Backyard Sports and Games

Dennis Hamming provides some sports and games you can play in your backyard.

If you want to stay fit this summer but do not necessarily want to hit the gym, look no further than your backyard! If you are lucky enough to have a backyard, you will quickly discover plenty of ways to get outside and use it.

Getting outside and participating in various sports and activities in your backyard is a good way to maintain your weight (or even lose weight, depending on the intensity of your activity) and keep your body healthy in other ways, such as by improving your cardiovascular health.

Playing sports or participating in other backyard games is also a great way to spend time with your family or friends. Keep reading if you are looking for some activities in your backyard this summer.

Try a jumbo game

Try the jumbo versions if you like games such as Connect Four and Jenga. Jumbo yard games are a way to enjoy those childhood classic board games on a larger scale. Large versions of many classic games, including Checkers and Yahtzee, are readily available in stores. Some families also create their own DIY versions of these games.

It can be fun (and a bit silly) to try playing these large games, but it is also an excellent way to work your body and stay active. However, most games will not be as physically exerting as football or baseball.

Bounce around on a trampoline

If you want something to get your heart pumping, why not bounce around on a trampoline? You can enjoy bouncing by yourself or in a group. Jumping on a trampoline has many health benefits, including increasing bone density. Doing aerobic exercises on a trampoline can also help you lose belly fat.

Keep in mind that trampolines have weight limits, so you may not be able to get your entire family on one at the same time.

Hit a wiffleball around

While baseball can be fun and help you stay active, it is not always feasible to play a game of baseball in your backyard, depending on how many people you have available and their overall fitness levels.

One alternative to baseball is wiffleball, which uses a lighter ball and bat. Even though a wiffleball is light, it can still travel a reasonable distance when thrown or hit correctly—it just will not go as far as a baseball. It makes it easier to play in more confined spaces. Many people adjust the game so only a few players can play it.

Play a game of cornhole

Cornhole is a popular lawn game that can be played by only two players or in larger teams. Teams rotate between tossing bean bags at the cornhole frame. While this game is not as physically intense as others, it will still get you outside and moving around, even if it is only to walk back and forth to pick the beanbags up after each turn.

You can use official regulated rules with a scoring system. However, many people end up establishing their own set of rules that work for their families. For example, children might need to stand closer to the cornhole frame to play.

Take time to Capture the Flag

A game of Capture the Flag is another backyard activity that will get your heart pumping. Capture the flag can be played in small or large teams, and the rules can be adjusted to meet the needs of the players. In this game, you divide your yard into territories and place a flag in each territory. The idea is to capture the other team's flag while defending your own.

Incorporating obstacles can make the game even harder. Some people also have a rule that if you go into the other person's territory, you can be tagged and captured by the other team.

Final thoughts

These are just a few sports and games you can play in your backyard! No matter your current fitness level, there is sure to be an activity you can participate in. Remember — even some physical activity is better than no physical activity, so get out and get moving!

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

HAMMING, D. (2020) Backyard Sports and Games [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article578.htm [Accessed

About the Author

Dennis Hamming is a freelance journalist.


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If you want to stay fit this summer but do not necessarily want to hit the gym, look no further than your backyard! If you are lucky enough to have a backyard, you will quickly discover plenty of ways to get outside and use it. Getting outside and participating in various sports and activities in your backyard is a good way to maintain your weight (or even lose weight, depending on the intensity of your activity) and keep your body healthy in other ways, such as by improving your cardiovascular health. Playing sports or participating in other backyard games is also a great way to spend time with your family or friends. Keep reading if you are looking for some activities in your backyard this summer. Try a jumbo game Try the jumbo versions if you like games such as Connect Four and Jenga. Jumbo yard games are a way to enjoy those childhood classic board games on a larger scale. Large versions of many classic games, including Checkers and Yahtzee, are readily available in stores. Some families also create their own DIY versions of these games. It can be fun (and a bit silly) to try playing these large games, but it is also an excellent way to work your body and stay active. However, most games will not be as physically exerting as football or baseball. Bounce around on a trampoline If you want something to get your heart pumping, why not bounce around on a trampoline? You can enjoy bouncing by yourself or in a group. Jumping on a trampoline has many health benefits, including increasing bone density. Doing aerobic exercises on a trampoline can also help you lose belly fat. Keep in mind that trampolines have weight limits, so you may not be able to get your entire family on one at the same time. Hit a wiffleball around While baseball can be fun and help you stay active, it is not always feasible to play a game of baseball in your backyard, depending on how many people you have available and their overall fitness levels. One alternative to baseball is wiffleball, which uses a lighter ball and bat. Even though a wiffleball is light, it can still travel a reasonable distance when thrown or hit correctly—it just will not go as far as a baseball. It makes it easier to play in more confined spaces. Many people adjust the game so only a few players can play it. Play a game of cornhole Cornhole is a popular lawn game that can be played by only two players or in larger teams. Teams rotate between tossing bean bags at the cornhole frame. While this game is not as physically intense as others, it will still get you outside and moving around, even if it is only to walk back and forth to pick the beanbags up after each turn. You can use official regulated rules with a scoring system. However, many people end up establishing their own set of rules that work for their families. For example, children might need to stand closer to the cornhole frame to play. Take time to Capture the Flag A game of Capture the Flag is another backyard activity that will get your heart pumping. Capture the flag can be played in small or large teams, and the rules can be adjusted to meet the needs of the players. In this game, you divide your yard into territories and place a flag in each territory. The idea is to capture the other team's flag while defending your own. Incorporating obstacles can make the game even harder. Some people also have a rule that if you go into the other person's territory, you can be tagged and captured by the other team. Final thoughts These are just a few sports and games you can play in your backyard! No matter your current fitness level, there is sure to be an activity you can participate in. Remember — even some physical activity is better than no physical activity, so get out and get moving! Page Reference If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is: HAMMING, D. (2020) Backyard Sports and Games [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article578.htm [Accessed About the Author Dennis Hamming is a freelance journalist.