Fun Outdoor Party Ideas for Kids of All Ages
One of the best parts of summer is the freedom to spend time outdoors with family and friends.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. [Learn more]
If you’re looking for some new ideas to keep the little ones entertained, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you are planning a birthday party, having friends over to beat the heat, or simply enjoying a backyard BBQ, these fun outdoor party ideas will be perfect to try this summer.
From water balloon games to homemade pizzas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Outdoor Party Ideas
And if you find the end of summer creeping up on your before you can plan the outdoor fun, go ahead and make it a back to school bash or “send off to summer party” instead. Whatever the reason, just have fun!
Make a Splash
Of course if you have a swimming pool — even an above-ground pool — this is an obvious one. But even if you don’t have access to a pool, a sprinkler or Slip and Slide can be just as great.
And if all else fails, you can still have a wet and wild party. Pool toys like water guns, water balloons, and water relay races will make for plenty of fun times.
Setting up a water balloon or water gun target practice is a great way to keep kids entertained at an outdoor party. It’s also a great way to get them active and engaged in their surroundings.
One way to set up a water balloon or water gun target practice is to create a designated area for it. This can be done by setting up some cones or other markers to create a border around the area.
Then, fill up some water balloons or water guns and let the kids take turns trying to hit the target.
Another way to set up a water balloon or water gun target practice is to have a race. This can be done by setting up a course with different obstacles for the kids to navigate.
At the end of the course, there should be a water balloon or water gun target for the kids to shoot at. The first one to hit the target wins!
Either way, setting up a water balloon or water gun target practice is a great way to keep kids entertained at an outdoor party. It’s also a great way to get them active and engaged in their surroundings.
Use themed-party foods and fabulous decorations to really make a splash with your guests!
Let’s Race
One great way to get kids excited and moving at an outdoor party is to have a race! And there are lots of different kinds of races to choose from depending on the ages of the kids involved.
One option is sack races. To do this, you’ll need a few potato sacks (or make your own out of old pillowcases) and some tape to mark a start and finish line.
Then, line the kids up at the starting line and let them have at it! The first one to cross the finish line wins.
For a more challenging race, try three-legged races. To set this up, you’ll need two people for each team and a long bandana or piece of fabric to tie the middle legs together.
Once again, mark a start and finish line and let the teams race to the finish! The key here is to work together as a team and not trip over each other’s feet.
And for a super-fun relay race, grab a few buckets and fill them with water. Then set up a race course with a water stop at each end. The object of the race is to get the water from one bucket to the next without spilling any. The first team to fill their bucket wins!
Scavenger Hunt
Plan a scavenger hunt with age-appropriate clues and challenges.
Planning a scavenger hunt is a great way to get the kids outside and moving around.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose a theme for your scavenger hunt. This will help you come up with clues and challenges that are appropriate for the age group you are planning for.
- Make a list of items or challenges that need to be completed during the scavenger hunt. Again, consider the age group you are planning for when coming up with challenges.
- Hide the items or challenges around the designated scavenger hunt area. Make sure to leave enough space between each item so that the kids have to search for them.
- Write out the clues for each challenge or item. You can make the clues as easy or difficult as you want, depending on the age group you are planning for.
- Once you have hidden all the items or challenges, give the kids the first clue and let them start the scavenger hunt!
Life’s a Beach
Bring the beach to your backyard! If you have a sand box — or can get one for the beach party — you can (kind of really) bring the sand to your yard.
Grab some sand toys and invite your guests to partake in a little sand castle-building competition. Make an arch out of beach balls to welcome everyone to your yard and serve under the sea themed party foods.
Outdoor Movie Night
Setting up an outdoor movie night is a great way to entertain kids of all ages.
You can set up a projector and screen in your backyard, or even just use a blank wall. Then, pop some popcorn and get out the chips and dip for a fun evening of movies under the stars.
If you want to make things even more fun, set up a makeshift movie theater by hanging sheets or blankets around the perimeter of the viewing area. You can also bring out some comfy chairs or pillows for the little ones to sit on.
And don’t forget the snacks! Popcorn, candy, and soft drinks will make the experience complete.
An outdoor movie night is a great way to spend an evening with the family. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with your kids and get them away from screens for a while. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
In Bloom Garden Party
If you are the type of person who loves to garden, and have friends that do as well, invite them over for some horticulture hoopla.
Have your guests plant some seeds in a cup or decorate a terra cotta pot they can plant it in and take home. Make Pudding Dirt Cups with gummy worms slithering out for added effect.
Colorful pinwheels around the garden will be a lively way to decorate and add a fun whimsical touch to the party.
Outdoor Obstacle Course
One great way to add some excitement to an outdoor party is to create an obstacle course. This can be done with a variety of things that are likely already around the yard or park.
For example, use hula hoops for jumpers to jump through, old tires or barrels for climbers to maneuver around, a line of cones for a slalom course, and anything else (pool noodles are great) that can be turned into an obstacle.
Not only is this a great way to keep the kids entertained, but it can also be a great way to get them active and moving around. Be sure to mix up the obstacles so that everyone has a chance to try something new. And, most importantly, have fun!
Carnival Themed Nerf Party
Grab your Nerf toys and invite your guests to bring their own as well. Set up a fun carnival themed NERF party complete with midway-type games and carnival foods.
A few cardboard boxes, craft supplies and yard toys can be the perfect tools needed to create a big top in your yard.
Serve cotton candy and big pretzels to your guests for added flair!
Go Fly a Kite
If you have a nice breeze, invite your guests to come over with their favorite kite. Or, pick up a few extra kites as a party favor for each guest of that seems easier.
OR… purchase craft supplies for everyone to make their own kite! It will be awesome seeing how each kite performs once everyone flies their kite.
For food and decorations think diamond shapes and bright colors. Graham crackers decorated like kites will make for a fabulous treat for your party guests.
When it comes to outdoor parties, the possibilities are endless.
With a little creativity and organization, you can throw a party that your kids and their friends will never forget. From themed parties to scavenger hunts, there are plenty of fun ideas to choose from.
Just be sure to plan ahead and take into consideration the ages of the kids attending. With a little effort, you can make sure that everyone has a blast.
Use your best creative talents and see what other ideas you can come up with!
In fact, why not host a field day or find one of another 101+ summer activities to create a summer party around! Have fun.