, petroleum jelly or sticky hair wax to the tip of each participant’s nose. This is their only “tool” for transporting the cotton balls - no hands allowed!

The goal is to move as many cotton balls as possible from the full bowl to the empty one using only their noses. Players can shake, nod, or swing their heads to help drop the cotton balls into the bowl, but their hands must stay out of the game!

The player who transfers the most cotton balls in 2 minutes wins.

Team Version (Relay Style)

To play in teams, set up two chairs per team and turn it into a relay. One person at a time will take a turn moving cotton balls for about 30 seconds to a minute, then tag the next player. Continue this process until all team members have played or until a specified total time has elapsed (such as 5 minutes). The team with the most cotton balls in their bowl at the end wins!

This fast-paced and straightforward party game is all about speed, and a little bit of skill!

Provide each player with three crackers or biscuits. When the game begins, everyone races to eat all their crackers as quickly as possible. Once they finish, the player must whistle loudly to signal that they are done.

The first person to eat all their crackers and whistle clearly wins the game!

Dizzy Bat is a hilarious game that’s just as entertaining to watch as it is to play. It’s best played on soft grass, as players will get dizzy and may stumble. You can play it individually or in a team relay format.

To set up the game, mark a starting line and place one stick or bat approximately 50 feet away for each player, ensuring they are spaced out.

On “go,” players will run to their designated stick, place one end on the ground, and the other against their forehead. They will then spin around the stick seven times. Once they finish spinning, they will race back to their starting point. The first player to return wins.

Relay Version

Players compete in teams. Each player runs to their stick, spins seven times, and races back to tag the next teammate. The first team to finish with all team members wins.

This sweet and silly game is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Give each participant one candy string and have them place just the tip of it in their mouth. Hands must stay behind their backs for the entire game - no cheating! When the signal is given, players race to eat the whole candy using only their mouths. No hands allowed!

The first person to finish and swallow their licorice lace wins the game.

This exciting and challenging outdoor game is perfect for both kids and adults to enjoy! It’s an excellent choice for Easter, birthday parties, or any gathering. Kids, in particular, will have a blast playing.

In this game, each player receives a spoon, which they hold by placing the handle in their mouth. The objective is to balance an egg on the spoon while racing through a designated course. The player who completes the course the fastest wins!

During the race, players are not allowed to touch the egg or the spoon with their hands. If a player drops the egg but it remains uncracked, they can pick it up and restart from the beginning. However, if the egg cracks, that player is out of the competition.

You can design the course as simple or challenging as you like, whether it involves running to and around an object or incorporating more complex obstacles.

Relay

For a fun twist, turn the game into a relay! After completing the course, each team member passes the egg to the next participant. The first team to finish wins the competition.

This is a hilarious and energetic game, perfect for an outdoor party. Set up water-filled bottles, cans, or any other suitable objects on a table. Place a tennis ball inside one leg of the tights so that it sits at the toe. The participant then puts the tights on over their head, with the ball hanging down in front.

With their hands behind their back, the player must swing the ball to knock over as many bottles or cans as possible, using only head movement, within a set time. You can run the game with one player at a time, or set up multiple tables so several players compete simultaneously.

To make the game even more dynamic, create a course with several tables. The player runs to the first table and tries to knock down an object, then races to the following table to continue. The fastest player to complete all tables wins.

Face the Cookie Challenge is a classic, popular, and fun game that’s much harder than it appears. It’s also easy to set up and entertaining for other party guests to watch.

To play, participants should sit in chairs with their faces directed toward the ceiling or sky, keeping their hands behind their backs. A cookie is placed on each participant’s forehead.

At the start signal, players must use only their facial muscles and head movements, making exaggerated expressions and movements, to move the cookie down their faces and into their mouths. Hands must remain behind their backs, and players must stay seated throughout the game. The first person to successfully get the cookie into their mouth and take a bite wins.

If someone drops their cookie, they can use their hands to pick it up and place it back on their forehead to start over.

This fun and active game can be played individually or in teams, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.

Each participant ties their ankles together with a string or yarn, effectively “binding” their feet. Once everyone is ready, the goal is to complete a course as quickly as possible using only two-footed hops or waddling forward. Hands or crawling are not allowed!

You can design the course to include simple obstacles, such as circling a tree or navigating around garden furniture. Decide whether everyone will compete simultaneously or if participants will take turns with a stopwatch. The fastest player to finish the course wins!

