# 7 Simple & Fun Backyard Games for Kids

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/kids/backyard-games/
- Published: 2022-12-14T10:23:55+11:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

Many of the backyard games we?ll suggest are incredibly easy to set up and take 
down in a matter of minutes, which is great news for parents because you also need
some time to chill out!

It?s fair to say that the kids will undoubtedly get themselves and their clothes
full of blemishes when playing outdoors, so [be sure to learn all about these tips](https://www.askteamclean.com/au/en/laundry/outdoor-stain-removal.html)
for outdoor stain removal. With loads of snacks and cool drinks on hand, you?ll 
be able to keep children busy for hours in the sunshine!

### **_We all know that school holidays in Australia mean a lot of free time for the kids, but instead of video games, TV, and iPads, how about some enjoyable backyard games?_**

Of course, it?s always great [to have some inflatable water slides](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/activities/inflatable-water-slides/)
for a really epic backyard afternoon, but if you want the kids to get outside for
around 30 minutes, then we?ve got just the games.

Check out the following backyard game ideas if you want something quick and easy
to entertain the kids for a while.

**_More Reading:_**

 * [8 Ways to Raise Confident Kids](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/8-ways-to-raise-confident-kids/)
 * [10 Best Outdoor Christmas Gifts for Kids](https://stayathomemum.com.au/occasions/10-best-outdoor-christmas-gifts-for-kids/)
 * [The Best Christmas Gifts To Get Kids OUT of the House!](https://stayathomemum.com.au/occasions/christmas-gifts-that-will-get-the-kids-out-of-the-house/)
 * [100+ Fun Christmas Gifts Under $20](https://stayathomemum.com.au/occasions/100-stocking-stuffers-under-10/)
 * [30+ Christmas Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys](https://stayathomemum.com.au/occasions/15-christmas-gift-ideas-for-teenage-boys/)
   [

 * [How to Reduce Stress When Moving with Kids](https://stayathomemum.com.au/houseandhome/moving-with-kids/)
 * [50 Gift Ideas for 12-Year-Old Boys That They Actually Like](https://stayathomemum.com.au/occasions/gift-ideas-for-12-year-old-boys-that-they-will-actually-like/)
 * [10 Gender-Neutral Christmas Gifts for Kids](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-lifestyle/shopping/22-gender-neutral-christmas-gifts-for-kids/)
 * [20+ Gift Ideas for Primary School Aged Girls](https://stayathomemum.com.au/christmas/gift-ideas-for-primary-school-aged-girls/)

![Childrens outdoor swing with two kids playing happily](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.
com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kids-playing-swing.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&quality
=89&ssl=1 "Fun Backyard Swing for Kids")

## **Naughts and Crosses**

While older children might roll their eyes, little kids will love the idea of naughts
and crosses outside. Find similarly shaped items, such as shells, stones, milk bottles,
or whatever else you have in the house or garden, and paint an equal number of crosses
or zeros on them. Then simply draw up your board using ribbons or thick string and
start the game!

## **Beanbag Ladder Toss**

Most households have a ladder, but if you don?t, then perhaps ask a neighbour or
nearby friend if they?ve got one you can borrow. Lay the ladder on the grass and
place a piece of paper in the middle of each rung with numbers going from 10, 20,
30, etc. Everyone gets five throws of the beanbag and the family member with the
highest total gets a prize (it?s likely to be one of the kids, let?s be honest).

## **Classic Games**

Sometimes, the old ways are the best, as there are certain games that seemingly 
never go out of style. There?s always time for Pok?mon cards and Transformers, but
if you want some classic games that kids have loved for years and years, then try
these:

 * Hula hoops
 * Skipping ropes
 * Soccer ball and goal
 * Four square with a tennis ball
 * Egg and cup
 * Bubbles
 * Chalk painting
 * Balloon keep-ups

You could even turn these traditional games [into an obstacle course](https://playtivities.com/obstacle-courses-for-kids/),
and get your kids to spend a few minutes in each station. Have some fun with it 
by adding a red scarf that is pretending to be a river of lava, or some stones that
are mountains the kids need to jump over!

## **Play Some Croquet **

As great as cricket can be, it?s sometimes not so easy to set up unless you have
acres of space as a backyard. This is why a fantastic alternative is the good old
croquet! Sure, it?s probably not as exhilarating as watching Australia play England
in the Ashes at the MCG, but kids will love hitting the balls through the hoop using
the mallet.

There are certain rules to follow, but these usually go out the window when children
play croquet, so buy a set and just have fun whacking the balls around the backyard.

![Children playing croquet in the backyard on a sunny day](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.
com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/bigstock-Girl-Playing-Croquet-On-Green-454808457.
jpg?resize=900%2C600&quality=89&ssl=1 "Backyard Kids Croquet Game")

## **Hide & Seek**

Even older kids can?t resist a few games of hide and seek! If your backyard is a
bit smaller, then you can include the house as part of the game. It?s great for 
parents, too, as you can really take your time and stretch out the game as long 
as possible (even if it?s pretty obvious where the kids are hiding). Hide and seek
is labelled a bit ?lame? at some point by children, so make use of it while it?s
still considered amusing!

## **Musical Statues**

Similar to musical chairs, this version is a lot of fun because the kids can work
off some excess energy and listen to their favourite songs (you can even sneak in
some of your choices as well). Just blast a song and get the kids to dance how they
like, which is also great for birthday parties, then pause the track and whoever
hasn?t stopped like a statue is out until the next round!

## **Giant Memory Game**

You?ve probably got a few memory games in the house, but as children typically love
these, how about trying a giant version? You could print out some A4 sheets of paper
with anything from animals to shapes to even Star Wars or Avengers characters? just
pick something your kids will enjoy seeing. Choose at least 10 pairs to keep things
interesting.

## **_What is your favourite backyard game to play with your kids?_** **_What?s the best thing about playing backyard games with your kids?_**

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)