21 Summer Party Games to Play in Your Garden for Adults and Kids
Summer is the perfect season to host a garden party. The warm weather, long days, and blooming gardens set a fantastic scene for fun and frolic.
Whether you're planning a casual get-together or a big bash, having a repertoire of engaging games can make your party memorable for both adults and kids.
Here are 21 summer party games that will ensure everyone has a blast.
Oh, and if this is for a summer garden party, then you may be interested in these party guides;
And whilst you’re at it, remember to get the outfits sorted with these style guides
Classic Games for Everyone
Sack Race
The sack race is a timeless favorite that brings out everyone's competitive spirit. You'll need some large burlap sacks (or sturdy pillowcases) and an open area in your garden.
Line up the participants, have them step into their sacks, and on your signal, they hop to the finish line. It’s a hilarious sight and a great way to get everyone laughing.
Pro Tip: Keep the race short and sweet to avoid any spills or tumbles, especially for the little ones.
2. Egg and Spoon Race
This game is all about balance and patience. Each player gets a spoon and an egg (hard-boiled to avoid a mess).
They must race from start to finish without dropping their egg. For added challenge, set up a small obstacle course.
I once hosted a party where my cousin, a notorious prankster, swapped the hard-boiled eggs with raw ones mid-race. The resulting chaos and laughter are still talked about today!
3. Three-Legged Race
Pair up your guests, tie their adjacent legs together with a soft cloth, and let the race begin.
This game demands coordination and teamwork, making it a great icebreaker for guests who don’t know each other well.
Tip: Ensure the ties are secure but not too tight, and pick a soft, grassy area to avoid any injuries.
Water-Based Games
4. Water Balloon Toss
Perfect for cooling down on a hot day, water balloon toss is simple yet endlessly entertaining.
Pair up players and give each pair a water balloon. They start close together, tossing the balloon back and forth. With each successful toss, they take a step back. The last pair with an unbroken balloon wins.
5. Slip 'n Slide
Create your own slip 'n slide with a long sheet of plastic, some water, and a bit of soap. It’s an exhilarating game for kids and adults who are young at heart. Make sure the slide is on a soft, grassy hill to avoid any injuries.
Safety Note: Always supervise the kids and make sure the landing area is clear of rocks and debris.
Oh, and you will need this slip and slide;
6. Sponge Relay Race
Divide the participants into teams and give each team a large sponge and a bucket of water. At the other end of the course, place an empty bucket. Players soak the sponge, race to the empty bucket, and squeeze out as much water as they can.
The team with the most water in their bucket at the end wins.
At a family reunion, we once added food coloring to the water for an extra splash of color and fun. Just be mindful of any stains!
Team-Based Games
7. Tug of War
A classic test of strength and teamwork, tug of war never fails to excite. Use a sturdy rope and ensure the middle ground is marked. Split your guests into two teams, and on your signal, each team pulls with all their might.
Tip: For a fun twist, have a kiddie pool or mud pit in the middle for the losing team to fall into! You’ll also need a proper rope made for tugging so you don’t get rope burn.
8. Capture the Flag
Divide your garden into two territories, and place a flag in each team's base. The goal is to capture the opponent’s flag and bring it back to your base without getting tagged.
This game is fantastic for larger groups and keeps everyone moving.
9. Relay Races
Relay races can be customized in countless ways. You can incorporate elements like running, hopping, balancing objects, or even crawling. The key is to keep it fun and varied to maintain everyone’s interest.
Pro Tip: Use pool noodles, hula hoops, and other colorful props to create interesting relay segments.
Fun for Kids
10. Treasure Hunt
Kids love a good treasure hunt. Hide small toys, candies, or themed trinkets around your garden and provide a map or clues. This game can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
Tip: Themes can make the hunt more exciting. Consider pirate, fairy tale, or dinosaur themes.
11. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
A party staple for younger kids, pin the tail on the donkey is easy to set up and always a hit. Blindfold the player, spin them around, and see how close they can get to pinning the tail in the right spot.
Pro Tip: Customize the game to fit your party’s theme – it doesn’t have to be a donkey!
12. Bubble Station
Set up a bubble station with a variety of wands and bubble solutions. Kids can entertain themselves for hours, chasing and popping bubbles. This low-effort activity is perfect for giving parents a breather while kids have fun.
Fun for Adults
13. Lawn Darts
Lawn darts are a fun and slightly competitive game that adults can enjoy with a drink in hand. Set up the target rings at different distances and see who can score the most points.
Safety Note: Ensure the area is clear of children and pets while playing.
14. Giant Jenga
A garden party favorite, giant Jenga is both a game of skill and suspense. The oversized blocks make it a visually impressive and engaging activity. As the tower grows taller, so does the excitement.
15. Cornhole
Cornhole is a great game for guests of all ages. Set up the boards a fair distance apart and let the bean bag tossing begin. It's a laid-back game that pairs perfectly with summer refreshments.
Creative and Unique Games
16. DIY Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course using everyday items from your home and garden. Use hula hoops, cones, ropes, and anything else you can think of. Set up a series of challenges like crawling under tables, jumping over hoses, and balancing on beams.
Pro Tip: Tailor the difficulty to your guests. Make it more challenging for adults and simpler for kids.
17. Human Ring Toss
In this twist on the classic ring toss, use inflatable rings and have one person from each team act as the target. It’s a hilarious and interactive game that ensures lots of laughter.
At my friend's garden party, the adults had as much fun as the kids, especially when the "targets" started moving around!
18. Paint Balloon Dart Board
Attach balloons filled with non-toxic, washable paint to a large board or canvas. Give each player darts and let them pop the balloons to create a colorful masterpiece. This activity doubles as a creative art project and a game.
Tip: Set up a splash zone to protect your garden from paint splatters.
Evening Games
19. Glow-in-the-Dark Hide and Seek
As the sun sets, switch to glow-in-the-dark hide and seek. Provide glow sticks or necklaces to the seekers while the hiders try to find the best spots. The glowing elements add a magical touch to this classic game.
20. Outdoor Movie Night
garden movie night - image source
End your party on a relaxing note with an outdoor movie night. Set up a projector and a screen (or a white sheet), lay out some blankets and cushions, and let everyone wind down with a family-friendly movie. Don’t forget the popcorn!
We once screened a surprise slideshow of old family photos before the movie. It was a hit, bringing back fond memories and lots of laughter.
2 products we’d recommend for this one. For starters, how about a 20ft blow up screen?
21. Firefly Catching Contest
If you’re lucky enough to have fireflies in your area, a catching contest can be a magical experience for kids. Provide jars with air holes and let them gently catch and release the fireflies.
It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature and end the evening on a peaceful note.
Tip: Remind the kids to be gentle and always release the fireflies after a few minutes.
Incorporating games into your summer garden party is a surefire way to keep your guests entertained and create lasting memories.
From classic races to creative challenges and evening activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mix and match these games to suit your guest list, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative.
With the right games, your summer party will be the highlight of the season!
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