Team Relay Version

For a team relay, players race one by one, each with their feet tied together. When one player crosses the finish line, the next teammate takes their turn. The first team to have all members complete the course wins!

All-Tied-Up Team Relay (Cooperative Challenge)

For an extra hilarious twist, try binding the entire team together! After tying each player’s ankles, connect team members to one another, so the whole group is linked. Each person should be tied to at least one teammate.

Now, the whole team must work together to complete the course as fast as possible. The team that crosses the finish line first wins.

Get ready for laughter, teamwork, and lots of hopping fun!

This fast-paced water game is ideal for warm days and outdoor fun. It can be played solo or in teams and is suitable for all ages, making it perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or summer playdates.

Set up one full bucket of water at the starting line for each player or team. Place an empty bucket or bowl the same distance away; these are the goals. Make sure all containers are the same size, and give each player or team a dry sponge.

On “go,” players soak the sponge, run to the empty bucket, and squeeze out the water. They then return to repeat the process (or pass the sponge to a teammate in relay mode). Players may not move or touch the empty bucket.

The first player or team to make their bucket overflow wins!

To increase the difficulty, you can add challenges such as:

• Use only one hand
• Balance the sponge on your head while moving

Disc golf is an easy, active outdoor game suitable for all ages. Play it on a lawn, in a garden, at a park, or in any open space using creative targets.

Players throw discs toward a selected target, such as a tree, swing, soccer goal, kiddie pool, or any marked spot on the ground. Points can be scored by hitting the target, landing closest to it, or completing fun challenges, like getting the disc into a pool or getting it stuck in a specific bush. You can create your own scoring system, for example, assign 3 points for the closest throw, 2 points for second place, and 1 point for third.

Here are some ways to play:

One Goal at a Time

Set up multiple targets and play them one by one like golf holes, scoring each round before moving on.

Fewest Throws Wins

Create a longer course with one distant target. Players take turns throwing until they reach it; the lowest number of throws wins.

Remember to keep targets safe, get creative, and most importantly, have fun!

In this entertaining guessing game, players test their taste buds by identifying different beverages.

To set up, arrange several glasses in a row and fill them with a variety of drinks that suit your group’s preferences. These could include water, milk, beer, wine, iced coffee, tea, or creative blends, such as milk mixed with beer.

For added fun, consider choosing a theme, such as lemonade, soft drinks, beer, or energy drinks. To increase the challenge, blindfold the players before they take a sip.

Players taste each drink and try to guess what it is. The person with the most correct guesses wins!

Suppose you’re hosting a party or gathering that includes multiple mini-games. In that case, this bonus game is perfect - it’s a game about the games! This fun and inclusive icebreaker can be enjoyed by everyone, including children, adults, and even guests who are not participating in the main mini-games.

At the start of the party, decide which guests will compete in each mini-game. Then, create a few simple prediction questions, such as:

Example: Who will win the sack race?

• Zoe
• Mike
• Ellen

Each guest writes down their guesses on a sheet of paper before the games begin. They can even choose to guess their own name if they’re one of the contestants!

As the mini-games unfold, everyone becomes an eager spectator, cheering and watching closely to see if their predictions come true. At the end, tally up the correct guesses. The person with the most accurate predictions wins this entertaining side game. It’s a great way for guests who aren’t playing in the main events to still join in on the fun!

Candy games are always a hit with kids, but this particular game is enjoyable for all ages! I even tested it out with my grandparents, who are in their eighties, and they thought it was hilarious.

This game is perfect for summer parties, kids' birthdays, student gatherings, or any outdoor celebration. It’s far more entertaining than it may sound!

To prepare for the game, soak jelly candies in water for at least an hour before you begin. This makes them slimy and slightly swollen, which adds to the fun when it comes to spitting them out.

At the start of the game, each player receives a soaked candy. The challenge is to stand at a marked spot and spit the candy as far as possible! The player with the longest spit wins.

Team Version

You can turn this into a team competition by adding up the spit distances of each team member. The team with the greatest combined distance is declared the winner!

Hanger Relay is a fun game that is sure to get everyone moving and laughing. It works best outdoors, in a garden, lawn, or open space, making it perfect for kids' birthday parties, student gatherings, or family and friends' outdoor activities.

