Picnic Playtime – 20 Fun Family Games for Active Outings
Nothing beats a sunny day spent outside with the family! Picnics are the perfect way to enjoy fresh air and open spaces, but sometimes they need a little extra fun. Why not add some family games that get everyone moving? Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to the park or a simple back garden lunch, I’ve got 20 lively games that encourage physical activity and give everyone a little exercise.
Capture the Flag Fun
Capture the Flag is a timeless game for both kids and adults. It’s perfect for a large open area where teams can strategise and sprint. The aim is simple – capture the opposing team’s flag while protecting your own.
To start, divide the family into two teams and set boundaries for each team’s area. Place a flag (or any object you have) in each territory. The challenge lies in sneaking into the other team’s area and grabbing their flag without getting tagged. If you’re tagged, you must freeze until a teammate frees you.
This game encourages teamwork and strategy, making it an excellent way to strengthen family bonds. Plus, it provides a great cardio workout as players dash back and forth.
Frisbee Golf Fun
Frisbee Golf combines throwing skills with a bit of strategy. You don’t need a golf course, just a few trees, buckets, or other targets spread around your picnic area. The goal is to throw the frisbee from a starting point to hit each target with the fewest throws.
Set a course with several ‘holes’, deciding on the order and distance between targets. Each player takes turns throwing their frisbee towards the targets, counting the number of throws it takes to hit each one.
This game is excellent for improving hand-eye coordination and offers a steady pace for everyone to enjoy. It’s easy to adjust the difficulty based on the distance between targets, making it suitable for all ages.
Giant Jenga Challenge
Giant Jenga adds a fun twist to a classic game. It requires balance, patience, and a steady hand. You can buy a set or make your own using wooden blocks.
Set up the tower and take turns removing one block at a time, placing it on top without toppling the tower. The excitement builds as the tower grows taller and more unstable.
This game is fantastic for developing focus and concentration. It’s also perfect for all ages, as younger kids can participate with a little guidance.
Tug of War
Tug of War is a strength-based game that gets everyone laughing and pulling together – literally! All you need is a sturdy rope and some open space.
Divide the family into two teams, each holding one end of the rope. The aim is to pull the opposing team across a designated line. Remember to keep things light-hearted and safe by playing on grass or soft ground.
This game encourages teamwork and communication. It also provides a full-body workout, as players use their legs, core, and arms to pull.
Sack Race Silliness
A sack race is a hilarious, bouncy way to get everyone moving. All you need are some sturdy sacks or pillowcases and a clear path for racing, ideally with a soft landing (grass rather than gravel!).
Line up family members at the starting line, each standing inside a sack. On ‘Go!’, everyone hops towards the finish line. The first to cross wins!
This game improves balance and coordination and is bound to cause lots of giggles. It’s ideal for families with young children who enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
Relay Race Excitement
Relay races offer endless possibilities for fun and creativity. They’re also easy to adapt with different activities, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Divide into teams and set up a course with different stations. Each station can have a unique challenge, like hopping on one foot, spinning three times, or crawling under a picnic table. Once a team member completes their task, they tag the next person to go.
Relay races encourage teamwork and communication. They also offer a burst of energy and enthusiasm, perfect for creating exciting picnic memories.
Three-Legged Race Fun
The three-legged race is a classic that never fails to entertain. It requires coordination and cooperation, making it ideal for strengthening family bonds.
Pair up family members and tie one person’s leg to their partner’s leg with a scarf or bandana. Line everyone up at the start and race to the finish line.
This game is all about teamwork and balance. It’s a playful way to build trust and communication among family members and promises plenty of laughter.
Scavenger Hunt Adventure
A scavenger hunt transforms your picnic area into a world of discovery. It encourages exploration and problem-solving while getting everyone involved.
Create a list of items or clues to find around the picnic area. You can include natural things like leaves, rocks, or feathers, or even small toys or treats. Divide into teams or work as a group to find everything on the list.
Scavenger hunts nurture curiosity and observation skills. They’re great for sparking family collaboration and celebrating little victories when items are found. The longer the list the more walking you will all do without even realising it.
Balloon Volleyball
Balloon Volleyball is all about keeping a balloon in the air while following volleyball rules. It’s a gentle, engaging game that’s easy to set up.
Use a string or net to divide the sides and start playing! Players must hit the balloon over the net without letting it touch the ground. You can play with set teams or rotate players to keep things interesting.
This game is perfect for improving reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Its light-hearted nature suits all ages, making it a fantastic way to enjoy a sunny day outdoors as long as there isn’t too much wind.
Human Knot
The Human Knot is a delightful game that tests problem-solving and teamwork. It’s a fun challenge that results in shared laughter and triumph.
