25+ DIY Backyard Games

Ready for some backyard fun?

Get your creativity flowing and make your very own DIY backyard games! Gather your friends and family for a day of laughter and competition right in your own backyard.  Friendly for all ages!

Whether it's a family reunion, a weekend barbecue, or a casual get-together with friends, these games provide endless amusement for everyone involved. Laughter and smiles abound as players engage in friendly competition!

Save $$$

Many traditional outdoor games can be expensive to purchase, but by making them yourself, you can save a significant amount of money. With some basic materials and a little creativity, you can transform everyday items into entertaining games, allowing you to have fun without breaking the bank.

GAME ON!


 

 


1. Easiest Corn Hole Plans with Printable PDF

diy corn hole plans

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material, plywood, nuts, bolts, washers

Cornhole, one of the best loved outdoor games! To make this build as easy as possible, we have created a free, downloadable PDF to build your own corn hole boards. All it takes is a drill and jig saw to build this cornhole game! For a corn hole score board check out this tutorial out by The Handyman's Daughter!

 

 


 


 

 


2. 4 Square Volleyball

diy 4 square volleyabll game

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x2, garden stakes, rope

This Four Square Volleyball plan is so easy and inexpensive and will provide hours of fun! Just grab some rope and 1x2's and you'll be playing in the matter of minutes. Easy to put up and take down and doesn't need a large area to play!

 

 


 


 

 


3. Triangle Peg Game

diy triangle peg game

Image Credit: The DIY Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, wood dowels

Looking for a fun game for all ages? This triangle peg game is great to take with you wherever you go! 

 

 


 


 

 


4. Multi Sport Goal Net

multi sport goal net diy

Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, netting

Make your own street hockey, lacrosse or soccer goal!  Heavier than PVC so won't blow away in the wind, but inexpensive and easy to make! A great gift idea and it will encourage kids and parents to get outside and play!

 

 


 


 

 


5. Kerplunk Outdoor Game

kerplunk outdoor game

Image Credit: The DIY Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Jig Saw, Staple Gun, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, wood dowels, wire mesh, pipe insulation, balls

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6. Outdoor Plinko Board

diy plinko game

Image Credit: Nick and Alicia

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, wood dowels, plywood, bolts, washers, nuts, chain, eyebolts, plexiglass, precut nimbers and letters

Who doesn't love Plinko? This game is the perfect addition to backyard parties (kid or adult parties), school carnivals, or as part of a kids playroom. It will provide lots of fun with family and friends. It's a classic game that crosses all generations.

 

 


 


 

 


7. Outdoor Game Table

game table diy checkers

Image Credit: Shanty 2 Chic

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material, trim, wood panel

This DIY Outdoor Game Table top flips over and you have a choice of a tic-tac-toe game, checkers or chess! Don’t feel like playing a game? This table can double as an outdoor coffee table! It’s a super easy build, and the perfect weekend project!

 

 


 


 

 


8. Giant DIY Jenga Game

diy giant jenga game

Image Credit: The Idea Room

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, handles

Check out this giant sized version of Jenga for the yard! We love that the game includes the storage box for easy clean up and storage! Have fun finishing with bright colors or keep it natural. 

 

 


 


 

 


9. Mini Golf Putt Game

mini gold putt game diy

Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Stapler, Mallet, Sander, Safety Glasses, 
Materials: 1x and 2x material, plywood, pvc cap, artificial turf

Perfect for any backyard or outdoor event:

  • birthday party
  • field day school event
  • reception

Make two course platforms and you have a great competition going. Check out the bigger version 2.0 on our premium site! 

 

 


 


 

 


10. DIY Folding Ping Pong Table

diy ping pong table

Image Credit: 100 Things to do

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Intermediate 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Nailer Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, plywood, hinges, drawer slides, foldable table legs

A DIY Ping Pong Table that folds, an awesome addition to an outdoor space! It's easy to store away and when folded only takes up a 10" wide footprint.

 

 


 


 

 


11. Four in a Row Yard Game

diy connect 4 yard game

Image Credit: Build Basic

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Hole Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, plywood, hinges, magnetic catch

A giant yard version of Connect 4, how cool is this! The perfect backyard game to add for backyard family tournaments and easy to store away when not being used.

 

 


 


 

 


12. Lawn Dominoes

lawn dominoes

Image Credit: Blog Iron and Twine

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses, Cutting Tool
Materials: 2x material, cardboard

Inspired by summer game-nights, Iron and Twine decided to make an oversized version of a classic game, DIY Lawn Dominoes!  Have fun by adding a splash of color that screams summertime and get playing!