Divide the players into teams. The first player on each team should place a hanger horizontally between their knees (use smaller hangers for kids) and hold a coin over one eye like a monocle using only their facial muscles. They should also grip another hanger with both hands as if they are holding handlebars.

On “go,” players wobble through a simple obstacle (such as circling a tree, cone, or bucket) while making motorbike sound effects. Once finished, they pass the hangers and coins to the next teammate.

If the coin drops, they must stop and return it to the eye before continuing.

The first team to have everyone complete the course wins!

Are you looking for an outdoor game that’s easy to set up but challenging to master? This fun tossing game is perfect for playing with friends or family.

Begin by filling 5–7 plastic bottles with water to add weight. Arrange the bottles in a row, leaving some space between each one, and place a tennis ball on top of each bottle. Ensure that the setup is on a flat, stable surface, such as a level lawn, bench, or table.

Players take turns tossing tennis balls, aiming to knock the balls off the bottles without tipping the bottles over. Each player gets the same number of throws as there are bottles.

Scoring:

• 3 points for knocking a ball off while the bottle stays standing
• –1 point if a bottle falls over
• 0 points for a miss

The player with the highest score wins!

Kubb is a popular lawn game (especially in Sweden) that’s perfect for backyards, parks, and other outdoor spaces. Typically played as a strategic team game, Kubb can also be adapted into various mini-games with a bit of creativity. Compete individually or in teams.

Here are some examples of mini-games you can play with Kubb.

Arrange five kubbs in a line away from you, spaced about 3 feet (1 meter) apart, with the king at the far end. For two teams, create two identical lanes with the king centered between them.

WAYS TO PLAY

• Classic Points (Individual): Each player gets six sticks. Knock over kubbs for 2 points and the king for 4. Highest score wins.
• Beat the Clock: Knock down all kubbs and the king as fast as possible. Retrieve sticks between throws. Fastest player wins.
• Team Relay: Teams share one stick. Players throw, run to retrieve it, and pass to the next teammate. First team to topple all blocks wins.
• Advance Forward: After knocking down a kubb, move forward to its position for your next throw. Set limits or a timer to increase the challenge.

These variations make Kubb a fast-paced, skillful, and competitive game that’s fun for all ages. Challenge your kids, friends, colleagues, or family to see who has the best aim!

Kubb Tower Building is a fun and easy game perfect for summer parties and makes a great addition to a Pentathlon event. It’s suitable for all ages and is best played outdoors on a table, in your backyard, or at a local park.

You won’t need the full Kubb setup; just the Kubb blocks will do. The goal is simple: build the tallest tower possible.

Version 1 – One Kubb at a Time
Players take turns trying to build the tallest tower possible. Each player adds one Kubb to the tower and then steps back. If the tower remains standing after ten seconds, they may add another Kubb. The game continues until the tower falls. The highest stable height recorded before the fall becomes the player’s final score. Then, it’s the next player’s turn. The player who builds the tallest stable tower wins.

Version 2 – Time Limit
Each player has one minute to build the tallest tower they can. Any building style is allowed, and players may restart if the tower falls. The final height must remain standing for ten seconds after time runs out. The tallest tower wins.

Don’t have a Kubb set? You can borrow one from a friend or easily find one online.

Limbo is a classic party game that adds energy and fun to any celebration, whether it’s a kids' birthday party, a student gathering, or a sunny backyard get-together. It’s easy to set up and enjoyable for all ages.

To play, you’ll need an object that can serve as a bar - anything from a broomstick to a pool noodle will work. Two people should hold the bar at either end unless you have a frame or stand to support it.

The rules are straightforward: players take turns trying to pass under the bar by leaning backward without touching the ground with their hands. After each round, the bar is lowered slightly to increase the challenge. The last person remaining who can successfully pass under the lowest height is crowned the winner.

Enhance the party atmosphere by playing upbeat music in the background!

Twists

• One-Leg Limbo: Everyone must hop on one leg while attempting to go under the bar.
• Couples Limbo: Players compete in pairs, with one partner carrying the other in some way while going under the bar.

This is a fun and engaging party game that’s perfect for playing with friends as well as with people you may not know very well. There is no limit to the number of participants, making it ideal for large birthday celebrations, student gatherings, or any lively social event.

