10 DIY Games Your Entire Family Will Love

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Outdoor Ring Toss

You can make this game with a few pieces of wood, some dowels and rope for the rings. Get the family involved in putting the game together and then have your first tournament!

You’ll want to keep your grass looking good if you’ll be playing outdoor games in your yard. Here are 11 tips for a lush lawn.

Family Handyman

Handmade Hopscotch

This super-simple hopscotch mat starts out as an inexpensive carpet runner. It can be used indoors or out for hours and hours of fun. Here are the step-by-step instructions for making your own hopscotch game.

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Bottle Bowling

Plastic bottles, painted on the inside, can be turned into a fun DIY bowling game. Get the family involved in creating the “pins” in festive holiday colors or whatever colors of paint you have. When the paint has dried and the bottle caps are securely fastened, set up the bottles and use any appropriately sized ball to knock them down! Complete instructions are here.

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Giant Jenga

Jenga was created as a tabletop (or floor) game by Leslie Scott for her children in the 1970s. In 1982, the game was introduced to the public at the famous Harrod’s department store in London. After Jenga was launched in North America in 1986, it became an international game icon.

Now, giant Jenga is showing up at parks and other public places, encouraging people to join in and test their skill and steadiness. You can easily make a giant Jenga game for your family to enjoy. Just watch this video for all of the how-to instructions.

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Paper Plate Piggy Ping-Pong

If you have young children, this is a great slower paced version of ping-pong. Everyone gets a paper plate to decorate, and that plate will be used as the paddle. Staple or hot-melt glue a wooden craft stick or plastic knife to the back of the plate for the handle. Next, blow up a few balloons. This DIY ping-pong game can be played indoors or out (as long as it’s not too windy!), and with or without a table.

Bag Boards

Bean bag toss (aka Corn Hole) is a fun outdoor game to play at any age! Here are the complete instructions for making your very own version of this popular game.

Teresa Odland

Toddler Busy Board

Why are kids so often more interested in boxes, knobs and key rings than they are in their toys? Whatever the reason, this busy board is sure to keep them entertained. Here are the complete instructions so you can make a busy board for your favorite toddler.

Desktop Catapult

This mini catapult is as fun to make as it is to play with. Scrap wood, a couple of dowels and rubber bands are all you need for materials. Here are the complete how-to-build instructions, including a video.

Low-Tech Tic-Tac-Toe

This take-along tic-tac-toe board features built-in storage for the marbles. You’ll find the simple DIY instructions here.

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Chessboard

Most games are more fun when they’re played outside, including chess! Here’s how to make a chessboard. If you’ll be leaving the board outside, choose naturally weather-resistant wood like cedar or teak. If you need an outdoor table to play chess on, check out these five outdoor tables you can make.