13 DIY Backyard Games and Play Structures

Transform your backyard into a hub of excitement and entertainment with DIY games and play structures that will be the neighborhood envy regardless of the season. These homemade creations offer endless hours of fun for family and friends of all ages. You can save money and create unique experiences tailored to your family’s preferences by making the games yourself. From classic favorites with a twist to water games and unique inventions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll explore 13 fresh, DIY ideas to make your yard the go-to spot for outdoor fun. Get ready to unleash your creativity and bring these games to life.

Essential Tools and Materials for DIY Outdoor Games

Here is a general list of tools and materials to get you started on most of these project ideas.

Basic Tools 

Here are some tools you’ll typically need:

• Saw (hand saw or power saw)
• Drill and drill bits
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Screwdriver set
• Hammer
• Sandpaper

Common Materials 

Many DIY outdoor games use similar materials. Stock up on:

• Weatherproof sealant
• Plywood
• 2×4 lumber
• PVC pipes
• Wood screws and nails
• Paint and brushes

Classic Backyard Games with a DIY Twist

Some traditional games never go out of style. By creating your own versions, you can add personal flair and customize them to fit your yard.

1. Ricochet Game

This game combines elements of shuffleboard and pool for a challenging and fun experience. Create this tabletop version by turning a hollow-core door into a U-shaped playing surface:

1. Use small pucks or coins as game pieces.
2. Cut a hollow-core door to create the U-shape.
3. Add side rails and an elastic band for ricochet.

2. DIY Soccer Goal

Encouraging outdoor exercise, this project is a win-win for the whole family. The goal shown here has a basic design and is easy to build, so it can be assembled in an afternoon. Because it’s made from PVC pipes and deer netting, this unit is lightweight and easy to move, so you can set it up whenever you’re ready to play, allowing for flexible backyard layouts.

1. Create a frame using PVC pipes.
2. Attach netting to the frame.
3. Secure the goal to the ground for safety.

For full step-by-step instructions, see How to Build a Soccer Goal.

3. Pipe Ball Lawn Game

Pipe Ball combines elements of basketball and mini-golf. Instead of shooting a foam basketball at a door-mounted hoop, you’re arcing a tennis ball at a grouping of pipes—and the rebound is nasty. The angled ends and the varying heights of the pipes make it a game of skill that demands nothing less than the equivalent of a swish. This game tests accuracy and provides a fun challenge for players of all ages. To create this game:

1. Arrange PVC pipes of varying heights and angles.
2. Secure them to a wooden base.
3. Use tennis balls to aim for the pipe openings.

For full step-by-step instructions, see How To Build a Pipe Ball Lawn Game.

4. Miniature Golf Course

Mini-golf is a family-friendly game all ages enjoy. But it doesn’t have to be just a vacation treat. Wouldn’t it be great to have your very own course to play in your backyard? This one is made up of panels that you can take apart and rearrange to make the game as easy or hard as you like. Create as many panels as you need for 1, 2, or even 18 holes. Then give everyone a putter, and they’ll have a ball—literally—trying to navigate the obstacles you set for them. Plan your course with these steps:

1. Sketch out your desired layout.
2. Decide on the number of holes.
3. Consider the flow and difficulty of each hole.
4. Be creative and use household items to make unique and fun challenges for each hole.

For full step-by-step instructions, see How to Build a Miniature Golf Set.

5. Ladder Golf Game

Ladder Golf, also known as Ladder Toss, is a fun game of skill and is easy to assemble. To make your own:

1. Build a ladder-like structure using PVC pipes.
2. Create bolas by connecting two golf balls with nylon rope.
3. Set up the ladder and toss the bolas to score points.

For full step-by-step instructions, see How To Build a Ladder Golf Game Set.

6. Sandbox

A sandbox brings a little bit of the beach into your backyard. This red car-shaped box is ready for hours of playtime. It is a bit challenging to build—but with the whole family pitching in, it will take just one weekend to get this car roadworthy, so you’re kids will soon be ready to roll. To make the sandbox:

1. Build a frame using pressure-treated lumber.
2. Line the bottom with landscape fabric to prevent weed growth.
3. Fill with play sand and add toys.

For full step-by-step instructions, see How To Build a Sandbox.