To start, divide the players into teams of around 7 to 10 people each. Have each team stand in a line, one behind the other. Once everyone is in position, read out an instruction that tells them how to arrange themselves in line based on a specific criterion. As soon as the instruction is given, each team must work together to rearrange themselves as quickly and accurately as possible. The team that finishes first and gets the order right earns one point.

Examples of Instructions

• Ask teams to line up by height, with the shortest person at the front.
• Have them arrange themselves alphabetically by first name, with the person whose name starts closest to “A” standing at the front.
• You could also ask them to line up by age, starting with the youngest.
• Have them sort by how long they’ve known the birthday person, with the longest relationship at the front.
• Another idea is to have them arrange themselves by proximity to the party location, with the person living closest going first.
• For a relationship twist, you can ask them to line up based on the length of their current romantic relationships, with singles at the front and couples ordered from the newest to the longest-standing.

Keep the rounds moving quickly and mix up the instructions to keep everyone laughing and on their toes. The team with the most points at the end wins!

Twists

• To make the game even more challenging, have the players arrange themselves without speaking to one another. Gestures and facial expressions are allowed.
• One variation is to whisper an instruction to one team, allowing them to arrange themselves in the correct order, while the other teams attempt to guess what the instruction might be.

This simple yet surprisingly tricky activity is great fun for both kids and adults, and it works just as well indoors as it does outdoors.

The objective is straightforward: each player tries to cut a piece of string to match a specific length - say, exactly three feet, or even something quirky like the circumference of your head. Once everyone has made their cut, it’s time to measure. The person whose string is closest to the target length is the winner!

This game is also fun to play as a team challenge.

Team Competition

For the team version, divide players into groups and give each member their own piece of string. Instead of cutting the full target length, each person aims to cut an equal portion of the target length. For example, if the goal is three feet and there are three players per team, each player should try to cut a piece exactly one foot long - without measuring tools, of course!

After everyone has made their cut, measure each piece of string and add up the total for each team. The team whose combined string length is closest to the target wins the round.

This relay-style memory game is perfect for outdoor fun.

To play, divide participants into teams and line them up, spacing them 50 to 100 yards apart. Read the text aloud to the first player, who then runs to the next teammate and repeats it from memory. The message is passed down the line until it reaches the last player.

The final player writes the message exactly as they heard it or records it on a phone.

The team that reproduces the text most accurately and in the shortest amount of time wins!

This game is typically played in pairs but can easily be adapted into a relay race. Each team starts with a piece of fruit, commonly an orange (or you could use a tennis ball). The pairs must work together to move the orange along a designated course or distance.

To play, the competing pairs stand face to face with their hands behind their backs, holding the orange securely between their bellies. The challenge is to move as quickly as possible from start to finish without dropping the orange.

If the orange falls, the pair must stop, pick it up, and take three steps backward before continuing the race.

To turn this into a relay, each pair passes the orange to the following team members once they have completed their leg of the course.

This game is perfect for kids' parties and can easily be customized for any season. Try using pumpkins for a Halloween party, eggs for Easter, or even beach balls for a summer-themed event!

Challenging Adult Version

Replace the fruit with a plastic glass filled with water. The pair that has the most water remaining in their glass after crossing the finish line wins.

This is a fun, lighthearted game that is easy to organize and suitable for participants of all ages, including teens, adults, and seniors. You can even adapt it for children to join in! While the game can be played individually, it’s often more enjoyable in small teams of 2–3 people.

Write down eight summer-related categories on a sheet of paper and give one copy to each team or participant if playing solo. Be as broad, specific, or quirky as you like - there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Example of Category Ideas:

• Sounds of summer
• Songs associated with summer
• Famous people related to summer
• Popular food in the summer
• Frustrating aspects of summer

The aim is to predict what other teams will write, not just your own ideas! For each category, teams must list three things they think others will also write.

Once all teams have finished, gather everyone together. Go through the categories one by one, allowing each team to read their three answers for each category.

Scoring:

• For every answer that is common among multiple teams, each of those teams earns points equal to the number of other teams that submitted that answer. For example, if 4 teams write “mosquitoes” for the category “Frustrating aspects of summer,” each of those teams receives 3 points for that answer.
• If a team has a unique answer that no other team has listed, they earn 1 point.
• The order in which items are listed under a category does not matter. Points are awarded for each individual correct match, not for matching the entire list.

