We’ve got the ultimate games and activities list to create lasting memories at your lake or beach house – cuz there’s nothing better than a sunny day near the water, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and memory-making. Whether it’s a family reunion, a weekend with friends, or just keeping the kids busy, these fun summer ideas will level up your outdoor hangout.
We’ve played so many of these games – from backyard classics to minute to win it games and DIY favorites. Organized by type – like classic outdoor games, fun games for adults & teens, and family reunion and group games – you can mix and match to fit your crowd.
Classic Outdoor Games Everyone Loves
Some games never go out of style – especially when you’re at the lake house or beach house with a mix of kids, teens, and adults. These classic lawn games are easy to set up, fun for all ages, and ideal for long, sunny afternoons. Whether you’re planning a casual lake day, hosting a birthday BBQ, or organizing family reunion games, these timeless favorites bring everyone together.
Backyard Cornhole For Summer Fun
Looking for a fun outdoor game for your lake house or beach house? Cornhole is a classic lawn game that’s easy for kids and adults. Perfect as a yard game for kids, birthday BBQs, and family reunions by the water! So grab a cornhole set and let the games begin – there are even boards that you can personalize!
Ring Toss: A Game for All Ages & Perfect for Family Reunions
This yard game never gets old! Set up a simple ring toss for toddlers, teens, and adults at your next picnic or lake day. Get the ring on the post to earn points. It’s a great way to enjoy family games outdoors and keep everyone entertained.
Horseshoes: A Timeless Outdoor Game
One of the best outside games for open spaces! Horseshoes brings nostalgic fun to your lake house or beach house and is an easy fun game for adults and kids to enjoy during a summer afternoon. Toss the horseshoe at the stake – go for a leaner or a ringer and earn points for your team.
Giant Jenga: The Ultimate Backyard Party Game
Take your fun family games to the next level with Giant Jenga! Great for group gatherings and fun outdoor games for all ages. Write dares or challenges on the blocks for an extra twist during your next BBQ or family reunion. Take turns removing a block and place on top – just don’t let the tower fall!
Ladder Toss: The Best Lawn Game for the Summer
Fun, portable, and perfect for a lake day! Ladder Toss (or ladder golf) is one of our favorite games at the lake and is perfect for all ages. You can buy a set or make your own from PVC pipes. Great for playing on the grass or sand. Players take turns throwing the bolas at the ladder rung and score points based on where they land.
Croquet: A Classic Lawn Game
This fun lawn game has been around forever and I remember loving it as a kid. Play casually or make it fancy and get dressed up in whites. The goal here is to be the first to hit your ball through all the wickets
Top Minute To Win It Games for Outdoor Summer Fun
Hosting a group at the lake house or beach house? These minute to win it games bring quick, competitive fun that’s perfect for all ages. Great for family reunion games, birthday parties, or casual hangouts, they’re simple to set up and sure to spark laughs. Players (or teams) have 60 seconds to complete a challenge using everyday household or outdoor items – win the round or earn points! Here are some of our favorite easy minute to win it games for kids, teens, and adults:
Cookie Face Game: Hilarious Minute to Win it Challenge
Try Cookie Face, a very funny and easy minute to win it game for all ages! A hit at family reunion games, this silly challenge needs only cookies and a sense of humor. Players place a cookie on their forehead and try to move it into their mouth using only facial movements. It’s harder (and funnier) than it sounds!
Junk in the Trunk: Best Group Game for Summer Parties
Looking for a funny group game? Junk in the Trunk is a laugh-out-loud minute to win it game perfect for lake house weekends, birthdays, or family reunions. Fill an empty tissue box with ping-pong balls, strap it to someone’s back with string, and watch them shake out all the balls in under a minute – no hands allowed.
Stack Attack: Fun Party Game
Stack Attack is a fun challenge for a family minute to win it games. Using only one hand, see who can stack 36 plastic cups into a perfect pyramid and back down again the fastest. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or beach party where everyone gets competitive and silly!
Defying Gravity: Easy & Active Game for the Whole Family
How long can you keep three balloons in the air? Defying Gravity is a simple but challenging option for fun family games and fun outdoor activities. Keep three balloons in the air for one full minute. It sounds simple… until it isn’t. Play it lakeside or in your backyard – it’s harder than it looks and always a hit!
Noodle Pick-Up: Fun Minute to Win It Game
Try Noodle Pick-Up for your next lake house minute to win it game day! Using only a dry spaghetti noodle in your mouth, players race to collect small objects – no hands allowed. One of the most hilarious fun games to play with friends and great a fun game for kids outdoors!
Family Reunion & Group Games
One of the best parts of any family reunion or large get-together at the lake or beach house is diving into some spirited group party games that get everyone moving and laughing. If you’re looking to create unforgettable memories, these classic family reunion games and family olympic games will keep everyone entertained and active throughout the day.
Relay Races For Family Reunions and Picnics
Bring the fun to your next family reunion games lineup with classic picnic games like relay races! A staple at any picnic or reunion, relay races are easy to customize for any age or skill level. Split into teams and organize fun challenges like running with a spoonful of water or balancing a ball on a bat or pass the baton. These games for family gatherings get everyone moving and active.
