Outdoor Games for Teenagers That are Not Digitally Driven

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With all the picnics and BBQs and other fun events coming up this summer for families and friends, we wanted to make a quick list of outdoor games for teenagers to help you keep the kids off of their phones and tablets, and interacting with other people in real life—and the benefits go beyond just being more extroverted!

Outdoor Games for Teenagers (that will get them off of their phones)

Stack ‘Em Up

Number of Players: 2 or more.

Supplies: Sandwich cookies or dominoes or any other small, stackable objects, timer.

How to Play: This one can be played two ways—one at a time with a timer, or all at once! Players lean their heads back to make their foreheads into a flat surface and then stack as many objects as they can on their own heads until the objects fall. If they’re playing one at a time, the winner is whoever can stack the most objects the fastest; if they’re playing all at once, the winner is the last person standing!

Benefits: Improves balance and coordination.

Medusa

Number of Players: 8 or more.

Supplies: None.

How to Play: Players stand together in a circle with their heads down looking at the ground. On the count of three, everyone looks up and looks at another player. If the same two players look at each other, they must drop out of the circle. The last players standing are the winners.

Benefits: Teaches strategy and nonverbal communication.

Would You Rather

Number of Players: 2 or more.

Supplies: None.

How To Play: Players take turns asking each other questions that begin with “Would you rather … ?” The questions can be funny, serious, weird or profound, depending on the players. (If you’re concerned that the kids won’t be able to jump right into this one without prompting, you can have them start with a set of 3×5 cards with example Would You Rathers that you write up ahead of time.)

Benefits: Improves communication skills.

Cornhole

Number of Players: 2 or 4 (adaptable for any even number).

Supplies: Cornhole boards and bags.

How to Play: Set up your Cornhole boards 27 feet apart, front to front (you can decrease the distance if the players are younger kids but teens should have no problem with the standard rules). Partners stand at opposite Cornhole boxes on the same side, facing each other. Each Cornhole player throws from anywhere behind the front of the Cornhole board they’re throwing from, alternating throws between the two opponent players until all 8 bags have been thrown. Teams then switch places and take their turns. The game continues until one team reaches 21 or more points.

Benefits: Improves coordination and fosters good sportsmanship, gives teens a head start learning this fun and favorite backyard game.