The team with the most total points at the end wins the game!

This game is fun for both kids and adults and is perfect for playing outdoors on the lawn. If you have sufficient space indoors, it works well there as well.

To get started, set up a start line and a finish line. Each participant should have an orange (or you can have players race one at a time). It’s usually most entertaining to have everyone compete at the same time, though.

Players begin by lying on their stomachs or getting down on all fours. When the start signal sounds, the goal is to push the orange forward using only their nose. If a player accidentally touches the orange with some other part of their face, they receive a 5-second penalty. Touching the orange with any other body part results in a 10-second penalty. Using hands to touch the orange or kicking it results in immediate disqualification.

The first player to push their orange past the finish line wins!

Team Relay

This game can easily be transformed into a team competition by making it a relay race, where teammates take turns pushing their oranges down the course.

Twist

For an adult or student party, consider swapping out the oranges for something more unusual or quirky - something funny, gross, or whatever fits your crowd. Just make sure it can actually be rolled with the nose!

For this lively outdoor party game, you’ll need pancakes and frying pans. It’s perfect for both kids and adults.

The rules are simple but add a hilarious twist to a classic race. Each player must run to a designated turnaround point, such as a tree or a stick, and then return while carrying a frying pan and flipping a pancake three times during the race. If a pancake hits the ground, that flip doesn’t count, and the player must flip it again. It’s a good idea to have some extra pancakes on hand, just in case any get dropped or damaged during the race. (Of course, you can play with something other than pancakes.)

The first person to cross the finish line wins, and the chaotic flips and fumbles are almost as enjoyable to watch as they are to participate in!

Team Relay

If there are many participants, consider organizing a team relay version of the race. In this format, each runner completes their lap with their own pancake and then hands the frying pan to the next team member. The next runner takes the pan, adds their pancake, and races off while flipping it. This version is fast-paced, funny, and exciting!

This entertaining and straightforward party game is perfect for players of all ages. It’s quick to set up, easy to understand, and always gets people moving and engaging.

Provided each participant with a sheet of paper. Set a timer for 30 seconds and challenge everyone to fold a paper airplane as quickly as they can. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just ready to fly!

When time is up, participants take turns launching their planes from the same starting point. Each person gets two throws, and only their best distance counts. Planes can fly in any direction; the throw that goes the farthest away from the starting point wins the game.

This game works well both indoors and outdoors. If playing outdoors, the wind adds a fun (and chaotic) twist, allowing planes to soar much farther. For added excitement, players can launch from a raised platform, such as a hill, deck, or chair.

If playing indoors, you can increase the challenge by setting specific goals - for example, the plane must fly through a doorway, land on a rug, or hit a particular object, such as a couch or wall target. The player whose plane flies the farthest or meets the goal wins!

This is a fun and slightly chaotic team game involving water - and yes, there’s a good chance you’ll get wet!

Each team lines up in a single file. The first person in line starts with a bucket filled to the brim with water. The goal is to pass the bucket down the line through several rounds, each with a different (and trickier) rule. The team that has the most water left in their bucket at the end of all rounds wins the game.

Round Instructions:

• Round 1 – Pass the bucket using both hands.
• Round 2 – Pass the bucket using only your non-dominant hand.
• Round 3 – Pass the bucket over your head to the next person.
• Round 4 – Pass the bucket behind your back.
• Round 5 – Pass the bucket between your legs.

The first round begins with the person at the front of the line and ends with the person at the back. In the next round, the bucket will travel back from the last person to the first person. This process will continue, alternating directions, with different instructions for each round.

Try not to spill - every drop counts!

This hilarious and slightly ridiculous party game is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether played solo or in teams. It’s great for mixed ages and works well both indoors and outdoors. Best of all, it’s just as entertaining to watch as it is to play, making it the perfect addition to your party lineup.

To play, each player ties a piece of string around a pen and fastens the other end around their waist, allowing the pen to dangle behind them like a tail. Place an empty bottle on the ground about 10 yards (or 3 meters) away from each player.

When the start signal is given, players race to their bottles and attempt to lower the pen into the bottle without using their hands - only by squatting, adjusting, and aiming with their hips.

The first player to get the pen into their bottle wins!

Relay Version

Set up one bottle per team and have the first player complete the pen-drop challenge. Once successful, they run back and hand the setup to the next player, who ties it around their waist and repeats the challenge. The team that gets all their players to land the pen in the bottle first wins.

