Outdoor Family Games to Play Around Your Swing Set and Playset

Your backyard swing set or playset offers a whole lot more fun than just swinging and sliding! It’s the perfect centerpiece for all kinds of outdoor family games and adventures. Turning your yard into a game zone keeps kids moving, laughing, and making memories after school, on weekends, and all summer break.

Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up fun, easy outdoor games for kids that work great around your swing set, plus tips for turning your playset into the ultimate game hub.

Why Outdoor Games Are Great for Family Fun

Fresh air, physical activity, and screen-free bonding time are always a triple win. And kids’ outdoor games offer the perfect way to hit all three. They also help kids build coordination, social skills, and creativity while burning off energy in the best way.

Plus, when you join in as a parent or caregiver, you’re creating shared experiences your kids will remember long after the sun sets. Outdoor games for families like a simple game of tag or a backyard water relay might just become a family tradition.

How to Use Your Swing Set and Playset as a Game Hub

Your swing set can anchor all kinds of fun family games outside! With just a few tweaks, your setup becomes the heart of a mini backyard playground.

Here are some tips for turning your swing set into an area that’s perfect for playing family games outside:

• Use the slide as a finish line for races or relays.
• Hang a ribbon or streamer from the swing beam as a limbo bar or obstacle.
• Add chalk or cones around the play area to create a course or game boundaries.
• Use a playhouse section as “base” for tag or hide-and-seek.
• Incorporate swings into balance or jumping challenges.
• Set up speakers nearby for music-based games like freeze dance.

With just a little creativity, your swing will become a launchpad for nonstop fun! If you’re shopping for a new swing set, check out our buying guide to find the perfect one for your needs.

Outdoor Family Games to Play Near Your Swing Set

You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of setup time; just a few good ideas and a willingness to play. Some fun ways to get the whole family moving include:

Classic Games for All Ages

These timeless favorites never go out of style and are perfect for all kinds of yards.

• Tag (add variations like freeze tag or shadow tag)
• Hide-and-Seek
• Red Light, Green Light
• Simon Says
• Freeze Dance (use a speaker or just sing a tune!)
• Duck, Duck, Goose

These are all easy outdoor games for kids to learn, great for mixed ages, and don’t require any extra gear.

Swing Set-Inspired Games

Let your playset do the heavy lifting with outdoor games to play that incorporate the set’s features:

• Obstacle Course Challenge: Combine swings, slides, climbing walls, monkey bars, and ground obstacles like cones or hula hoops to create a mini Ninja Warrior course.
• Swing & Jump Relay: Kids take turns swinging and jumping off (safely, feet first!) into a marked “target” zone, followed by a sprint or task.
• Slide Tag: One person guards the bottom of the slide while others try to slide past them without being tagged.
• Pirate Ship Adventure: Turn the playset into a ship and create a treasure hunt using clues hidden around the yard.

These outside children’s games tap into kids’ imaginations while encouraging movement and coordination.

Water Play Games for Summer Fun

When the temperature is sizzling, cool things down with one or more of these backyard water games.

• Sprinkler Dash: Set up a sprinkler near the swing set and let kids run through it during obstacle courses or relay races.
• Water Balloon Toss: Pair kids up for a game of catch that gets sillier (and splashier) with each step backward.
• Slip ‘n Slide Finish Line: Place a slip-and-slide near the base of your swing set for a refreshing race to the end.
• Bucket Fill Relay: Teams race to fill a container using only a sponge or small cup—great for teamwork and giggles!

Just add towels and sunscreen, and you're ready to go!

Make the Most of Your Backyard Play

A swing set or playset is an ideal launchpad for creativity, laughter, and togetherness. With a little imagination and a few simple children’s activities and outdoor game ideas, your backyard can become your family’s favorite hangout.

Ready to create more moments of backyard magic? Shop our collection of swing sets and playsets and bring home a setup built for fun.