Fun Things to Do Outside in Your Backyard

Looking for a fun backyard activity to keep your kids entertained on the weekends? Or perhaps you’re craving a fresh twist on your outdoor me-time or monthly get-togethers with friends. We've curated a list of outdoor activities that cater to all ages and lifestyles, so start exploring to find inspiration.

If your kids are charmed by fairy tales and unicorns, host an enchanted tea party in your garden. Decorate the space with twinkling string lights and gauzy curtains, and place an elegant dining set in the center. Serve whimsical treats like flower-shaped sandwiches and sparkling lemonade in teacups, and incorporate some magical games like a unicorn-themed scavenger hunt or a fairy wing decorating contest.

There are countless outdoor games available for all ages. Introduce your kids to giant Jenga or Connect Four, indoor games we all know and love, but the outdoor versions are larger and made from durable materials. For adults, set up a bocce ball court for some friendly competition.

When football season starts, cornhole is a must at your next backyard tailgate. Grab a set or build your own, and keep drinks handy with a few side tables nearby.

If you don’t have floorspace for giant Jenga, opt for tabletop games you can play with family and friends. Try Scrabble, Monopoly, and other classics, or grab a deck of cards and deal out a hand of euchre or Texas Hold’em.

Keep in mind that you’ll need a place to play, so set up a square or circular dining table and chairs. These table shapes are the most conducive to games: They’re large enough to seat at least four people, everyone sits equidistant from each other, and there’s space to play and place bowls of salty snacks and cold drinks.

Delicious food plus laid-back vibes make cookouts a cornerstone of outdoor entertaining. With a few additions, any yard can become a barbecue headquarters. Whether opting for a gas grill for occasional cooking or planning a full outdoor kitchen, investing in ample alfresco furniture ensures your yard is ready for guests.

A five-piece dining set will do the trick for a family of four. If you entertain often, consider a larger set that seats eight or more, so everyone has room to pull up a chair and dig in.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment in your outdoor movie theater. Transform your backyard into a cinema with a projector screen, comfortable furniture, blankets, and plenty of popcorn. Add coziness to your outdoor screening area with a deep seating set with plush, fast-drying cushions. Cleanup is easy, even if snacks spill or a jump scare sends soda flying.

If your outdoor space plays multiple roles, consider a set of folding Adirondack chairs. Once the credits roll, you can easily fold them up and store them in a closet or shed, leaving room for your next backyard adventure.

Birdwatching is a fun, free outdoor activity you can enjoy solo or with family. Simply hang a few birdhouses and fill feeders, and your backyard will be a welcoming space for our feathered companions. Depending on the time of year, it may take a little time for birds to start visiting the feeders and even longer to use the houses, so be patient.

While you wait, why not style a backyard viewing area? Gather a few comfortable chairs to kick back in, and bring in a side table or two, so you have a place to perch your binoculars and avian field guide.

Meditating in your backyard is a relaxing activity that helps you get in touch with nature and your inner self. Set up a peaceful spot with cushions or a comfy chair, and add calming touches like wind chimes, a water fountain, or potted plants.

Style your meditation nook to increase your likelihood of reaching inner peace. Arrange cozy seating and add side tables for essentials like candles, incense, or a mindfulness book. Be patient; tranquility comes with time.

Stargazing is a versatile activity you can enjoy after the sun goes down. The best time to try it is from fall to spring when the nights are longer. Before setting out on your celestial adventure, set up a cozy chair or chaise lounge so you can lean back comfortably, and invest in a high-quality telescope that gives you a crisp, clear, and close-up view of the starry sky. Don't forget to turn out the lights—you want it to be as dark as possible.

Love to camp but don't want to travel this weekend? Create cozy campground vibes right outside your door. Pitch a tent in your backyard for a fun-filled adventure you and your kids will love. This budget-friendly idea is perfect for introducing young children to camping, and you have the convenience of indoor plumbing mere steps away.

Start a fire and surround it with comfortable Adirondack chairs where family can gather to swap stories and cook hot dogs and s’mores over the open flames. Don’t forget essentials like flashlights and bug spray.

If you want to reduce screen time on Saturday afternoons or during summer vacation, an obstacle course is an exciting way to get kids out in the fresh air. You can rent inflatable obstacle courses, or stage your own with items you find around your house or garage like jump ropes, hula hoops, or lawn chairs.

Planning a backyard scavenger hunt is a creative way to keep kids entertained, and it can also be a blast for adults. Before your next family get-together, create a list of items for everyone to find, hide them around your yard, and let the fun begin. You can make it even more exciting with themed clues and prizes for the winners.

If you have a concrete patio or walkways in your backyard, hand your kids a box of sidewalk chalk and watch as they channel their inner artist. Sidewalk chalk works great on any solid hardscape, from brick to pavers, and it washes off easily with a few passes of a garden hose. For a cool twist, opt for glow-in-the-dark chalk so your kids can see their creations gleaming after sunset.