It can be easy to feel cooped up as a parent of young children because sometimes staying home is just easier than going out. However, taking some time to hang out in the backyard can provide the perfect balance of getting out of the house while not having to travel far. There are a variety of fun activities that you and your family can enjoy while hanging out in the backyard. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite ideas. 

Fun Backyard Family Activities

Spending time outside is great for the overall health of parents and kids alike. Whether it's the weekend or a long holiday break, having fun in the backyard is a great way to spend quality time as a family. Here are a few activities to try next time the weather is nice and the backyard is calling your name. 

1. Play with Water

No matter the ages of your children, you can’t really go wrong with playing with water. This activity is ideal for hot, sunny days because it can help keep everyone cool. Try setting up a splash pad or water table for younger children and toddlers. Water play is actually a great way to help with the healthy development of toddlers and young children. If your kids are a bit older, you could set up a slip n’ slide or even rent a water slide for the day. 

2. Host a Barbeque

Get some friends and neighbors involved in your backyard fun by inviting them over for a family barbeque. Grilling out is a lot of fun and it’s a super easy way to bring people together to just have a good time. Simply get some food to cook on the grill and some drinks for everyone and you’re all set. You can also set up some outside games or activities for the kids. 

3. Play Outside Games

Bean bag toss, giant jenga, and horseshoe are just a few examples of the many different games that you can set up for your kids to play outside. Take your kids’ ages into consideration when deciding on what outside games they will find the most fun. If you don’t want to go out and purchase a lot of supplies, you can simply get a football to toss back and forth, plan a game of tag, hide and seek, duck duck goose, or set up a scavenger hunt – these are all activities that require little to no equipment at all.

4. Make Some Art 

Painting is a peaceful activity for anyone. Take your paint supplies outside for the perfect opportunity to painting different scenes and objects such as trees and animals. You also won’t have to worry about making any messes inside in case you have a spill. Grab a few chairs, easels, some paint, and a canvas, and you’re all set. Your kids will enjoy the quality time with you and the opportunity to express themselves creatively. If you don’t have any paint supplies on hand, head to your closest sidewalk or driveway and use some sidewalk chalk to get creative.

5. Have a Picnic

You don’t have to go anywhere to have the perfect picnic. Spread out a spacious blanket in the grass and set up a picnic for you and your family. Keep food simple by preparing some sandwiches and chips, or you can make it a little fancier and set up a charcuterie board for you and your kids to pick at. Picnics are enjoyable for children and parents alike, so this offers a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some food together while also enjoying the weather on a nice day. If you have some trees in your backyard, we recommend setting up your picnic blanket in a shady spot so that you don’t get too hot. 

6. Exercise

What better way to set a positive example for your children than to exercise with them? Set up a yoga mat or large blanket and do some stretching, jumping jacks, squats, or whatever type of workout you prefer while your kids follow along. Working out in the backyard is even better than working out inside because you’ll be breathing in fresh air which offers additional health benefits. Not to mention, we all know that kids have tons of energy, so channeling it into a positive activity like exercise is incredibly beneficial. 

7. Set Up a Jungle Gym or Swing

If you’ve got a spacious backyard, investing in a jungle gym for your children is not a bad idea. Jungle gyms provide a fun activity that is unlikely to get old for your kids and offers the opportunity for kids to move their bodies and practice important skills like climbing. Be sure your jungle gym has been set up properly and check it regularly for any loose pieces or structural issues. 

Backyard Safety Tips for Young Children

The backyard is a great place for family fun, but it can also present some safety hazards for children of all ages. Below, we’ve listed some helpful safety tips to help keep your young children out of harm’s way when playing in the backyard. 

• Never leave young children unattended to play in the backyard.
• Be aware of swimming pool safety. If your children aren’t yet swimming well on their own, they should never be left to play in or near a swimming pool without adult supervision. 
• If your backyard is near a road, teach children to play away from traffic and always be paying attention to any cars. 
• Having a fenced-in backyard can help eliminate many safety concerns. 
• Keep lawn equipment locked in a shed or garage to prevent toddlers and young children from injuring themselves on sharp objects. 

Final Thoughts

A spacious backyard is incredibly useful for families of all sizes. Take advantage of yours by planning some engaging activities for you and your kids to try. Hanging out in the backyard is a great way to get out of the confines of your house without having to travel far and the fresh air offers health benefits for everyone in the family.