Wellness

Outdoor BBQ Games for Family Fitness

Outdoor Family Fitness Games
Need an excuse to head outside?  Whether you’re hanging with kids, the whole family, or just adults, outdoor games will do the trick.  With options for every budget, fitness level, and age, outdoor games are a great way to socialize and stay active at your next gathering.  Here are some outdoor family fitness games to get you started!

Traditional Outdoor Family Fitness Games

From corn hole to bocce ball, it’s easy to find these favorites at yard and craft sales.  They tend to appeal to a wide audience and you can usually participate with a cold beverage in hand.  Set up teams to increase the interaction and to level the playing field between young and old.

Craft your Own Outdoor Family Games

Ready to get creative?  Or maybe you’re just feeling thrifty.  You can make your own outdoor games with a minimal investment of time and money or create a masterpiece that you can enjoy for years to come.  I love the Outdoor Twister (paint your circles right onto the grass!) and the Giant Ring Toss using pool noodles.  If you’re feeling extra crafty, you can make a giant yard Jenga from 2 x 4’s. Throw in an afternoon session of painting pieces for the kids and you’ve got a double round of fun!

Leveled Up Outdoor Games

Got an old step ladder around?  Some plastic for a slip and slide?  Level up your outdoor recreation with a combination game requiring multiple steps.  Combine favorites like a ladder bean bag toss (see that link above) with a run through a sprinkler or down a slip and slide.  This is a great combination for kids and adults.  Get creative and incorporate some of the features of your backyard, including swing sets, trampolines, rolls down a gentle hill, even animal exercises!

Creative Outdoor Family Games

Not all games require a big investment in time, money, or supplies. Popular favorites include water balloon fights (or Dodgeball), egg carries and tosses, bottle battle (or beer frisbee), and capture the flag.  You can also put together an outdoor photo booth, create a toilet paper fashion show, or battle with balloons and empty paper towel holders. With a little creativity, you can take your outdoor games to a new level this year. If you have something especially wet or messy planned, be sure to let your guests know ahead of time so they can dress for it, (and mentally prepare).  Set up teams so that all levels of players feel comfortable joining in on the fun and leave room for spectators to enjoy from the side.  Finally, stay flexible.  It’s nice to have a variety of options so guests can join in throughout the day (or evening).
  About the writer: Joli Guenther is a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor and clinical social worker practicing in and around Madison, Wisconsin. Learn more about Joli.