Screens are everywhere. Tablets, phones, televisions and gaming consoles have become part of everyday life for kids across New Zealand. While technology has its place, many parents and grandparents are actively looking for ways to encourage more outdoor play, creativity and real-world connection.

The challenge is not convincing kids that screens are bad. It is offering them something better.

Outdoor games do exactly that. They do not feel like a replacement for screens. They feel like an upgrade.

The right backyard games create excitement, movement and shared moments that pull kids outside naturally. Here are five outdoor games that consistently beat screen time while also supporting confidence, learning and family connection.

Why Outdoor Games Are So Effective for Kids

Outdoor games meet kids where they are. They offer instant fun without pressure, structure without rigidity, and freedom to play at their own pace.

Instead of saying “turn off the screen,” outdoor games invite kids into something engaging and social. When children play outside regularly, they build coordination, communication skills, and emotional resilience. They learn to navigate winning and losing, to problem-solve, and to connect with others face to face. Most importantly, they are enjoying themselves while it happens.

Cornhole: Easy to Learn and Instantly Addictive

Cornhole is one of the most approachable outdoor games for kids of all ages. The throwing motion is simple, the objective is clear, and the sense of achievement is immediate.

Why Cornhole works for kids:
• Simple throwing action that is easy for small hands
• Clear objectives with quick wins that build confidence
• Adjustable difficulty by changing the distance

Cornhole is also perfect for family play. Kids can compete alongside parents and grandparents without feeling outmatched, making it ideal for mixed-age households. It is inclusive, confidence-building, and endlessly replayable.

Giant Connect Four: Strategy Meets Instant Fun

Giant Connect Four has instant visual appeal for kids. The oversized pieces, bold colours, and satisfying action of dropping counters into place grab attention immediately.

Why kids love Giant Connect Four:
• Immediate understanding of rules with quick engagement
• Encourages forward thinking and basic strategy
• Quick rounds keep children focused and excited

This game works especially well at birthday parties, family gatherings, and outdoor events where children naturally cluster and take turns.

Giant Tumbling Tower: Focus, Balance and Big Laughs

Giant Tumbling Tower builds suspense with every move. Kids are drawn to the challenge of carefully removing a block while keeping the tower standing.

Why Giant Tumbling Tower is great for kids:
• Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Teaches patience and focus under pressure
• Provides laughter and fun through every tower tumble

This game helps children slow down, concentrate, and enjoy the moment. It is perfect for group play, whether quiet or energetic.

Skittles: A Timeless Classic That Still Delivers

Skittles has been entertaining children for generations, and its simplicity is part of its strength.

Why Skittles works for kids:
• Clear, easy-to-follow rules
• Quick turns that maintain attention
• Encourages friendly competition and cheering

The game is particularly useful in smaller backyards or for casual after-school play. It allows children of different ages to play together seamlessly.

Gutter Board: Fast-Paced Fun for Every Backyard

Gutter Board is a simple throwing and catching game that is perfect for outdoor fun. Its compact setup makes it easy to play in a backyard, park, or driveway, and kids instantly pick up the rules.

Why Gutter Baoard is great for kids:
• Quick rounds keep energy high and attention focused
• Improves hand-eye coordination and teamwork
• Easy to adapt for younger or older children

Gutter Board adds variety to your backyard game collection, giving kids something fast-paced and energetic alongside Cornhole, Giant Connect Four, and Skittles. It is also highly social, making it perfect for small groups or family gatherings.

Games That Encourage Free Play and Creativity

One of the biggest advantages of outdoor games is how children often adapt them. Rules evolve, challenges are invented, and games grow organically during play.

Outdoor games provide a framework, but children bring the imagination. Unlike screens, which dictate pace and outcomes, outdoor games allow kids to make their own rules and explore freely.

Games That Grow With Your Child

The best outdoor games do not get outgrown after one season. Cornhole, Giant Connect Four, Tumbling Tower, and Skittles evolve naturally as children grow.

What begins as simple fun for younger kids develops into strategic play for older children. These games remain relevant through teenage years and even into adulthood, making them a long-term investment for family play.

Turning Outdoor Games Into Everyday Habits

Outdoor games do not need strict scheduling. Small, consistent habits make the biggest difference.

Ideas for creating habits:
• Leave a game set up in the backyard for spontaneous play
• Play a quick round before dinner
• Bring a game out when friends visit

Visible, accessible games naturally draw kids, turning outdoor play into a part of daily life.

Outdoor Play and Children’s Wellbeing

Spending time outdoors supports better sleep, improved mood, and reduced stress. Outdoor games combine movement and social interaction, which builds emotional wellbeing and resilience in a natural, enjoyable way.

Why Outdoor Games Fit the Kiwi Lifestyle

New Zealand is built for outdoor living. From backyards to parks to baches, outdoor games integrate seamlessly into Kiwi life.

They are portable, easy to set up, and adaptable to a wide range of environments. Whether it is a sunny afternoon or a family celebration, outdoor games give children a reason to step outside and stay there.

Creating Screen-Free Memories That Last

Screens come and go. Memories last. Many adults can still recall the outdoor games they played as children and the joy of fully being in the moment. Outdoor games give today’s children the same opportunity to create lasting memories. Often, it starts with just one game in the backyard.

Explore Backyard Games for Your Family

If you are ready to make outdoor play fun, simple, and memorable, explore our full range of backyard games designed for Kiwi families. From Cornhole and Giant Connect Four to Giant Tumbling Tower, Skittles, and Gutter Board there is a game for every age and backyard.

Discover our premium, durable games and start creating memories that last a lifetime. Explore our collection here