9 Best Backyard Games for Adults, Kids and the Whole Family

April 15, 2024

Last Updated: June 2026

Whether you have a small deck and patio, a spacious backyard, or even a pool, there are plenty of exciting backyard games and activities to enjoy with friends and family.

At DeKing, we understand the importance of creating versatile outdoor spaces that cater to various needs and preferences. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of backyard game ideas suitable for different environments, including tweaks for adult-only versions and kid-only versions of the games.

Why are Brisbane families choosing patio decks for backyard games?

• Whether you have a small deck and patio roof, a spacious backyard, or a pool, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
• The best pool decks for Aussies last a long time, with durability for all kinds of subtropical weather.
• Non-slip surfaces, balustrades, and gates make this bonus outdoor space safe for the whole family.
• Entertaining is so easy with this luxury addition for pool furniture, games, and more – it even adds value to the home.
• At DeKing, we’re dedicated to helping you create outdoor spaces that enhance your lifestyle and bring joy to your home.

What are the Best 9 Backyard Games for Your Aussie Deck Patio Area?

1. Grass & Pool Volleyball:

1. Set up a net across your grass area or pool and ensure the ball won’t get lost if hit too far.
2. Use patio seating areas for spectators and as a base for serving and returning balls.
3. Players win points when the opposing player misses a ball or hits it out of the ‘court’.

Adults-Only Version: Play intense matches with advanced rules and strategies that require teamwork, communication, and skill to outplay opponents.

Kids-Only Version: Adjust the net height and rules to accommodate younger players and focus on developing basic volleyball skills and techniques in a supportive environment.

Family Version: Enjoy casual matches with mixed-age teams and relaxed rules that encourage friendly competition and promote teamwork and collaboration.

2. Table Tennis

1. Set up a table tennis table in a level area of your backyard (if you don’t have a table tennis table, you could DIY with an old dining table and a piece of netting.
2. Divide players into teams or play individually.
3. Use paddles to hit the ball back and forth over the net, aiming to score points by landing the ball in your opponent’s half of the table.

Adults-Only Version: Organise a round-robin tournament with friends for intense matches.

Kids-Only Version: Develop hand-eye coordination and teamwork through casual matches.

3. Cornhole or Bean Bag Toss

1. Set up cornhole boards at a suitable distance apart in your backyard.
2. Take turns throwing bean bags at the opposite cornhole board, aiming to land them on the board or in the hole for points.
3. The team or player with the most points wins.

Adults-Only Version: Set advanced challenges and incorporate advanced throwing techniques.

Kids-Only Version: Enjoy learning the game basics and practising throwing accuracy.

Supersize It: In a big backyard, use large hula hoops and full-sized bean bags.

4. Lawn Bowling

1. Set up a bowling lane in your backyard using cones or bottles as pins.
2. Players take turns rolling a ball towards the pins, aiming to knock down as many as possible.
3. Score points based on the number of pins knocked down.

Adults-Only Version: Introduce variations like blindfolded bowling or obstacle courses for added challenge.

Kids-Only Version: Use lightweight balls and arrange the pins closer together for easier play.

5. Water Balloon Toss

1. Fill water balloons and gather participants in a clear outdoor area.
2. Stand in pairs facing each other, with a designated distance between partners.
3. Toss the water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch.
4. The last pair standing without dropping their balloon wins the game.
5. To limit waste and pollution, use biodegradable or reusable water balloons.

Adults-Only Version: Increase the distance between partners and add obstacles to make catching more challenging.

Kids-Only Version: Keep the distance short and focus on fun, encouraging laughter and splashing.

Up the Stakes: With safety precautions in place, use the water balloons for a game of dodgeball.

6. Lawn Scrabble

1. Create a large Scrabble board on your lawn using tiles or pieces of cardboard.
2. Take turns drawing letter tiles and forming words on the board, crossword-style.
3. Score points based on the letters used and any bonus squares landed on.

Adults-Only Version: Introduce a time limit for turns to add pressure and strategic thinking.

Kids-Only Version: Use simpler words and allow players to collaborate to form words together.

7. Obstacle Course

1. Set up a series of challenges and obstacles in your backyard, such as hurdles, cones, and ropes.
2. Players race against the clock or compete head-to-head, navigating the obstacles as quickly as possible.
3. The fastest time or first player to complete the course wins.

Adults-Only Version: Increase the difficulty by adding complex obstacles and challenging terrain.

Kids-Only Version: Keep it simple with age-appropriate obstacles and plenty of encouragement.

8. Limbo

1. Set up a limbo pole or stick at a low height in your backyard.
2. Players take turns bending backward and passing under the limbo pole without touching it or falling.
3. Lower the limbo pole after each successful round to increase the difficulty.

Adults-Only Version: Increase the challenge with a smaller gap between the ground and the limbo pole.

Kids-Only Version: Keep the limbo pole at a higher level and focus on fun and flexibility, or make it lower to keep it challenging even at children’s small height.

9. Slip and Slide

1. Lay a tarp or plastic sheet on a grassy area of your backyard, ensuring it’s long enough for sliding.
2. Secure the edges of the tarp with stakes or weights to prevent it from moving during use.
3. Add a layer of soap and water to the tarp to create a slippery surface for sliding.
4. Players run and slide along the tarp, enjoying exhilarating and refreshing fun.

Adults-Only Version: Increase the length and incline of the slip and slide for a thrilling ride.

Kids-Only Version: Supervise younger children and ensure a safe landing area at the end of the slide.

Level Up: Set challenges, for example sliding backwards.

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How can DeKing help?

Transform your backyard into a vibrant and entertaining space with these fun and creative game ideas.

Ready to elevate your outdoor space? Contact DeKing to explore our range of patio designs and create the perfect setting for your backyard games and entertainment. DeKing are pergola, carport and patio roof builders in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, Redlands, Bayside, Logan, Ipswich, and Moreton Bay

Get an obligation-free quote using our patio roof and deck calculator for an estimate

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