When it comes to spending time with your family, whether that is indoors, outdoors, at home, or on vacation, it’s important that the time you spend together is made memorable. Creating memories with loved ones is a priceless pastime that cannot afford to be missed. This could be done through various means. Some might be through stories being shared, wisdom being imparted, or simply sitting in front of the old goggle box. However, we think that the longest lasting and most positive memories have their roots in fun and games.

Playing games and doing fun activities with your family is the bonding experience that we all must-have. This might be learning a new sport together, taking the fun indoors with some board games or the young guns showing the old guard some new technology-based games. Whatever the game, it’s sure to bring the family closer together and make you a more cohesive and tight-knit group.

So we thought it would be great to give you some inspiration on how to fill that family time. We have come up with a list of some best outdoor family games that you can play as a family. Check them out!

Cornhole

A very popular game that’s been around forever and so much fun. To play cornhole you’re going to need some cornhole bags and a wooden sheet with a hole in the middle. If you don’t feel like being crafty, there are reasonably priced options on amazon. Here is a list of some of the top-rated cornhole boards with reviews.

Though, we think it would be awesome if you made a makeshift set as a family activity. It only adds to the fun!

The objective of the game is very simple. Players stand back from the board. Then take turns aiming to get their bean bags through the hole from distance. It’s a simple premise but can offer hours of competitive family fun for all ages.

Charades

This is a fantastic game called charades. To play this one, players will all write suggestions and place them into a container. These might be people, places, or even a feeling. Then players will take it in turns to pick a suggestion and act it out. The rules are simple, you can’t make any sound or write anything down. This will bring out the true thespians in the family, putting them center stage. So we urge you to give this one a try as a family.

Racket Sports

Racket sports can be the perfect way for a small family to stay active and fit, whilst being competitive with one another. This will, of course, require a racket that can be purchased from any good sports retailer. Though make sure you know what racket you need, and whether it is a women’s tennis racket or not. The difference between a tennis racket and a badminton racket is huge. You have been warned.

As a family, you can play tennis, squash, ping pong or tennis. This can be singles matches, two on ones or doubles. Plus, you can mix up the teams regularly so everyone can get a chance to work as a pair. So head down to your local leisure center or courts and give this a try together.

Giant Board Games

That’s right, that old chestnut. Board games have been around forever as a group activity. Though that’s for a good reason. Board games are fun, competitive and very flexible in that they can provide so many different experiences. For example, you have the Wacky antics involved in Twister, the cunning strategy needed to succeed in chess. Or perhaps the more luck-based pursuit of snakes and ladders.

The variety is tremendous and accommodates any type of player. Plus, although seen as an indoor activity, there are giant versions of these games designed to play outdoors. What we suggest is a rotation, which means that the family members take turns picking the game to play. So head to your local toy store and stock up on some quality giant board games.

Soccer

Often a game that is played with two teams of eleven players. Though if you have a soccer ball and a few eager family players, that is all you truly need. You can head down to your local soccer field and play with small teams of players. If the full pitch is too long. Then lay down some jumpers and coats to act as goalposts. You might have some disagreements about shots being goals, but isn’t that half the fun?

You can even make it more interesting with family penalty shootouts or a keepy-uppy competition. Whatever you choose, this is a sure-fire way to bring the family together.

Running Races

What’s a better way of keeping fit and having fun outdoors than a good old fashioned race? All you need is a decent pair of sneakers to get running. This can be a simple run around a track. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, this could be more of an off-road adventure along forest walks. Or perhaps an obstacle course could be made to add an extra level of intrigue. The premise is simple, but can be adapted to make it personal to the family taking part. So remember to stretch and get running!

Bocce Ball

Next up is a fun game from the same family as lawn boules. Bocce ball follows the same premise as boules. However, it has some slight differences – one being that the balls have no inbuilt bias or weights. Meaning players don’t have to compensate for the ball’s movement. Also, the game is played on a much smaller scale with pitches being roughly five meters long.

Then there is also the crucial difference that players can throw their balls in the air. This being through an underarm motion. This game can offer hours of family fun. Plus can be a very tactical and exciting game when mastered by the participants. If you want to find a set to play next time you’re having a family fun day, have a look here.

Croquet

A game that was often historically reserved for the wealthier classes. However, in the modern-day is a pastime fit for any family. All you need is a croquet set that can be found online or in local toy stores. Here is a good place to start your search.

The rules are simple. You pick a start point, and the goal is to use the hammer to knock your ball through various small gates in order of number from one to twelve. The game is a more simplified version of golf played in a smaller area. Although quite slow-paced, the game is rather competitive and requires a good deal of skill to master. So go grab yourself a set and get playing with the family!

Hide And Seek

Yes, that’s right, the playground game from everyone’s childhood, hide and seek. The premise, in case you don’t know, is very simple. One person is tasked with counting to one hundred while the rest of the group hide. Then once done counting, the designated seeker must find those hiding. This can be played in enclosed spaces to ensure some very creative hiding spots. Or over a large and expansive space to make games last. It’s a classic for a reason. It’s good, honest fun. 

Get the family together and give it a go.

Rounders

A more simplified version of cricket. The game will require a bat and ball to play. Two teams will be required, so this might be best for a large family gathering. One team will be required to bat whilst the other fields. The objective is to get as many runs as possible, like in cricket, through hitting the ball as far as you can with your bat and then proceeding to run between two points as many times as you can. If the fielders catch the ball, the batter is out. When all players are out, the teams swap over. The team with the most runs wins. It’s a great event for all the family. So next time you have a big family event, break out a bat and a ball!

So that’s our list of family games that you must try. Are there any games that we missed? Which one here is your favorite? Do you have any treasured family memories from games? Let us know in the comments. As always, thank you for reading.