7. Cornhole Game

This backyard beanbag-toss game that caught fire in the Midwest now boasts its own association and myriad online purveyors. It’s easy to see why it’s become such a barbeque favorite: You can hold a beverage in one hand and loft your beanbag with the other. You can easily make a game board to be proud of with plywood and 2x4s. As for your poor aim? Nothing a few well-chosen teammates can’t overcome.

1. Cut two 2′ x 4′ plywood boards for the platforms.
2. Create a 6-inch hole 9 inches from the top of each board.
3. Attach folding legs to the underside.
4. Paint and decorate to your liking.

For full step-by-step instructions, see How To Build a Cornhole Game Board.

8. Lemonade Stand

When the sun is hot and kids are bored, there’s nothing better to get them motivated than a project that comes with a built-in reward. Get them started on their very own small summer business with a charming lemonade stand. It is sure to spark some creative interest, along with a bit of entrepreneurial spirit.

1. Layout, measure and cut the parts.
2. Assemble and secure the stand.
3. Make signs and attach to the signposts.
4. Make and sell lemonade!

For full step-by-step instructions, see How To Build a Lemonade Stand.

9. Kubb (aka Viking Chess) Game

Throwing sticks may be taboo on the playground, but it’s precisely the point with the Swedish game Kubb, also known as Viking Chess. The goal is to throw short dowels at your opponent’s pieces to knock them over. Yes, a wild toss can be hard on the shins, but the game has been entertaining Swedes for more than a thousand years, so it’s worth giving it a shot. To make your set:

1. Cut wooden blocks for the king, kubbs, and batons.
2. Sand and paint the pieces.
3. Set up the game on your lawn and start throwing.

For full step-by-step instructions, see How To Build a Kubb Game Set.

10. DIY Water Rocket

You don’t have to mess with explosives to launch a rocket. If you put air under pressure, like in a tire, you can use it to propel an object upwards. Add water to the mix, and your rocket will go far above the trees. This rocket is made from simple PVC plumbing pipe and some plastic soda bottles. Put this rocket together in just one afternoon, and get ready to supervise its first flight. This project combines science and fun, making it educational and entertaining for kids, and it’s easy to create:

1. Attach fins to a plastic soda bottle.
2. Create a launch pad with PVC pipes.
3. Use air pressure and water to launch the rocket skyward.

For full step-by-step instructions, see How To Build a Water Rocket.

11. Shishkaball Game

The heyday of classic board games like Ker-Plunk and Jenga may be long gone, but you can re-create that excitement of pulling out a piece and waiting to see if everything comes crashing down. You can do it in a yard-size version that’s sure to become the raucous centerpiece of any summer gathering. Here’s how to put it together:

1. Paint the rings and set the wire in place.
2. Lay out and cut the legs.
3. Attach the legs to the table.
4. Cut the wire to size and fasten the seam.

For full step-by-step instructions, see How To Build a Shishkaball Ball-Drop Game Set.

12. Outdoor Fort

By adding a backyard fort, you can let your kids’ imaginations run wild. The design of this fort encourages tons of fun, with a super cool, kid-sized hatch—complete with a peephole to check out visitors—and a flag that kids can design and make themselves. It takes only an afternoon to cut and assemble the parts—and your kids will have a playhouse retreat for years to come. To build a basic fort:

1. Create a frame using pressure-treated lumber
2. Add walls and a roof using weather-resistant materials
3. Include fun features like a trap door or lookout window

For full step-by-step instructions, see How To Build an Outdoor Fort.

13. Obstacle Course

An obstacle course can be an exciting challenge that encourages physical activity for kids—or even your family’s four-legged friend. Here are some ideas to get started:

1. Use PVC pipes for tunnels
2. Create ramps with plywood
3. Add water hazards with small pools

For step-by-step instructions on how to build a course suited for your canine companion, see How To Build a DIY Dog Agility Course.

Organizing Backyard Game Tournaments

Organizing tournaments can turn an ordinary day into a memorable event filled with fun and friendly competition.

Planning Your Event

To organize a successful tournament, follow the tips below:

• Choose a variety of games to include
• Set a date and invite participants
• Prepare refreshments and seating areas

Consider themed tournaments or multi-game competitions to keep things interesting.

Setting Up Brackets and Scoring Systems

Create a fair and fun competition:

1. Determine the tournament format (single elimination, round-robin, etc.).
2. Create brackets or schedules for each game.
3. Establish clear rules and scoring systems.

Use online tools or apps to help manage tournament logistics and track and share scores.