There’s nothing quite like spending quality time outdoors with your loved ones; organizing a family field day is the perfect way to make lasting memories. Whether it’s you’re planning for some summer fun with the kids or organizing a family reunion picnic, these games will add a splash of fun to your afternoon! While enjoying delicious food and basking in the sun are essential elements of a picnic, engaging in playful family field day games takes the experience to a new level. Let’s get to the fun!
1. Potato Sack Race
Bring back the nostalgia of childhood with a potato sack race. Gather some old pillowcases or burlap sacks, and mark a start and finish line. Each participant jumps into their sack and hops towards the finish line as quickly as possible. It’s a hilariously fun game that will have everyone laughing and cheering each other on.
If you don’t have any pillowcases that are big enough, this well-reviewed kit from Amazon might be just what you need:
- 6 BURLAP POTATO RELAY RACE SACKS: Measuring 23” x 40” these sacks are great for players of all ages, big enough for use by adults and small enough to be used by children. The sacks are large enough to reach the waist of a 6’-tall adult, and not too large for a child to use comfortably.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Tug of War
Divide the family into two teams and test their strength with a classic game of Tug of War. All you need is a sturdy rope and an open area. Feel the adrenaline rush as both teams pull with all their might, aiming to bring the rope to their side. It’s an excellent game to encourage teamwork and friendly competition.
3. Charades for Kids
Challenge your kids’ acting abilities (and score some quiet time) with our Charades for Kids printable cards. Just download, print, and cut out these cards for an easy, cheap, and super fun time. Have your kids act the words out while you try to guess. Split up into teams and set a timer to see which team can guess the most cards in the time limit to add a bit of competition to your picnic.
4. Water Balloon Toss
If it’s a hot summer day, embrace the water element with a water balloon toss. Fill a bucket with water balloons and have family members pair up. Standing a few feet away from each other, they’ll toss the water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The last duo with an intact water balloon wins!
5. Lawn Bowling
Transform your backyard into a mini-bowling alley with lawn bowling. Set up pins at one end, and take turns rolling a ball to knock them down. This game is suitable for all ages and adds a touch of friendly competition to your picnic. You can also create variations, such as assigning different point values to each pin.
If you need the pins and ball, then this should do the trick:
- BACKYARD GAME SET – This lawn bowling game is suitable to play both European Skittle Ball or Classic Ten Pin games - this set is sure to provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
6. Three-Legged Race
Form teams of two and tie one leg of each person together for a three-legged race. The goal is to reach the finish line while synchronizing with your partner’s movements. It requires coordination and communication, making it a fantastic game to strengthen bonds among family members.
7. Giant Jenga
Bring the popular game of Jenga to your outdoor gathering by creating a giant version. Use wooden blocks or cut pieces of sturdy cardboard of equal sizes. Stack them in a tower and take turns removing a block without toppling the structure. This game challenges patience and strategy, providing hours of entertainment for everyone.
Resources:
Or, if you’re not much for DIY projects, here’s the official Giant Jenga game:
- Original Giant Jenga Game - For 10+ years, this officially licensed company has created over-sized Jenga brand games - the family favorite, building & balancing, wooden block, stacking and crashing game trusted and loved by kids & adults for generations
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
8. Sack and Spoon Race
Add a twist to the traditional egg and spoon race by substituting it with a sack and spoon. Each participant balances an egg on a spoon held in one hand while hopping inside a sack. The task is to cross the finish line without dropping the egg. It’s an amusing game that will test everyone’s balance and focus.
9. Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe
Combine the thrill of Frisbee throwing with a strategy game by setting up a giant Tic-Tac-Toe board on the ground. Use tape or chalk to mark the squares, and take turns tossing the Frisbee to claim a space. The first player to get three marks in a row wins.
If you’re like me, then you probably have one, maybe two, frisbees laying around in the garage. For this activity, you can try to use paper plates if it’s not too windy, or you can pick up a pack of frisbees like this:
- THE ULTIMATE SUMMER TOY | When you think of fun summer games, a flying disc is one of the first summer toys that comes to mind. Our 12-pack of Flying Discs are great for backyard fun, playing in the park, or going to the beach--or in the pool. Each disk is 10 inches in diameter and offers a variety of bright colors. You get three each of blue, white, yellow, and red. Also perfect for birthday party favors, giveaways, and prizes.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
10. Water Gun Tag
Cool off and have a blast with a water gun tag game. Arm everyone with water guns and designate one person as the “tagger.” The tagger tries to spray others, while the rest of the players aim to avoid getting wet. Whoever gets tagged becomes the new tagger. It’s a fantastic game for hot summer picnics that guarantees lots of laughter and playful excitement.
Final Thoughts
Your family field day will be an unforgettable experience when you incorporate these 10 field day games. From traditional races to creative twists on classic games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Not only will these games encourage laughter and friendly competition, but they’ll also create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds within your family. So pack your picnic basket, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a day filled with fun, laughter, and outdoor excitement!
