School is out and with the summer months ahead, now is a good time to get your children outside in the sunshine. That being said, finding ways to keep your kids entertained all day can be quite the task. One solution for getting your kids to spend more time outdoors and have fun is giant garden games.
Being outside and in sunlight helps children produce sufficient vitamin D levels. This vitamin helps to protect kids from various undesirable health issues in later years. The sun is a huge mood booster. So, your kids will be thanking you for it in the end, even if it is hard to peel them from the TV. Happy kids, happy parents.
Check out these super-sized versions of classic board games and activities that are a surefire way to get your kids outside and entertained for hours. From giant Jenga to Pick up Sticks through to Snakes and Ladders, here are some great jumbo outdoor games to take on holidays or play in the garden this summer.
Best giant garden games
Editor's pick
This giant version of Jenga builds from 0.6 metres up to an impressive 1.5 metres high and includes 58 solid pine blocks. Just like the traditional tabletop game, players take turns removing and stacking blocks, but this time it’s big enough for the whole family to get involved outdoors. Perfect for garden parties, park days, beach trips or camping adventures, it comes packed in a durable canvas carry bag with handles, making it easy to transport and store. One happy customer shared: "The blocks are a really nice size. Everyone got involved, from our youngest at 1.5 years old to our eldest at 82. The quality bag helps keep all the blocks tidy and easy to move. I’ll be using linseed oil to give the blocks an even smoother feel, though that’s just my personal touch." A brilliant choice for family gatherings and making memories across generations.
Pros
- Ideal for parties, BBQs, and camping.
- Crafted from solid pine wood sourced from sustainable forest
Cons
- Only suitable from 8 years and up
The best easy two-player game
The Range www.therange.co.uk
This super-sized version of the classic two-player game Connect 4 is perfect for outdoor play. Made with durable foam discs, it's designed to keep kids entertained while enjoying the sunshine. One parent said, "The kids absolutely loved it and played for hours. It was easy enough for them to set up on their own, and it felt sturdy even with lots of use."
The foldable legs come off easily, making the game simple to pack away and take with you, whether you're heading to the garden, park or a weekend away.
Pros
- Easy to assemble giant outdoor game
- Includes blue and red counters
Cons
- Suitable for Ages: 6+
3.
King Fisher Dominoes & Tile Games
The best for teaching numeracy skills
Amazon This classic game of skill comes with 28 durable foam dominoes and is easy to pick up, making it a great choice for younger children. It's not just fun but can also be a playful way to introduce basic number recognition. One mum shared, "Stuck in during lockdown, this was brilliant for my toddler to play with in the garden. Very helpful when teaching her to identify numbers."
Whether you're playing just for fun or using it as a learning tool, it's a win for both kids and parents.
Pros
- Includes 28 lightweight foam domino pieces.
- Packed in a full colour carton with carry handle.
Cons
- Ideal for 2 or more players, not just one.
4.
Grafix Giant Draughts
The best game of skill for older children
Amazon This giant draughts board game set is a great way to teach your children the basics while enjoying time outdoors. The board is made of black and white interlocking squares that can be taken apart and reassembled wherever you go, making it ideal for the garden, park or even a day out. One reviewer said, "Great for beginners. When fitted together it's just what you need for little hands. Great value for money and just what I expected.
Lightweight and easy to take in the box on day trips or to a friend's house. Love it!" The sturdy pieces are perfect for younger players and make the game both fun and easy to learn.
Pros
- XL Chunky counter and a 60 x 60 cm game board
- Ideal for garden, park, beach, and more.
Cons
- Not suitable for kids under 5
The best active group game
Amazon If you’re planning a party, picnic or just a fun afternoon in the garden, this giant inflatable bowling set is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Big, bright and brilliantly fun, it’s the kind of game that gets everyone involved, from toddlers having their first go to grandparents joining in for a bit of friendly competition. Designed with an anti-deflation valve, it stays fully inflated for hours of uninterrupted play, so there’s no need to stop and re-pump in the middle of the fun.
One happy mum shared, “Got this for my son’s birthday party; the kids are gonna love it!” And it’s not just for birthdays, this set is perfect for summer holidays, family BBQs or even rainy-day play in a big indoor space.
Lightweight and easy to pack away, it’s the kind of toy that becomes a fast family favourite.
Pros
- Made from heavy-duty vinyl, it's durable and long-lasting for endless fun.
- Includes 6 pins (22" tall) and a large 14" bowling ball, great for all ages.