 

 


 


 

 


13. Yard Dice

diy yard dice

Image Credit: Rogue Engineer

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Fostner Bit, Safety Glasses
Materials: 4x material

Yard dice can be spendy, this DIY version uses free scrap 4x4 pieces! Basically any game that uses dice can be played outside using these oversized dice, how fun!

 

 


 


 

 


14. DIY Bowling Lane

diy bowling lane

Image Credit: Handmade with Ashley

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, bowling pins, paint/markers

Bowling in the backyard, I'm game!

 

 


 


 

 


15. Jumbo Tic Tac Toe

diy tic tac toe

Image Credit: Ginger Snap Crafts

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material

Jumbo Tic Tac Toe for the backyard and for outdoor parties is a great addition and super easy to build!

 

 


 


 

 


16. Wooden Ladder Toss Game

diy ladder toss game

Image Credit: The DIY Plan

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, wood dowels, game pieces

If you’re looking for a good lawn game to add to your next barbecue get-together party, check out this DIY Ladder Toss Game The DIY Plan  made from 2x4s. It takes only a few hours to build it. If you haven’t yet discovered the world of ladder toss, check it out now!

 

 


 


 

 


17. Giant Wall Scrabble Game

diy wall scrabble

Image Credit: Jen Woodhouse

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Advanced
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Carve Tool, Router, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x, plywood, magnets, 

If you have a nice covered outdoor area, this Giant Wall Scrabble Game will be a fantastic addition!

 

 


 


 

 


18. Baseball Bean Bag Toss

baseball bean bag toss

Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Hole Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, plywood

Under a covered area, here is another awesome game to add to the great outdoors. Do you have a competitive spirit? This fun bean bag baseball game will be a big hit at family gatherings! 

 

 


 


 

 


19. Football Toss Game

footbal toss game

Image Credit: Cherished Bliss

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Jig Saw, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: Cedar Fence Pickets, hinges

Using cedar boards create a fun outdoor football toss game! Finish it however you'd like or keep it natural.

 

 

 


 


 

 


20. Standing Hook and Ring Game

standing hook and ring game

Image Credit: H20 Bungalow

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Scroll Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: Backboard, Flag Pole Holder, Rings, Eye hook, Nylon String

If you're looking for an inexpensive and fun backyard game, this hook and ring game is a great addition for more fun! Full instructions are included in the link below.

 

 


 


 

 


21. Tabletop Hook and Ring Game

table top hook and ring game diy

Image Credit: Rogue Engineer

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Forstner Bit, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, wood dowel, cup hooks, rings

If you have an outdoor dining area, here us another version of the hook and ring game for the tabletop! 

 

 


 


 

 


22. Ring Toss

diy ring toss game

Image Credit: Anika's DIY Life

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Pipe Cutter, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material, copper pipe, rope

A simple ring toss game for the yard is sure to please all players! This classy take on the traditional carnival game is also easy to dismantle and store away when not in use.

 

 


 


 

 


23. Ultimate DIY Horseshoe Pit

diy horseshoe pit

Image Credit: Houseful of Handmade

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x and 4x material, lag bolts, sand, concrete pavers, stakes, horseshoes

This ultimate horseshoe pit will be a family favorite game! This will be a permanent fixture in the yard, easy to get out and play anytime.

 

 


 


 

 


24. Chip Shot Gold Game

chip shot golf game

Image Credit:Addicted 2 DIY

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Hole Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, plywood, plastic cups,  artificial turf, carriage bolts, golf balls

This DIY backyard chip shot golf game is a combination of corn hole and golf and so much fun to play. 

 

 


 


 

 


25. DIY Backyard Slingshot

diy backyard slingshot

Image Credit: Rogue Engineer

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, carriage bolts, hooks, slingshot

This backyard slingshot can be used for a variety of things. From water balloon fights to balls knocking over Homer bucket pyramids, this slingshot will be a hit kids of any age. 

 

 


 


 

 


26. Washer Toss Game

washer toss game diy

Image Credit: Addicted 2 DIY

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material, plywood, washers, pvc pipe, outdoor carpet

Washer toss is a fun, family-friendly game that you play with two teams and is somewhat similar to cornhole. The teams split up and a member from each stands with an opponent at one of the game boards and tosses washers into the other game board, 15 feet away. Each team takes turns tossing the washers to the other game board, trying to score points. The team that reaches 21 points first, without going over, is the winner.

 

 


 

25+ DIY Backyard Games