Gather everyone in a circle, standing shoulder to shoulder. Each person reaches across and grabs the hand of someone opposite them. The goal is to untangle the ‘knot’ without letting go of hands, ending in a circle.
This game fosters communication and strategic thinking. It’s an ideal team-building exercise that strengthens connections and encourages creative solutions.
Duck Duck Goose
Duck Duck Goose is a classic children’s game that never goes out of style. It’s simple, energetic, and perfect for younger family members.
Everyone sits in a circle, and one person walks around, tapping heads while saying ‘Duck’. When they say ‘Goose’, the chosen person must chase them around the circle, trying to tag them before they reach the open seat.
This game boosts reflexes and agility while providing endless giggles. It’s a great way to engage younger children and keep them active.
Simon Says
Simon Says is a listening and movement game that’s as educational as it is entertaining. It sharpens attention and follows commands.
One person plays ‘Simon’ and gives instructions like ‘Simon says jump’ or ‘Simon says spin’. Players only follow the command if it starts with ‘Simon says’. If they move without it, they’re out for that round.
This game is perfect for encouraging listening skills and quick thinking. It’s perfect for groups of all ages and can be adjusted to be as challenging or easy-going as needed.
Hula Hoop Contest
Hula hooping is an activity that encourages movement and laughter. A little friendly competition adds to the fun.
Line up participants with a hula hoop each and see who can keep theirs spinning the longest. You can introduce challenges like spinning while moving forward or using multiple hoops.
This game improves coordination and core strength. It’s a fantastic way to add some music and creativity to your picnic fun. If everyone struggles to hula hoop with it on their waist then maybe do it on arms?
Nature Obstacle Course
Nature Obstacle Courses combine the thrill of an obstacle race with the beauty of the outdoors. They’re customisable and can include various challenges depending on where you are.
Design a course using natural elements like logs, rocks, and trees. Participants might crawl under branches, hop over stones, or balance along fallen logs. Timed runs add excitement and challenge for older children who might otherwise consider it babyish.
This game enhances agility and confidence. It’s a brilliant way to engage with the natural environment and enjoy a bit of adventure.
Blindfolded Taste Test
A Blindfolded Taste Test is a fun, sensory experience that brings laughter and surprises. It’s a fun way to explore different flavours.
Prepare several foods or treats with distinct tastes. Blindfold a participant and have them guess what they’re tasting. You can make it a contest by awarding points for correct answers.
This game hones sensory perception and encourages appreciation of different foods. It’s a sweet way to share giggles and culinary exploration. This is a great way to keep youngsters busy with other challenges if they have more physical energy than you!
Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light is a classic game that combines running with quick stops, creating bursts of energy and fun.
One person plays the ‘traffic light’, standing at a distance from the group. When they say ‘Green Light’, players move forward, but they must freeze when ‘Red Light’ is called. Those caught moving return to the start.
This game sharpens reflexes and adds excitement as players compete to reach the traffic light first. It’s a timeless favourite that brings everyone together for a burst of fun and energy.
Bean Bag Throw
Bean Bag Throw is a game of accuracy and focus, offering a laid-back yet engaging experience for all ages.
Set up a target like a bucket or a board with holes and take turns tossing bean bags to score points. You can adjust the distance for different skill levels, encouraging fair play.
This game improves hand-eye coordination and precision. It’s a versatile activity that’s easy to set up and enjoy anywhere.
Shadow Tag
Shadow Tag is a fun twist on traditional tag, using shadows instead of physical touches. It’s perfect for sunny picnic days when shadows are strong.
One person is ‘It’ and tries to step on others’ shadows. When someone’s shadow is tagged, they become the new ‘It’. It’s a great way to play in the sun and enjoy some light-hearted fun whilst keeping active.
This game is all about agility and spatial awareness, allowing everyone to enjoy it.
Hot Potato
Hot Potato is a fast-paced passing game that keeps everyone on their toes. Its simple setup makes it an instant hit and reminds me of being young.
Start a playlist and pass a ball or potato around the circle. When the music stops, the person holding the potato is out. Continue until only one player remains.
This game sharpens reaction speed and provides a lively rhythm to your picnic. It’s a fun way to enjoy music and movement together without having to take anything extra with you other than perhaps a small ball to use for the game.
Family Dance-Off
A Family Dance-Off brings energy to any picnic. It’s all about letting loose and celebrating movement without caring how you look.
Play some lively tunes and encourage family members to dance their hearts out. You can introduce challenges like dancing with props or creating a routine.
This game promotes creativity and freedom of expression. It’s a fantastic way to wrap up your picnic with laughter and smiles.
Which do you enjoy?
Remember, the goal is to have fun and connect with each other. have you played any of the above games or are there others I have missed you can recommend? Let me know in the comments below. Remember to adjust the games to suit your family’s preferences and enjoy the precious moments spent together.
