7 Outdoor Games to Bring Summer Camp Home
Summer camps for kids are all about building friendships and discovering new skills. They create lasting memories in the great outdoors.
A 2024 American Community Survey from Gallup revealed that around 30 million U.S. children participated in a structured summer program last summer. Summer camp crafts and games encourage teamwork and plenty of laughter.
Even though summer camps are winding down for the year, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have some fun in the sun games of your own at home.
Kids can enjoy DIY campfire games and backyard adventure games all summer long. Explore these 7 exciting family outdoor activities below.
1. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is a classic summer camp favorite. Two teams face off across a divided field. Each side hides a flag, such as a bandana or scarf.
The rules of the game are simple:
- Sneak into the opponent’s territory
- Grab their flag
- Run back across the line without being tagged
If tagged, players may freeze or move to a “jail” zone. Teammates can rescue them with a quick tag.
The game mixes speed with strategy. It sparks excitement as players dash and dodge across a field. Victory comes when the other team’s flag is secured.
Playing Capture the Flag is one of the most timeless family outdoor activities. It encourages teamwork and creates nonstop fun under the sun.
2. Water Balloon Toss
Guinness Book of World Records reports that the most hits of a person with water balloons in 3 minutes was 125 water balloons.
You too can try to set your own record for water balloon tossing with friends and family. Not only are water balloon tosses exciting backyard adventure games, but they’re also ideal ways to beat the summer heat.
Tossing water balloons offers a fun and challenging summer camp game. It’s easy to play with two or more people.
Partners start close together and throw a balloon back and forth. After each successful catch, they take a step back. The game ends when the balloon bursts.
3. Relay Races
Relay races are a staple of summer camps that keep everyone moving and laughing. This game is simple to set up and endlessly adaptable.
- Players form teams and line up behind a starting line
- The first runner dashes to a marker and back
- Then they tag the next teammate
- Each runner repeats the process until the team finishes
Races can include fun variations. Some require balancing an egg on a spoon. Other adaptations may have participants hopping or crab-walking.
Use your imagination to mix it up. These options make the game more challenging and entertaining.
A relay race encourages teamwork and social skills. Kids build stamina and coordination in the process.
There’s also an element of friendly competition. Cheering for teammates adds excitement. Even the losing team enjoys the energy and laughter.
4. Kickball
Kickball is a fun and energetic game loved at Los Angeles summer camps and playgrounds. It’s easy to learn and exciting to play, making it perfect for kids of all ages.
- Players form two teams
- One team kicks while the other fields
- The kicker tries to run around bases without being tagged or forced out
- Fielders throw the ball to get runners out
The game combines the excitement of baseball with the simplicity of soccer. Everyone gets turns kicking and fielding. Kickball can be played in any open space, like a field or park.
Playing kickball encourages teamwork. Players cheer for their teammates and celebrate good plays. They also use strategy and focus.
5. Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are a thrilling way to explore and play at summer camps or at home. Organizers create a list of items for players to find.
Children race around and search carefully for each object. Teams can compete to finish first or work together for fun.
The game sharpens observation skills and fosters friendships. Children of all ages enjoy these popular DIY campfire games.
Kids can play using found items, including:
- Leaves
- Rocks
- Feathers
- Pinecones
- Sticks
- Flowers
For a fun twist, use items made from summer camp crafts to hide for others to find, like friendship bracelets. A scavenger hunt is an engaging activity that keeps kids moving and exploring together.
6. Tug-of-War
The origins of tug-of-war can be traced back as far as 7,000 to 10,000 years ago in ancient China, where it was used to train soldiers (Ravenox). Today, tug-of-war has become a time-honored summer camp game.
All you need is a rope and enough players to fill both sides evenly. Then, let the fun begin.
Two teams grab opposite ends of a thick rope. The goal is to pull the other team across the center line. Players dig in and pull with all their strength.
Team coordination and timing make a huge difference. Even small players can make a big impact with strategy.
Playing tug-of-war builds teamwork among participants. Communication and determination improve as players work together to win.
7. Obstacle Courses
Obstacle courses are energetic and engaging summer camp activities. They challenge kids to move through physical tasks while racing against the clock or competing in teams.
A course can have hurdles for participants to jump over. Beams may be used for balancing challenges. Tunnels or rope climbs add variety and test strength and coordination.
Each obstacle requires focus and careful strategy. You can determine course winners with time or full completion. Courses can be adjusted for different ages and abilities.
An obstacle course develops strength and coordination. It also improves agility and quick thinking.
These backyard adventure games encourage teamwork and perseverance. Children stay active and entertained while learning problem-solving skills.
Explore the Best Los Angeles Summer Camps for Your Child at Got Game Camp Today
Summer camps provide engaging activities that keep kids active and learning. Attending summer camps for kids offers exciting games that inspire teamwork and spark creativity.
With these backyard adventure games, the excitement of summer fun never has to end.
Got Game Camp, with locations throughout Los Angeles County, including Encino & Woodland Hills, is the #1 Los Angeles summer camp destination. We’ve been serving the Los Angeles area since 2004 with our camps for kids between 4 and 14. We also offer after-school programs and other camp experiences throughout the year.
To learn more about our summer camps and other programs we offer for kids, visit www.GotGameCamp.com.