10 Simple Backyard Fun Ideas for Kids

With school out for the summer, there is so much excitement, anticipation, and PLAY! But as the memes that…

With school out for the summer, there is so much excitement, anticipation, and PLAY! But as the memes that are popping up all over my Facebook feed would suggest, summer starts off with the best-laid plans and slowly wanes into complaints of, “Mom, I’m bored!” And, parents left without many tactics in their arsenal. Enter in these simple backyard fun ideas for kids.

I genuinely believe the magic of childhood happens when children have nothing to do. I remember summers spent on my bike racing down trails and catching frogs. So often, just our backyard was the canvas for my brothers’ and my imagination. And while I think there is incredible value in just letting your kids figure out what to do on their own, I also love setting up invitations to play. And so, I have taken to our backyard and set up some fun stuff. What I love about all of these easy backyard kid activities is that they are simple to execute, cost very little, promote play-based learning, and are entertaining!

Here are 10 Simple Backyard Fun Ideas for Kids!

Bust summer boredom with these simple fun backyard ideas for kids, rooted in play-based learning and SUPER budget friendly

1. Race Cars Using Pool Noodles

(This picture gives you a great reference.)

All you need is:

one or more pool noodles
zap straps (or something else to secure the noodles)
a serrated knife
and a couple of patio chairs or a patio railing.

To prepare, cut noodle cut lengthwise, use zap straps to secure each half of the pool noodle to the top of a chair, patio railing or similar. Take out toy cars and let them have fun racing them!