Summer Outdoor Games and Activities
Summers are perfect for spending quality time outdoors with family and friends. The warm weather, blue skies, and vibrant landscapes set the stage for fun and engaging outdoor games and activities. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply enjoying a day in the garden, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your outdoor space.
At Park Road Timber & Hardware, we understand how important outdoor spaces are for summer entertaining. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to some of the best outdoor games and activities for a Victorian summer, along with tips to create an inviting space for play and relaxation.
Backyard Cricket
No Victorian summer is complete without a game of backyard cricket. This quintessential Aussie pastime is perfect for all ages and doesn’t require much equipment or space.
What You’ll Need:
- Cricket Bat and Ball
- Stumps (or improvise with a plank of wood or empty buckets)
Pro Tip: Create a designated playing area in your garden using rope or timber markers from Park Road Timber & Hardware to prevent stray balls from damaging your plants.
DIY Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga is a fantastic game that’s easy to build and fun for gatherings. It’s perfect for keeping both kids and adults entertained.
Materials:
- Treated Timber Planks
- Sandpaper
- Screws
- Paint or stain (optional)
How To Make It:
- Cut the timber into equal-sized blocks.
- Sand the edges and surfaces to avoid splinters.
- Optional: Paint or stain the blocks to add a personal touch.
Stack the blocks in a tower and take turns removing one at a time without letting the structure collapse.
Lawn Bowls
Lawn Balls is a relaxing yet competitive game that’s perfect for summer evenings. All you need is a set of bocce balls and a flat lawn.
How To Play:
- Designate a target ball (the pallino) and take turns tossing your bocce balls to land as close as possible to it.
- The player with the most balls closest to the pallino wins.
For an authentic experience, consider levelling your lawn or marking boundaries with materials from Park Road Timber & Hardware.
DIY Obstacle Course for Kids
An obstacle course is an exciting way to keep kids active and entertained. With a little creativity, you can design a course using items you already have or materials from your local hardware store.
Ideas for Obstacles:
- Use planks of timber for balance beams.
- Set up hurdles using PVC pipes.
- Create a tunnel with hula hoops and fabric.
Tailor the course to your space and the ages of the participants for a fun challenge.
Water Balloon Dodgeball
Beat the heat with a game of water balloon dodgeball. This activity is ideal for those scorching summer days when everyone needs to cool off.
What You’ll Need:
- Biodegradable water balloons
- Buckets for storing balloons
How To Play:
- Divide players into teams and give each team a bucket of water balloons.
- The objective is to dodge incoming balloons while trying to soak the other team.
Pro Tip: Use hoses or sprinklers to keep the fun going between rounds.
DIY Ring Toss
Ring toss is a simple game that can be made more exciting with a custom DIY setup. It’s perfect for both kids and adults.
Materials:
- Timber For The Base
- Dowel Rods
- Paint or Stain
- Rings (rope or plastic)
How To Build:
- Create a sturdy base using timber and drill holes for the dowel rods.
- Insert the rods and secure them with glue or screws.
- Paint the setup for added flair.
Set up the game in your garden and award points based on the difficulty of each target.
Gear Up for Summer Fun with Park Road Timber & Hardware
Whether you’re crafting a giant Jenga set, building a ring toss game, or preparing your lawn for cricket, Park Road Timber & Hardware has everything you need to create the ultimate summer playground. From quality timber and hardware to tools and outdoor accessories, we’re here to help you make the most of your Victorian summer.
Call us or visit our store to get started on your summer activities project today!
