Bring Fun to Your Backyard With These Games and Activities

Playsets have been around for years, but the new breed of backyard playsets mimics what you’ll find at the best playgrounds in your neighborhood. Swings and slides are just the start. Today’s playsets include climbing walls, monkey bars, swinging bridges, and sandboxes. When the kids are ready for a break from the sun, the best playsets include a canvas or roof covering, which offers excellent protection.

Look for wood playsets made of cedar which will last for years and are naturally rot and insect resistant, plus they look great. Metal is still a popular choice for its strength and durability as a swing set and play structure material, but it conducts heat and cold, which can limit its use in extreme temperatures. Plastic playsets are designed for toddlers and are lightweight and easy to set up. Kids will quickly outgrow these playsets, so consider them a temporary solution. If you’ve got kids of mixed ages, consider a playset with multiple levels that everyone can enjoy and grow into.

Kids are drawn to trampolines unlike anything else. Bouncing is universally fun and today’s trampolines truly deliver. There are trampolines to fit yards and kids of all sizes.

Your toddler may have just started walking, but they will be a pro at bouncing. Mini trampolines include a bar to hang on so your little ones can focus on jumping and having fun.

For bigger kids, trampoline size is the main focus. A larger trampoline allows for more kids to bounce safely and offers enough room for fun maneuvers. In addition, look for a trampoline that includes a protective mesh enclosure and is padded to prevent bumps and bruises. These safety features will ensure years of enjoyment. Round trampolines are the traditional shape, but you can also select from square, oval, and rectangular shapes, which may be a better fit for your yard.

A bounce house has become a staple of kids' birthday parties everywhere, but your family can enjoy the fun year-round with your own backyard bounce house. 

Features such as climbing walls, slides and obstacles are found in most bounce houses, but just a basic bouncy castle is more than enough to bring a smile to your kids’ faces. A basic bounce house is simply a portable trampoline that can be stored away when not in use.

Like trampolines, there are bounce houses to fit kids of all ages. You’ll want to adhere to the weight guidelines as bigger kids can damage or pop bounce houses that aren’t sized for them.

For an added element of fun in the summer, check out the bounce houses that include a water feature like water slides and spray guns.

A water slide can offer hours of entertainment and the most bang for your buck regarding summer entertainment. For around $20, you get an instant backyard slide that you can use repeatedly. All you need is a garden hose and a rock-free lawn, and you are ready to go.

If you don't have a lawn or room for a slide, Lowe's offers many other outdoor games and activities for kids of all ages.

The endless running and sliding will guarantee your kids enjoy a great night’s sleep, making it worth every penny.

Cornhole can be played by anyone old enough to toss a bean bag. The object of the game is simple yet it’s challenging enough to keep everyone engaged. There are only a few backyard games like cornhole that kids, parents, and grandparents can all play together, making it a universally good time for all.

Official-sized cornhole boards are great for at-home use, but they’re a bit large and heavy to transport to the park or tailgate. If you’re on the go, there are smaller versions that can be easily folded up to fit into the trunk of your car. Most include handy carry cases for the boards and bags.