We all love a great game to play while spending our time outdoors. After all, just being outside has its own health benefits. Unfortunately, a lot of the best outdoor lawn games played these days require many pieces and can get frustrating trying to pack up to take on your next adventure. But what do you do when you forget or choose not to bring your games, you know the ones with equipment? We’ll be looking at some of the best outdoor games for adults that don’t require equipment.
With the games below, you are sure to have a great time while spending time in the backyard or at the campsite. There is no assembly required so you can spend your time laughing and enjoying each others company while playing these family outdoor games. Who knows, if you are like our family, you may even make up a few new ones while you are at it!
Also, check out our 10 Outdoor Games Without Equipment for Children!
10 Outdoor Games For Adults Without Equipment
1. Relay Races
Divide the group into teams. Each team needs the same number of people and preferable the same skill level. Line out your course and have the teams get ready at the starting line.
The first player then runs to a certain point and back to tag the next person in their team. This continues until the last player crosses back over the start line.
The first team to get everyone back wins the race.
2. Hide-N-Seek
An old and popular children’s game that can also be played as adults in which one player closes his or her eyes for a brief period (often counting to 100) while the other players hide.
The seeker then opens their eyes and tries to find the hiders. The first one found is the next seeker, and the last is the winner of the round.
To make things more interesting you can add a home base if you want to have to tag someone to be considered found.
3. Sardines
Sardines is Hide-N-Seek in reverse. In this game, ‘it’ hides and all the other players try to find ‘it.’ Once a player finds ‘it,’ they silently hide together until everyone is hiding and only one person remains.
Last player standing becomes ‘it’ in the next round of play!
4. Red Rover
Divide the group into two teams. Each group forms a line, all players holding hands. Lines need to be facing each other, close to twenty feet apart.
The teams take turns yelling out “Red Rover, Red Rover, let (name of person on opposite team) come over”. The person whose name is called, runs toward the other line and tries to break through the hands of the opposing team.
If they break through, they get to take someone back to join their team, but if they do not they have to stay and join that team. Play continues until one team has only one person and they are not able to break through.
Note: Adults and children alike enjoy this game and can take it to the next level. You want to avoid any injuries as it sometimes can become an intense contact sport.
5. Wheelbarrow Races
Set up your course so that everyone knows where the finish line will be.
Separate teams of two players with one teammate playing the role of the driver, and the other playing the role of the wheelbarrow.
The driver holds on to the other player’s ankles, while the other player walks with his hands.
The first team to cross the finish line wins the race.
6. Relay Races
Divide the group into teams. Each team needs the same number of people and the same skill level if possible. Line out your course. Teams get ready at the starting point.
The first player then runs to a certain point and back to tag the next person in their team. This continues until the last player crosses back over the start line.
The first team to get everyone back wins the race.
You can also use an egg and spoon for a more difficult balancing challenge or maybe balloons if you have those on location.
7. Charades
Divide the group into small teams or groups.
Each player takes a turn acting out someone or something from a movie, show, book, etc. while the others tried to guess who or what they are. Remember to define a time frame for this.
The team with the most correct guesses after a specified time wins. You want everyone to get an opportunity.
8. Tag
Tag is a playground game involving two or more players.
Set your boundaries ahead of time. Decide who “it” is going to be for the initial round.
“It” begins chasing the other players in an attempt to “tag” and mark them out of play, usually by touching with a hand.
Once someone is tagged, they will become “it” and start the next round.
9. British Bulldogs
Another variation of tag, popular for all age groups. Set your boundaries.
Players start at one side of the playing area with one person picked to be “it”. They have to wait in the middle.
When they say go, everyone runs to the opposite side without being tagged. If a player is tagged, they join the bulldog in the middle.
The winner is the last player to be tagged.
10. Captain’s Order
Select one player to be the captain. The captain stands at the front. All other players line up single file, facing the captain.
Introduce the various commands and actions to be used in the game. These can be as funny, easy or difficult as you want.
When ready, the captain calls out a command. The players do the action associated with the command. Last one to complete the command is out.
Play continues with the captain calling and the ‘crew’ responding. Last player in the game becomes the captain for the next round.
Tips For Adults Playing Outdoor Games
We can all agree, most of us are still kids at heart. A lot of these games were played when we in school, but can still be an exciting way to pass the time and create a lot of laughs along the way. Please take these tips into consideration when picking your outdoor activities.
- Game Choice – While we are mainly aiming at adults with these games, there may be some younger in the group or some a lot older. We don’t want Grandma breaking a hip, so maybe Red Rover isn’t the best choice for her. Pick something everyone will enjoy.
- Location: Look at where you will be playing, Is it grassy or are there rocks? Do you have a lot of room or is it confined? If the location isn’t ideal, you may want to find a better spot.
- Hydration: While this is important for adults and children alike, some adults tend to increase hazards with beverages. Be sure to drink plenty of water. For some, it may be their first time outdoors in a while or physically exerting themselves. The time of year and temperature is also a factor to consider. Stay safe!
Wrapping Up
No matter the age or the location, we can always find exciting things to do while outdoors. While we have listed our top 10, there are tons of other games and/or variations out there to get you moving. The best part, you don’t need equipment for any of these. Most importantly, enjoy your time with family and friends. Make memories that will last a lifetime, that’s what matters.
Do you have a favorite outdoor game? Leave it in the comments and let us know! If you’re interested in more activities, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
Keep Winning Outdoors!