Not everyone has a big backyard.
We recognize that. It’s part of the reason we sell something called a space saver swing set.
But a small backyard doesn’t have to equal a boring backyard. There are plenty of fantastic backyard games that you can play no matter how much – or how little – space you have.
1. Ice block treasure hunt
The last time we wrote about backyard games, we suggested hosting a scavenger hunt, which is something better suited to a lot of space.
But folks with smaller backyards can do something similar with this activity. You’ll need:
- A plastic container
- Water
- Small toys, or maybe some coins if playing with older children. Use toys made from hard, less flexible plastic.
- Spray bottles filled with warm water, salt, a hammer or anything else you can think of to melt ice and unearth the buried “treasure”
- A few days to let the layers of ice form
Start by filling the container with an inch of water. Add some of the toys and a few ice cubes – you can use colored ice cubes to make the game more interesting – and freeze.
Once the first layer is frozen, add more water, more toys, more ice cubes. Keep this up until the container is filled to the top and you’ve made a solid ice block.
Remove the ice block from the container and give the kids the tools they’ll need to dig out the toys. Be careful when letting them handle the hammer.
Save this game – and the next one on the list -- for a hot summer’s day.
2. Water balloon piñatas
Piñatas are a classic outdoor party game, but instead of candy, the treat here is a chance to cool off on a hot summer afternoon.
You’ll need:
- A hose with a nozzle
- Some water balloons
- A plastic bat
- String
- Nylon rope
Start by finding a place where you can hang the rope, such as a tree branch.
Then fill the balloons with water using the hose. Cut the string into irregular lengths and tie those strings to the balloons. Attach the other end to the rope.
Hang the rope low enough so that smaller children can hit the balloons, and then let them swing away! (One at a time, and with everyone else at a safe distance.)
3. Blowing bubbles
This is a summertime classic, and one that’s easy to pull together. You’ll just need a large jug, a gallon of distilled water, 2 cups of liquid dish soap and a cup of corn syrup. You can make bubble wands using pipe cleaners, and let your kids go to work. Read our winter activities list from last year to learn how to make frozen bubbles.
4. Yard Twister
Here’s another holdover from our last list, which is mostly otherwise geared towards games that require a lot of space. For this game, you’ll need the amount of space you’d want for a normal game of indoor Twister, and some ground marking spray paint (so as not to damage your lawn).
Instead of the typical plastic Twister mat, you’re going to make your own, painting 20 circles – five blue, five green, five yellow and five red – in a square. Use smaller squares for smaller children.
Do you have a small backyard? Don’t let that keep you from having a swing set. Our space saver swing set line is perfect for families with smaller yards – like in townhomes – or anyone who wants to install a backyard playset without having to give up too much backyard real estate.
You can browse Swingset & Toy Warehouse’s space saver swing set collection here or stop and see us at one of our four New Jersey locations. We’re confident we have the right playset for your yard.
