Lawn Twister
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Hold it, HOOOOLD IT! Take the classic party game out into the yard by using a circle stencil and some spray paint to make your own game board on the grass. The best part is you don't have to worry about the mat getting twisted up, and if you have more players, you can make the game board bigger with some more paint. Just be sure to get it set up early enough for the paint to dry before you start playing.
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Activities for KidsCorn Hole
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This might not be the most active backyard game, but at least you get some arm motion going by tossing the beanbag. You can adjust the difficulty for adults or children by moving the boards closer or farther apart. Corn hole sets are available at many major retailers, or you can try building your own.
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Activities for KidsHorseshoes
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Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, but we do not recommend playing with hand grenades at your Fourth of July party. This classic game is a backyard staple and the rules are easy: closest horseshoe wins!
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Activities for KidsCroquet
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Sure, setup can take a while, but who doesn't love playing with a giant mallet (responsibly, of course)? Set up the course to be as easy or challenging as you like, then enjoy the free-for-all when everybody inevitably decides to gang up on the poor fool who takes the early lead.
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Activities for KidsBocce Ball
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Put wits and bowling skills to the test with this Italian lawn game. Games can be played one-on-one or in teams, and sets are available at most major retailers. Do you knock out another opponent's ball or go for the win by trying to get closest to the jack? The risk is yours, and you'll have fun deciding.
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Activities for KidsBadminton
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Way harder than it looks! And if you get a good volley going, get ready for a serious aerobic workout. Just make sure it's not too windy, or your shuttlecock will be flying all over the place.
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Activities for KidsVolleyball
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You don't need sand to get in a good game of volleyball — grass works just as well. Volleyball is a great game to get everybody involved because you can make the teams bigger or set up multiple teams and have a mini tournament.
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Activities for KidsWatch Your Step
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Everybody gets two balloons and two 18-inch lengths of string. Each player ties a balloon around each of his or her ankles. The game is simple: Try to pop your opponents' balloons without letting anybody else pop yours. You can play in teams or make it a free-for-all. Just make sure the balloons are filled with oxygen and not helium — the game is a lot more dangerous if the balloons aren't on the ground!
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Activities for KidsWater Balloon War
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Think of it like dodgeball, just a little wetter. Again, this game can be played in teams or in a free-for-all format. The last team or player to stay dry wins. Although on a hot Fourth of July, you may not want to be the winner of this one.
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Activities for KidsCapture the Flag
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Your backyard might not be quite big enough for this game, but you can always expand the boundaries to include the whole street or neighborhood if you need to. Just split up into two teams and give each team a "flag." Each team sets their flag up at a "base," then tries to capture the other team's flag and bring it back to their own base without getting caught.
*NOTE: Capture the flag SHOULD NOT be played with an actual American Flag. We recommend towels.
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