Picnic games are the perfect way to add fun and excitement to outdoor gatherings. Whether you’re with kids, couples, or a big group of friends, there is a game for everyone to enjoy. Let’s look at some great ideas for picnic games that will bring a smile and fun to your day.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing picnic games
- Age, physical ability, and number of participants: Choose games that are suitable for the age and physical ability of the participants and that can accommodate the number of people attending.
- Necessary equipment: Ensure you have all the equipment for your chosen games.
- Location: Consider the location and any specific constraints it may present, such as a lack of open space or equipment.
- Enjoyment: Choose games that are likely to be enjoyed by the majority of people in attendance.
Picnic games for kids
- Badminton: This racquet sport is a fast-paced and exciting way to get moving. Players use racquets to hit a shuttlecock over a net and try to prevent the other team from returning it. The first team to reach 21 points wins.
- Frisbee: A classic outdoor game that’s easy to play with just a Frisbee. Take turns throwing it back and forth, trying to catch it in the air.
- Tag: One person is “it” and has to chase and tag the other players. If you get tagged, you’re “it” next. This game is excellent for getting kids moving and burning off energy.
- Simon Says: One player gives commands that the other players must follow, but only if they start with “Simon says.” For example, “Simon says touch your toes,” or “Jump up and down.”
- Red Light, Green Light: One player is the “traffic light” and faces away from the other players, who stand at a distance. When the traffic light says “green light,” the players can move closer. When they say “red light,” the players must freeze in place. They’re out if a player is caught moving on a red light. The last player standing wins.
Picnic games for couples
- Scavenger hunt: Create a list of items for each couple to find on the picnic, like a pinecone, a flower, or a feather. The first couple to find all the items on their list wins.
- Card games: Bring a deck of cards and play a game together, like Go Fish, Spades, or Hearts.
- Talk, Flirt, Dare: this is a game where players take turns asking each other to “talk” about a specific topic, “flirt” with another player, or “dare” someone to do something. The game can be played with any number of players and is often used as an icebreaker.
- Checkers: This board game is all about strategy. Players take turns moving their pieces diagonally across the board and trying to capture their opponent’s pieces or block them from moving.
- Dominoes: Match tiles with the same number of dots and try to be the first to play all your tiles or have the lowest number left when the game ends.
Best family games for picnics
- Cornhole: Players take turns tossing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in it. The goal is to get the bean bags through the hole or onto the platform to score points. The team or player with the most points wins.
- Horseshoes: Players throw horseshoes at a stake, trying to get them to land as close as possible. Points are awarded based on how close the horseshoes are to the stake.
- Twister: Party game played on a large plastic mat with colored circles. Players spin a dial and must place their hands and feet on the mat according to the color it lands on. The goal is to contort your body and avoid falling over or touching any other mat part. It can be played with 2+ players and is suitable for all ages.
- Mini golf: Set up a mini golf course using household objects or supplies from the dollar store. Players take turns hitting a ball with a golf club and trying to get it into a designated hole.
- Jenga: Players stack blocks to build a tower, then take turns removing and adding blocks to the top. The goal is to keep the tower from falling over.
Fun team picnic games
- Soccer: This classic team sport is a great way to get everyone moving and having fun. All you need is a ball and some open space.
- Volleyball: Volleyball is a team sport where players hit a ball repeatedly over a net. It requires good hand-eye coordination and teamwork. To play, you need a net and a ball, and you can play on any flat surface.
- Tug of war: Tug of war is a team game where two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope to try and pull the other team across a line or into a pit. It requires strength, strategy, and teamwork.
There are many fun and enjoyable picnic games that you can play with your friends and loved ones. Whether you are looking for physically active games or more relaxed activities, there is something for everyone. So next time you go on a picnic, don’t forget to bring some games to keep the fun going!
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Picnic games FAQs
Are there any games that require no equipment at all?
Yes, games like Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light, and Tag are excellent choices as they require no equipment, just players and open space to run around.
What are some game ideas for a picnic located in a small area?
For picnics in smaller areas, games that don’t require a lot of space are ideal. Consider games like Jenga, Checkers, Card games, Dominoes, or even a Scavenger hunt where items to find are within the immediate picnic area.
What if we don’t have all the necessary equipment for a game?
Many games can be adapted using items you might already have. For example, any ball can substitute for a specific game ball, or you can create bean bags for Cornhole using socks and dry beans. For board games like Checkers, you can draw a grid on paper and use coins or other small items as game pieces.
How can we handle disputes or disagreements during games?
Before starting any game, set clear rules and expectations, and ensure everyone understands them. If disputes arise, take a break and calmly discuss the issue. Remind everyone that the primary goal is to have fun, and it’s just a game.
What are some ideas for prizes or rewards for game winners?
Prizes can be simple and inexpensive. Consider small trophies, certificates, or a special picnic table seat. For kids, stickers, small toys, or the chance to be the leader in the next game could be exciting rewards. Remember, the goal is to have fun and not to create intense competition.