Cons
- One review said the size of the skittles are actually smaller in size.
The best classic group game
Argos www.argos.co.uk
Bring all the fun of the fairground to your own back garden with this charming Wooden Ring Toss Game. It’s a lovely way to keep little ones (and grown-ups too) entertained, whether you’re playing inside on a rainy afternoon or soaking up the sun outdoors. The set includes five colourful rope rings and sturdy, numbered wooden pegs made from FSC certified wood, so it’s as eco friendly as it is fun. Simply aim, toss and try to land your ring on the matching peg to score points. It’s great for developing hand eye coordination and even early counting skills, making it a playful way to sneak in a bit of learning.
Pros
- Includes sturdy numbered wooden pegs made from FSC certified wood.
- Includes 5 coloured wooden pegs and baseboard to secure them to
Cons
- For outdoor use only.
The best four-player easy board game
Amazon Bring a childhood favourite to life with this giant version of Snakes and Ladders, perfect for two to four players and ideal for both indoor and outdoor play. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon in the living room or a sunny garden get together, this colourful classic keeps little ones entertained while helping them practise counting and turn taking.
The set includes a 1x1 metre game mat, two wooden dice and four wooden counters, all beautifully made for that extra touch of quality.
One happy grandparent shared, “Bought this for my 4 year old grandson. I wanted a good quality product to match the game I had as a child. I’m very happy with it. Colourful, very well made, and lots of yellow snakes to catch me out, much to the delight of my grandson. He loves it and has taken to the game very quickly.”
Pros
- The perfect addition to family games night
- Includes Folding Board, 4 Pawns and 2 Dice
Cons
- One review said the product had been poorly made, when you fold it out the board doesn't lay flat and is hard to play on.
The best party game
Amazon Rrp: $37.56
Looking for a game that’s a little bit different and guaranteed to get everyone giggling? This giant inflatable version of Pass the Pigs is a fun twist on a classic party game and perfect for family playtime. Players take turns tossing the oversized inflatable pigs and score points based on how they land. The first to reach 100 points wins, making it a lively and lighthearted competition for kids and grown ups alike. It comes with an oversized score pad, pencil, drawstring pig storage pouch, illustrated instructions and even a bit of game history for the curious. One parent, happy with how enetrtaining this game is said:, "They are great fun. The pigs are well made and are of a decent size. It definitely adds a new dimension to what is a very basic game. It comes with a little booklet with all the positions where you gain points. All in all, a great way to reintroduce Pass the Pigs to the children, including the big kids too." Easy to learn and full of silly fun, this game is just the thing to bring out at birthdays, garden get togethers or rainy days indoors.
Pros
- New squirting and squeaking big pigs
- Easy-to-carry and ready to be played on-the-go or at home
- Suitable for 6 year olds
Cons
- One customer said the pigs do not last - the plastic joins are poorly made so the pigs get punctures within minutes.
The best jumping game
Argos www.argos.co.uk
The Floor is Lava: Outdoor Edition, inspired by the classic childhood game, brings all the fun outside with brightly coloured, non-slip stepping stones and challenge cards to keep little ones on their toes. It's perfect for burning off energy in the garden, at the park or even on a beach day.
Aimed at children aged five and up, this game encourages balance, coordination and quick thinking. Whether they’re hopping from stone to stone or racing against siblings and friends, kids will love testing their agility and having a good giggle while doing it. Plus, it’s great for building confidence and teamwork in a playful setting.
One happy parent said, "I bought this for my six year old and it’s been a huge hit. The pieces are bright and sturdy and the kids stayed entertained for ages. We took it on holiday too and it was perfect for the beach." Easy to set up and pack away, this game is a must have for active families looking for outdoor fun.
Pros
- Interactive activity game
- Comes with 25 water balloons to drench your foes
Cons
- Only to be used in water where the child is within its depth and under adult supervision.
Why is it important to play outside?
Playing outside is an excellent way for your child to explore the natural environment, get some sunshine, and have their own adventures.
Physical activities like these are good for your child's health, fitness, and physical development. Additionally, spending time outdoors might lower your child's chances of developing short-sightedness later in life. As children burn more calories outdoors, playing outside will also help to prevent obesity and strengthen bones and muscles.
Research shows that bright light enhances mood too, which keeps your kids motivated and happy. In a studyof more than two hundred 10-year-olds, researchers found that kids preferred classrooms that were very brightly lit to classrooms lit at much lower, more traditional levels. The same goes for playing outside rather than indoors.