Tampon Version

For a fun twist (often popular at student or adult parties), swap the pen for a tampon and fill each bottle halfway with water. When the tampon hits the water, it begins to swell and gets stuck inside the bottle.

Here’s the twist: once the tampon is in the bottle, the player must race back to the starting line, hands-free with the bottle dangling behind them! If the bottle falls off, they are out of the game, so be careful.

Pennant Banner Toss is a fun and versatile game that can be played both indoors and outdoors (just be sure to avoid strong winds).

First, hang up a pennant banner and number each triangle flag. For added excitement, mark some of the numbers with a minus sign to indicate negative points.

Players take turns tossing balls at the pennant banner, aiming to hit the numbered flags on it. Each successful hit earns the player points based on the number shown on the flag, but if they hit a flag marked with a negative number, those points are deducted. Each player gets five tosses per round.

For younger players, move the throwing line closer to the banner to make it easier for them. You can use any balls you have on hand, like tennis balls, or get creative with safe household items like rolled-up socks or lightweight toys.

To increase the difficulty, hang the pennant banner so that it swings freely, making it harder to hit the targets. For an easier version, especially suitable for kids’ parties, secure the banner flat against a wall.

Hosting a pentathlon is a fantastic way to liven up any summer party! The idea is simple: players compete in five different mini-games, and the person who earns the most points across all events is crowned the pentathlon champion.

The events don’t need to be complicated - just a mix of fun, quick challenges where participants can score points.

A key part of running a successful pentathlon is making sure the scoring is balanced. No single event should allow someone to earn a disproportionately large number of points. For example, suppose players can score 50 points for landing three bullseyes in one game but only 5 points at most in another. In that case, the competition won’t feel fair. Try to keep point values consistent across events to maintain excitement and balance.

Ensure the winner of the pentathlon receives a final prize. If both children and adults participate, hold separate prize ceremonies for each group.

Examples of Pentathlon Events

Horseshoe Toss

Each player gets a set number of horseshoes to throw at a stake. The goal is to get the horseshoe to encircle the stake. You can award points based on how close they get.

Dart Throwing

Players throw darts at a dartboard or at water balloons pinned to a wall. Award points for each hit or based on accuracy (bullseye = more points).

Bucket Toss

Set up buckets on the ground or hang them at different heights. Players throw tennis balls and earn points depending on which bucket they land the ball in - more challenging targets can be worth more points.

Can Knockdown

Stack tin cans (filled with sand or gravel for weight) in a pyramid (three on the bottom, two in the middle, and one on top). Players throw tennis balls to knock over as many cans as possible. Score based on the number of cans toppled.

Football Bowling

Place some water-filled plastic bottles at different distances and have people try to knock them over using a football. Let the participants throw tennis balls and try to topple as many cans as possible.

If you don’t want to use traditional games for your pentathlon events but instead try something different you can follow these links for our collections of more modern games. There are games that go well with individual competitions and team competitions.

Here is a party game that requires no preparation, just a group of guests divided into at least two teams (the more teams, the more fun it is).

To start, have everyone remove their shoes and place them all together in a big pile. When the signal is given, teams race to the pile to find and put on their own shoes. Remember, shoes cannot be thrown or tossed while searching! The first team to successfully find and wear all their shoes wins.

This game works great both indoors and outdoors. Whether at kids' birthday parties or adult gatherings, it’s a quick, lively team challenge that won’t take up too much time to perform.

Non-Dominant Hand Twist

Each participant is only allowed to use their non-dominant hand, and they cannot use any hands when trying to put on their own shoes. However, team members can assist each other using their non-dominant hands.

This fun, playful game pits players against each other in an individual challenge, making it perfect for both kids and adults.

All players stand behind a starting line, each holding one end of a string. An object is tied to the other end - anything goes! The more creative the objects, the more entertaining the game. Try a banana, a stuffed toy, a chair, a rolled-up carpet, or even a sleeping bag. Each player has their own unique object, allowing you to adjust the challenge for different age groups easily.

On “go,” players pull their object toward them without moving their feet. The first person to pull their object past the line wins!

A quiz walk is a fun and casual way to engage your guests. It’s ideal for a stroll through your garden or around nearby areas.

