Backyard Party Games

Pre-Party Planning

• Look around your backyard and evaluate how many people and chairs you can comfortably accommodate with the space you have available. If necessary, set up chairs and tables to determine if you have enough space for guests to move freely about.

  Once you have determined the number of guests to invite, consider the space necessary for games and how expansive your games can be; you won't want participants falling over chairs, tables, and other guests while playing. When planning an outdoor party, the size of the outdoor space available has a huge impact on type of games, number of guests and size of props that can be used for the games. Once you have determined your space and guest count, you can then consider the different outdoor game options to include in your party.

Outdoor Obstacle Courses

• Planning an outdoor obstacle course requires a lot of space: the bigger the better. Remember that children have wonderful imaginations that allow for creative thinking; even the simplest of props can be magical if presented accordingly.

  A wooden 2 X 4, laid out on the lawn, makes a perfect balance beam. Four or five hula hoops laid in an offset pattern allow children to jump from one to the other. Use orange cones or homemade paper cones to serve as markers that each child weaves in and out of while kicking a soccer ball. Add a jumping line at the end and measure how far each child jumps after completing the course. Use a stop watch and tape measure to calculate each participant's results.

Water Race Relays

• Water games are fun no matter who wins. Divide the children into two teams. Give each team an empty bucket, placed at the finish line, and a bucket with holes punched in the bottom and sides; this will be filled with water that leaks out as each contestant runs with it to the finish line. The objective is to transfer the water from the leaking bucket to the empty one. This game is fast-paced, sloppy and fun for everyone. Be prepared to play over and over again.

The Old Standbys

• If you want to host an indoor party and still offer a few energy-burning outdoor games that require minimal preparation and props, standard relay races are always popular. Form two or more teams; give each team one ball. The line leader begins by passing the ball over his head or between his legs; the following players alternate as the ball moves down the line, alternating passing style. Each person in line must pass the ball to the person behind; when the ball reaches the end of the line, it passes back up the line in the same direction from which it came. The relay ends when the ball reaches the front of the line.