The Best Oudoor Games For Genuine Fun in Michigan

I have a blast during the summer in Michigan. When I was a kid we spent 14+ hours each day outside riding bikes, walking around doing nothing and picking up a few games of sandlot baseball.

Screens have taken over the world, not matter your age. I see more adults on their phones than kids. What happened to being in the moment and enjoying your company? If we take a long roadtrip we allow our kids to watch their screens to pass the time. Going to the store 15 minutes away doesn't warrant screen usage. Going out to eat doesn't mean you should tune out at the dinner table and focus on your screen. Parents, put your phone down the next time you are at Culver's and engage with your kid.

Coookouts will be happening this weekend along with family get togethers. A great way to be in the moment is to do someting that is fun for everyone. Try a game of some sort. You could play board games or you could go outside. Get some exercise with the kids while you compete; have fun and try not to emabarass yourself. Bringing the fam together to do these fun things only bolsters the family dynamic. The more the merrier, invite the whole party to join in and participate.

I have some great mamories of being a kid and playing games like badminton, tossing the ball and playing hoops in our driveway during the summer and cookout season. When I grew up I found some other fun games that I hope you like too.

10 Best Outdoor Games For Genuine Fun In Michigan

Badminton

Badminton rules! It can get really competitive and the shuttlecock can sting if you get nailed. It's a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net.

Ladder Golf

You can make your own set by getting some PVC pipe, connectors, rope and golf balls. The object is to score points, each rung has a different point value. Like any game, rules are rules, change em up.

Bocce Ball

What is bocce ball? It's fun and the object is to is to throw your bocce balls closer to the Pallino or Jack, than your opponent. I call it the "pea". The first team to reach 12 points wins the game (must win by 2). A match typically consists of 3 rounds. If you want to add some fun, make it extreme and play through multiple yards.

Croquet

I don't know the official rules for croquet. I set up a pattern with the hoops you have to drive the balls thru and hope to do it. I also think any game that includes mallets will be fun.

Drip, Drip, Dunk

Take duck, duck, goose to the next level. Notify the "goose" by pouring a bottle of water on their head and get them to chase you. I played this a few weeks ago for the first time. Your kids will love doing it.

Water Balloon Fight

No matter how old you are, nothing beats a good battle with water balloons. Kids love getting soaked and they also love getting their parents soaked too.

PIG

Play a game of PIG, HORSE or ALLIGATOR. Make sure you keep track of the letters you have. When I play with my kids I always end up with a PI when I should only have a P.

Outdoor Jenga

Fabricate or get yourself a jenga set that is meant for outdoors. Take the same fun with Jenga you have inside, outside by the campfire.

Lawn Yahtzee

I love playing Yahtzee. It's a long game for kids to play but if you take it outside they will have a great time.

Bean Bag Toss

Tossin' the ol' bag of beans is fun no matter what event you are hosting or attending. Make up your own rules if you want to change up the game.

All of these ideas will give you, the kids and your friends the time to disconnect from screens, enjoy the great outdoors of Michigan and make some fun memories.