To organize the walk, prepare around 10 questions. These questions can be themed around you as the host, the location, animals, general knowledge, or any topic that suits your guests. Place the questions along a designated route, spacing them out so participants can walk from one question to the next. Be sure to explain the route in advance and provide each participant with a pen and an answer sheet to fill in as they go.

To make the activity inclusive, you can create two sets of questions: one for adults and one for kids, so that everyone can participate.

Once everyone has completed the walk, review the answers and announce the winner. It’s a good idea to include a tie-breaker question in case multiple participants have the same score. For example, you can fill a jar with candy and have participants guess how many pieces are inside. The winner of the trivia walk can take home the jar of candy as a prize.

The sack race is a timeless favorite enjoyed by kids, adults, and spectators alike. It’s perfect for garden parties, family events, or group gatherings.

In this game, each player steps into a sack and pulls it up to their waist. When the starting signal is given, players hop from the starting line to the finish line, with the first one to cross winning the race. For added excitement, you can introduce obstacles or have players hop to a turning point and back.

In relay mode, players pass the sack to the next teammate after completing their leg of the race.

Get ready for plenty of laughs and bouncy chaos!

Are you looking for a fun and engaging activity for a summer party, birthday party, family gathering, or workplace event? This word game challenges participants to think quickly and match answers to seasonal or themed categories.

To get started, prepare by selecting 4–6 summer-related categories, such as:

• Flowers found in summer
• Items you find at a campsite
• Garden hazards
• Summer foods

Next, come up with a summer-related word containing 4-5 unique letters, such as “SAND” or “SWIM.” Participants will then need to provide answers that match each category and also begin with the letters S, A, N, and D.

Personal Celebration

Prepare the game in the same way, but use the name of the person being celebrated as the letter key. Additionally, focus the categories on that individual. For example:

• Places you’d find [Name]
• Words that [Name] often uses
• Items associated with [Name]

This game is flexible, fast-paced, and enjoyable for all ages. Players earn 1 point for each correct answer, either individually or as part of a team. Have fun!

Organize an energetic and fun scavenger hunt that is perfect for teams of all ages. You can play in a garden, park, neighborhood, or any open space.

To begin, divide players into teams and provide each team with a list of items to collect. Assign points based on the difficulty of each item. Set a 10-minute time limit, then send the teams off to hunt. The team that collects the most points wins!

Example Items & Points:

• Leaf – 1 point
• Yellow flower – 2 points
• Something edible – 3 points
• White stone – 4 points
• Feather – 5 points

Alternate Version: One-at-a-Time

In this version, call out one item at a time. The first team to return with that item scores 1 point. Continue until all items on the list have been called out, and the team with the most points at the end wins.

Bring a little friendly competition to your outdoor play with this fun and easy game, perfect for a lawn, park, or field day event, and an excellent activity for kids' birthday parties, too!

To prepare, fill several plastic bottles with water to give them some weight, and then place them at a suitable distance from the kicking line. You can arrange the bottles in any formation you like.

Players take turns kicking a soccer ball toward the bottles, with each player getting three attempts. Do not reset the bottles between kicks; only reset them between players. The objective is to knock over as many bottles as possible.

Players earn 1 point for each bottle they knock over. The player with the highest total score after everyone has had their turn wins!

Get ready for a fast-paced outdoor candy hunt that’s sure to get everyone moving! This game is perfect for gardens, parks, or any outdoor space with trees, bushes, and plenty of places to hide sweet treats. Kids will be thrilled, and don’t be surprised if the adults become just as competitive.

To set up, hang generous amounts of spaghetti string candy all around the play area. Drape it over tree branches, tuck it into bushes, or loop it onto fences and low-hanging objects. Make sure the candy is easy to grab on the run, and don’t hold back—more candy means more fun!

When the game begins, all players race around the area collecting as much candy as they can. The round ends once all the candy has been found. The player who collects the most candy wins, but everyone keeps the candy they gathered. Hopefully, nobody leaves empty-handed!

This is a fun and easy-to-play summer-themed game, perfect for garden parties or casual get-togethers. Divide the players into teams and explain the rules.

Each team will have 3 minutes to write down as many songs as they can that include the word “Summer” (either in the song title or in the lyrics). The team with the most valid songs at the end of the time wins!

