Backyard Activities for Kids: A Kid’s Dream Yard

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I’m constantly on the hunt for the best backyard activities for kids that will have them playing outside as much as possible. We’re lucky enough to live in a city that has nice weather most of the year, but what’s the point if the kids are never outside to enjoy it?

If you’re looking for kids activities that will keep them entertained outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sharing my tried and true finds for the best backyard activities for kids. Some ideas might be a bit more labor intensive or might not work for your specific yard size, but hopefully you can find something that will help turn your backyard into a kid’s play haven. And check out my other popular post about the backyard must haves for entertaining.

You can also keep this list in mind for the holidays as well. While winter might not be the best backyard weather, these ideas make great gifts for those kids who seem to have everything and need nothing. For even more ideas, you can check out my favorite beach games, which can also double as backyard games.

Backyard Activities for Kids: Swingsets

There are a ton of different style swing sets you can choose from. From custom builds with three different types of slides and rockwalls, to a simple, single-swing design, and everything in between.

Tree Swing

We didn’t want to commit to a full swing set in our yard, but I wanted something the kids could climb and swing on. That’s exactly what we got with the rope tree swing. It is probably the least expensive thing in our backyard and has brought my kids (and their friends) the most entertainment. All you need is strong tree branch (or tall, sturdy beam of some sort) to attach this to.

Surf Swing

There are other styles as well, like a Surf Swing, which can be hung from a tree or swing set. If you don’t have a sturdy tree to use, you can get a smaller A-frame swing set and then change out the swing options from time to time.

Ninja Obstacle Course – One of the more unique backyard activities for kids

Every kid seems to want to be the next ninja warrior, and when they have a ninja obstacle course, they can be. If you have have two trees or posts in your yard, you can attach this and give your kids a great challenge (and workout). For even more fun, you can have it go over your pool!

Trampoline – Backyard activities for kids of any age

A backyard trampoline is one of the more obvious backyard activities for kids, but you might not know that some trampolines aren’t just ordinary trampolines. You can find some like this one that include a water attachment and fun lights. Other models even include a basketball hoop for some extra competition opportunities. Even if you already have a trampoline, you can add a water attachment to it to provide some more summertime fun. Check out all my favorite trampoline accessories that take it to the next level.

If you have the means, you might even consider putting your trampoline in the ground. We did that with ours, and the kids love it (and use it) more than ever before.

Inflatables

We’ve had our share of inflatables over the years. From giant soccer balls to large spinner wheels, we’ve had them all. And while none of them have lasted for more than a season or two, they sure do provide a ton of entertainment while they’re full of air.

We’ve used them in our pool and in our grass (and even before we actually had grass). Now there are even more styles to choose from. My advice is not to spend a ton of money–no matter how pricey they are, they don’t last forever, and it’s more of a pain to repair them if they pop. It’s easier to enjoy it while it lasts and replace it with another cheap option if/when it pops.

Zipline

My sister has a large backyard, and for Christmas one year, her kids received a backyard zipline that they installed from one point in her yard to another. It was a blast! Anytime my kids go over there, the first thing they want to do is the zipline.

Sports Nets – Backyard activities for kids that get them moving

Whether your kid is into golf, soccer, football or baseball, there’s a backyard sports net that is designed to help them get some extra practice. And whenever kids come over, they instantly gravitate towards the balls and nets, getting a friendly game going in the backyard. It’s a great way to get in some exercise and extra practice without even meaning to.

Ping Pong Table – Backyard activities for kids and adults

I was on the hunt for something new that would add some year-round fun to our backyard when it finally came to me–a ping pong table. We love playing ping pong when we stay at hotels that have it, so why not put one in our backyard? Since adding it, we have had many fun competitions amongst other couples, and the kids love challenging their friends as well.

An outdoor ping pong table will cost a bit more, but if you have somewhere to store it when not in use, you can get an indoor one and just move it into the backyard when ready to use it.

Sandbox

While a sandbox might be a nightmare for many parents, there’s no denying that it brings a ton of imaginative fun for younger kids. My husband created a custom sandbox at our previous house, complete with a top that closed so that it wouldn’t become a neighborhood kitty litter. It was very similar to this one, although ours didn’t have the fancy benches.

For more backyard entertaining ideas, check out my Amazon shop. I share my favorite finds that will help to turn your backyard into an entertainer’s dream. And check out my ideas on designing playrooms inside the house as well.

Note: As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn commission on purchases made through links on this page.