Epic Tug of War Game for the Beach or Backyard
Nothing says summer like a competitive Tug of War! Perfect for your group party games or outdoor family olympic games. Just grab a rope, form teams, and let the laughs begin.
Hilarious Three-Legged Race: Fun Games for Groups
Tie legs together in pairs and see which team can cross the finish line first without falling. This game is hilarious and perfect for pairing adults with kids or friends with family members. This crowd favorite brings a mix of challenge and giggles to your family reunion games and beach house fun.
Classic Sack Races for Kids & Adults
Sack Races are a must-have for family reunion games and fun outdoor games for kids.
Step inside a burlap sack and race to the finish by hopping! Sack races are energetic, simple, and great for kids and adults alike. You can even add variations like a relay sack race for team fun.
Capture the Flag: The Ultimate Group Outdoor Game
For an action-packed group party game, Capture the Flag can’t be beat. Divide into two teams, each with a flag to protect while trying to capture the opponent’s flag. This strategic, fast-paced game is perfect for large spaces at the lake house or beach house. Add it to your fun outdoor games list this summer!
Top Outdoor Games for Adults & Teens
Whether you’re into classic yard games for adults, organizing spirited beer olympic games, or just want some lively fun team games for adults or teens, this lineup requires a bit more skill and has something for teens and adults in the crowd. These games are perfect for a lake house party or beach house weekend. Keep the good vibes going all day and night!
Kickball: Action Packed Yard Game
Want a fun and active game for everyone? Kickball blends nostalgia and competition as one of the best yard games for adults. Great for teens too – set it up at your beach house or lake house lawn for all-day fun.
Beer Olympics: The Ultimate Lake or Beach House Adult Party Game
Break out the fun with beer olympic games like flip cup, beer pong, dizzy bat relays and more. These fun bbq games for adults are perfect for lake house nights or beach house bonfires. Grab some drinks, form teams, and let the fun games begin for adults.
Bocce Ball: Perfect for the Beach
Perfect for grass or sand, bocce ball is a classic. Split into two teams, each with four bocce balls. The goal is to score points by getting your balls closer to the target (pallino) than your opponents’ balls. The first team to reach 16 points wins.
DIY Frisbee Golf for Beach or Backyard Fun
Turn your yard or beach into a mini course with Frisbee Golf! Set up targets around your yard or beach area and see who can toss their Frisbee into the “holes” in the fewest throws. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while testing your precision and strategy. This is one of our top backyard party games – add it to your list of fun games for adults this summer.
Spikeball: Active Beach Game For Teens & Adults
Looking for a fast-paced team game for adults or older kids? Spikeball brings the energy to your fun games for adults lineup – perfect for sand, grass, or anywhere your crew is ready to compete! A mix of volleyball and four-square – It’s portable, easy to learn, and loads of fun.
Best DIY Outdoor Games for Summer Fun at the Beach or Lake
For those who love a little creativity with their outdoor fun, these DIY outdoor games are budget-friendly, encourage imagination, and get everyone moving and exploring in fresh new ways. Plus, they’re great for all ages and can be customized to fit your lake house or beach house vibe. These fun outdoor activities for kids and adults are perfect for long summer days at the lake or beach.
Nature Scavenger Hunt For Kids
Keep little adventurers busy with this fun outdoor activity for kids – a nature scavenger hunt! This easy game is perfect for the lake house or beach house, encouraging outdoor exploration. Create a list of natural items for kids and adults to find around your yard or beach. This is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors, learn about nature, and keep little adventurers busy for hours. Feel free to set a time limit to make it more competitive.
DIY Obstacle Course Ideas for Backyard Fun
Set up a backyard obstacle course using items like cones, ropes, hula hoops, and pool noodles. Customize the difficulty level for different ages and get everyone’s heart pumping while having a blast. Time each team to make it even more challenging. This tops the list for fun outdoor activities for kids.
Water Balloon Toss Game: DIY Backyard Fun for All Ages
Fill balloons with water for a cooling summer game. Pair up players to toss balloons back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch until the balloon bursts! Perfect for beach days, BBQs and fun family competition.
Chalk Art Games Kids Will Love this Summer
Use sidewalk chalk to create giant hopscotch, four square courts, or creative maze designs. Kids will love the chance to add their own artwork, while adults can join in for some nostalgic fun. These easy outdoor activities for kids add color, creativity, and movement to any summer
DIY Ring Toss Game for Backyard Fun
Craft your own DIY outdoor games with a homemade ring toss using recycled bottles and rope rings! It’s easy, cute, and makes a great addition to your backyard games DIY lineup at the lake or beach. Or if you’re not feeling crafty, purchase a pre-made ring toss game on Amazon.
Make Every Summer Moment Count
Whether you’re vacationing at a lake house, cabin, beach house, or hosting a weekend with friends and family at your own place, the right games can turn any sunny day or starry night into lasting memories.
From lawn games and DIY fun to wild minute to win it games, these activities are all about connection. So grab your sneakers, cornhole boards, ring toss game, frisbee, family and a few good friends – let the summer outdoor games and laughter begin!