For an extra touch of fun, consider creating a playlist from the songs your teams come up with and play it as a soundtrack during your summer party.

This fun and silly game is an eating competition with one key rule: no hands allowed! Players must eat treats hanging from strings using only their mouths. The person who eats the most in one minute wins! You can play simultaneously or take turns.

It’s perfect for outdoor kids' parties, Halloween, or summer gatherings, and it can also be played indoors.

To set up the game, cut shorter lengths of string and tie treats to the ends. Attach these to a longer string, spacing them evenly, and stretch it across your play area (between trees, poles, or hooks). If you’re playing indoors, secure it to something stable.

Choose treats that are safe and easy to hang, such as ring-shaped candies, donuts, gummy rings, or marshmallows.

Tip: Match the treat size to the players. Use smaller treats for kids and larger ones for teens and adults to keep the game fun and achievable.

Challenging Grown-Up Version

For adults, make it trickier by using silly, unexpected, spicy, or oddly-shaped foods that are harder to eat.

The 3-Minute Walk is an enjoyable and straightforward outdoor game.

Select a walking path that can be around your house, circling a tree, in your garden, or throughout your neighborhood. Be sure to explain the route to all participants and clearly define a finish line.

The goal is to walk the entire course without stopping and to finish as close to three minutes as possible. Participants can adjust their pace but are not allowed to pause, change the route, or walk backwards.

The winner is the person who crosses the finish line closest to three minutes. To help with judging, you can record the event on a phone, which lets you easily see everyone’s positions and the timing.

This fun, high-energy game is a favorite among kids and is just as entertaining for teens and adults.

To prepare, create a pair of “toilet roll glasses” by securing two full-length toilet paper rolls side by side. Do not cut them; keeping them long is essential for limiting vision. Attach yarn or string so the glasses can be tied around each player’s head.

Next, set up a slalom course by arranging objects with enough space for a ball to pass through. Plastic bottles partially filled with water work well because they provide stability while still being easy to knock over.

Players take turns wearing the glasses and dribbling a soccer ball through the course using only their feet. Each obstacle that gets knocked over adds 15 seconds to the player’s time. The timer stops when the player crosses the finish line, and the fastest adjusted time wins.

Unroll the Toilet Paper is a quick and fun game that’s perfect for kids’ birthday parties or student gatherings.

To play, each participant receives a roll of toilet paper. At the starting signal, everyone begins unrolling their roll as quickly as possible. Once a player has completely unrolled their paper, they must shout, “I’m done!” through the cardboard tube.

The first person to finish unrolling their paper and shout the phrase wins the game.

If you’d like to organize a calm and fun outdoor parlor game, here’s a simple idea: create a classic word unscramble using words related to the outdoors. If you’re in a garden or a park, take a look around the area beforehand and prepare a list of words that are either found there or associated with the location.

Choose 8 to 12 words and scramble the letters of each one. You can print them out or write them down on paper, then distribute them to all participants. Let everyone try to guess the original words. You might include names of plants, street names, names of participants, or other objects and features you see in the area.

If you have a large group, this game works exceptionally well, ideally with at least five people per team. It’s perfect for children’s parties, student gatherings, or any event where most participants are comfortable with a bit of physical contact.

Here’s how it works:

Each team selects a leader who stands with their back to the rest of the team. When the signal is given, teammates “tangle” themselves together by forming a pile on the ground or grass, weaving their arms and legs into a chaotic knot.

When the stop signal sounds, everyone must freeze in place. The leader then turns around and begins directing the team using specific verbal commands, such as “Alicia, lift your right arm.” General commands such as “untangle yourselves” are not allowed.

The first team to get all its members standing up without touching anyone else wins.

Welly Boot Throwing (also called Welly Hoying) is a hilarious outdoor game that’s perfect for family gatherings, garden parties, or pentathlon events. Play it on a lawn, in a garden, or in an open field.

The goal is simple: throw the boot as far as possible!

Here are some ways to play:

• Easy: Throw the boot any way you like. Running for extra force is allowed, as long as you don’t cross the starting line.
• Challenging: Stand with your back to the direction you’re throwing. Swing the boot over your head and release it without stepping forward.
• Very Challenging: Face forward, swing the boot backward between your legs, then swing over your back and release. Timing and technique are key.

Pro tip: Helmets can make this safer and add to the laughs. Expect funny throws and lots of competition!