Indiana Backyard Ideas That Keep Kids Busy All Summer Long
You know it’s officially summer in Indiana when your kids say, “I’m bored” exactly five minutes after breakfast. With the long daylight hours and the backyard just steps away, there’s no better time to turn your outdoor space into a boredom-busting zone of fun.
Whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens, or a mix of both, these backyard play ideas for Indiana families will keep everyone off screens, out in the fresh air, and having the kind of fun we had growing up—mud pies, water balloons, and all.
Let’s make this summer the one they’ll remember.
1. Create an Obstacle Course (No Tools Required)
Kids love a challenge. Set up an obstacle course using:
Pool noodles (hoops, hurdles)
Buckets to jump over
Rope or painter’s tape for balance lines
Hula hoops or tires for stepping stones
Time each other or make it a relay race! It’s low cost and high energy—especially good for wearing them out before dinner.
2. Water Balloon Baseball
This one’s an instant classic.
Grab a plastic bat and a bunch of filled water balloons. The splash every time they hit one is worth the mess (and the giggles).
Pro Tip: Do it on a freshly mowed lawn—easier cleanup and softer on bare feet.
If mosquitoes tend to crash your backyard parties, we recommend a treatment from Blue Duck Pest Control. It’s family-safe and makes all your outdoor fun itch-free.
3. Backyard Scavenger Hunt
Customize this to your kids’ ages. For younger kids, look for:
Something round
A leaf with jagged edges
A bug that crawls
For older ones, make it more challenging:
Something taller than your knee
A leaf from a maple tree
Something that smells like summer
Add a small prize at the end to boost motivation.
4. Try Classic Lawn Games (With a Twist)
Old-school games are still the best, but a few tweaks keep things exciting.
Fan Favorites:
Cornhole: Create your own boards with cardboard and duct tape
Ring Toss: Use glow sticks at night for added fun
Sponge Tag: Instead of a ball, use soaked sponges for a cool-down game
Kickball with a Slip-N-Slide “Home Plate”: Trust me, it’s epic
These lawn games for kids are perfect for weekend fun—and might even lure the neighbors over for a block party.
5. Nighttime Fun: Glow Games & Campfire Stories
Who says the fun ends when the sun sets?
Set up a glow stick ring toss, flashlight tag, or shadow puppet shows on the side of the house.
Then gather around a fire pit or lantern for “campfire” stories. Have each person add a sentence to the story. The sillier, the better. And yes—s’mores are required.
6. Build a DIY Mud Kitchen or Nature Play Area
This is easier than it sounds! Use:
Old pots, pans, and utensils
A few 2x4s or milk crates for the structure
Dirt + water = the best summer mess
Let the kids “cook” up mud pies, dandelion soup, and acorn stew. It's screen-free, sensory, and they'll spend hours in their own little world.
7. Add a Pet-Friendly Play Zone
If you’ve got dogs (and let’s face it, most of us do), set up a kid-and-pup obstacle course or cooling station with:
Shallow splash pools
Tunnels made of cardboard boxes
Treat treasure hunts hidden in the yard
Just make sure your lawn is safe for paws and bare feet. A monthly treatment from Blue Duck Lawn Care keeps weeds and pests down while staying safe for kids and pets alike.
Bonus: Set Up a Summer “Backyard Bucket List” Wall
Hang a chalkboard, whiteboard, or printable list somewhere outside. Every time your kids complete an activity, check it off.
Ideas include:
“Dance barefoot in the rain”
“Catch a firefly”
“Host a backyard talent show”
“Invent a new lawn game”
“Roast marshmallows with dad”
It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.
The Takeaway: Summer Memories Start at Home
You don’t need fancy vacations or expensive camps to make summer unforgettable. With a few simple ideas, your backyard can become the center of laughter, creativity, and togetherness.
From DIY obstacle courses to firefly-filled dance parties, these backyard play ideas for Indiana families turn “I’m bored” into “Let’s do that again tomorrow!”
So roll up your sleeves, grab a hose, and get outside. The best memories are waiting in your own backyard.
