With the current boom in outdoor activities, many families are probably heading out together for camping and barbecues.
Having a lively barbecue with your friends’ families is a lot of fun, isn’t it?
Here are some games and recreational activities that kids can enjoy in those situations.
If you’re going as a family, the kids will likely be the main focus—so be sure to research and prepare activities they’ll enjoy before you head out.
We’ve included plenty of ideas for things you can only really enjoy outdoors, like games that use lots of water, so be sure to use this as a reference!
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Kids Will Love It! Fun Games for a Barbecue (1–10)
soap bubble
You’ve played with soap bubbles too, right? Usually, you’d buy a store-bought bubble set to enjoy them.
But since you’re heading outdoors, why not try a kind of bubble play you can’t usually do? I recommend making giant bubbles.
All you need is a hanger and dish soap.
First, pour the dish soap into a bowl.
Then dip a hanger bent into a circle into it, and gently wave it—you’ll get giant bubbles.
It’s easy and budget-friendly, too.
snack making
For many people, one of the joys of the outdoors is eating delicious food.
That’s why I recommend making sweets you can only really enjoy at an outdoor site.
In particular, baking a Baumkuchen is sure to get everyone excited as you share it together.
It’s also great for a science project.
The method is surprisingly simple: wrap batter around a stick and keep roasting it until it’s done.
However, making a full-sized, authentic Baumkuchen takes time, so it might be best to tackle it with several people.
water balloon
Water balloons are perfect for anyone heading outdoors but hasn’t decided what to play yet.
Once you’ve got them ready, you can use water balloons for all kinds of games.
For example, try target practice or a game of catch.
If you have small children, you can tie a string to make a yo-yo.
There are times you might regret not bringing water balloons, but in a pinch you can substitute with plastic bags.
That way, you’re all set even if you suddenly feel like playing.
Watermelon splitting
When it comes to classic Japanese summer traditions, watermelon splitting (suikawari) is a must.
However, since it requires a spacious area, not many people may have tried it.
That’s why I hope you’ll give it a shot the next time you head outdoors.
What you’ll need: a blue tarp, a long stick, a watermelon, and a towel to use as a blindfold.
The player, blindfolded, relies on directions from the people around them to split the watermelon.
If you spin around using the stick as a pivot before starting, it gets harder and even more exciting.
And the watermelon you split yourself will taste especially delicious.
water gun
One of the classic outdoor toys is the water gun.
You might think water guns simply shoot water, but in recent years, products that could be called evolved versions have been released.
For example, there are electric water guns that can fire in bursts and ones with attached umbrellas for defense.
With these, even adults can have fun playing together.
Many other innovative water guns are on the market as well, so try finding your favorite.
Also, when you play, please be careful not to splash water on people around you.
playing with a ball
A ball game that I highly recommend for both adults and kids to enjoy together is the Ball Challenge.
It’s a game where you try various moves using a ball.
For example, in the beginner level, you toss a ball into the air, spin once, and then catch it.
In the advanced level, you try moves like holding one ball while catching another ball that’s been thrown to you.
With clear difficulty levels, both adults and children can get excited.
It could also be fun to come up with your own original challenges.
Toasted marshmallow
If you’re having a barbecue, roasting marshmallows is something you should definitely try.
They often appear in anime and manga, so many kids probably long to do it.
The method is simple: skewer a marshmallow on a reasonably long stick and roast it.
It’s a great activity for kids to take the lead on, too.
If they do, make sure an adult watches to prevent burns.
By the way, the trick is to keep turning it and roast until the whole surface is a golden brown.
Frisbee
One of the activities many people enjoy when they head outdoors is playing with a Frisbee.
Plenty of folks even play with their pets.
As for Frisbees, there are actually many different types on the market.
For example, some are made of soft materials so kids won’t get hurt, and some even have parachutes attached.
By the way, the trick to throwing straight is said to be the same no matter which Frisbee you use: if the wind is blowing from the right, throw from the left; if it’s blowing from the left, do the opposite.
Keep this in mind the next time you play Frisbee.
Frisbee tongue catch
If you’re going to do it, many of you probably want to play in a spacious area.
That’s why I’d like to introduce “Frisbee Tongs Catch.” As the name suggests, you catch a thrown Frisbee using tongs.
This game actually originated on the YouTube channel of the comedy duo Einstein.
I think you’ll enjoy it even more if you watch the two of them play and then give it a try yourself.
Also, since you’ll be moving around while holding tongs, please be careful to avoid injuries.
hammock
Besides playing and eating, taking it easy in nature is one of the real joys of the outdoors, isn’t it? That’s why I recommend a hammock.
You might be surprised how many people haven’t actually tried one.
You’ll probably start by buying a hammock, and the important thing to know is that there are two types.
One is the common hanging type.
The other is the freestanding type, which comes with a frame, so you can set it up without having to look for trees.
Be sure to choose the type that suits the place you’re going.