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Easy Backyard BBQ Fun for Kids
Need some easy Backyard BBQ fun for kids? Here are some quick, easy and affordable ideas for providing non-stop active fun for your kid crowd at the next backyard BBQ!
Last weekend we threw a big ‘ol bash for the 4th of July. One of our family friends proclaimed, “What a GREAT party!! An All-American backyard barbecue!” It’s true – we all had so much fun, both kids and adults. I think one of the reasons that everyone truly enjoyed themselves was because we had so many different activities for the little ones to hop around to. They were never bored and never without something fun to do.
Check out these ideas for your next backyard party! They range from cheap and cheerful to a little pricier and involved. Keep in mind, it has taken us years to compile all of these bigger items. We have taken advantage of Black Friday sales, clearance deals, etc to add to our collection!
1. Bubbles! A timeless classic – everyone loves bubbles! Kids love to blow bubbles and they love running this way and that in an attempt to pop them. Pick up bubbles at your local dollar store and put them out at your next party. We put our bubbles in a basket and hung that on a garden hook in the backyard.
If you really want to up the WOW factor, check out the WowMAZING Giant Bubble Sets from South Beach Bubbles!! We were gifted a few sets and the kids had an absolute blast making some of the biggest bubbles I have ever seen!
You can grab bubble solution refill packs as well.
2. Play-Doh Station – Play-Doh often goes overlooked as party entertainment. But here’s why it’s perfect for an outside BBQ… it’s OUTSIDE (no mess!), it truly occupies the kids for long periods of time and it needs no prep work – just open a jar and you’re on your way to FUN. We took a bunch of Play-Doh jars (the deals and coupons that run from time to time on the MEGA PACK of Play-Doh would work great for party stock-up). I placed them in a dollar store bin and we designated an entire table as the “Play-Doh Station.”
The kids had so much fun and even made us silly animals that doubled as table decor.
3. Hula Hoops – Another dollar store find! Pick up several hula hoops and throw them in your yard. Kids will gravitate towards them and have lots of fun!
4. Water Station – If your backyard BBQ is taking place during the summer months, chances are good the weather is hot. July is usually a scorcher around here (this year we lucked out and the 4th was actually pretty cloudy and a bit cooler than normal).
We had so much fun setting up this awesome water station. It was used all party long by kids of all ages. First we picked up a big water tub at Tractor Supply Co. The funny thing, is that we actually needed a new water trough for the horses. So Bob picked up this huge 100 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank and before we put it in the barn, we used it for our party. You could certainly just use any buckets you have around the house.
We picked up 5 water shooters from Dollar Tree and stocked the rest of our station with NERF Super Soakers. The biggest hit of the party were the smaller Super Soakers. They were the perfect size for some of our youngest guests and the older kids had fun carrying two at a time.
5. Sports Equipment – Several years ago we picked up a Little Tikes sports set that came with all kinds of toddler/kid-friendly sports equipment. We like to set these different games up around the yard and the kids rotate from one thing to the next.
While they are roaming around the yard, how about having fun with some treasure hunt clues outside? Kids can work together or individually to find common items around the yard from clue cards. Make it a competition if you’d like and see who can find the most items!
6. Glow Sticks – Because well, THEY’RE FUN! I grabbed about 5 packs of glow sticks from the dollar store (you get 8 for $1 at Dollar Tree). Not only did they kids love wearing these as the sun went down, I took a whole bunch and threw them into the pool. Several of the kids braved the chilly water to take a nighttime swim. These glow sticks sank to the bottom and became the perfect diving sticks!
7. Campfire Treats – Do tasty treats count as “activities?” Heck yes, they do! Especially when they require some assembly in order to enjoy. I had all of the necessary ingredients for classic S’mores and then I put together some “campfire cones” and had additional ingredients on hand for kids to make their own. (Campfire Cones are simply sugar ice cream cones filled with melty yummy snacks like mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.)
8. Water Table – We picked up a water table at the last consignment sale. It was a total STEAL at just $20 and is wonderful to have on hand for the toddler crowd. We filled our water table with water and on this occasion even included some extra ice from the cooler. Landon loves to play with his various sea creatures and other bath toys.
And though they aren’t super cheap, I need to mention these other two incredibly fun investments that we have made along the way. They provide HOURS of entertainment!!
9. Outdoor Bouncer – We purchased the Little Tikes Jump n Slide Dry Bouncer when Lily was just about 2 years old. This bouncer has made an appearance at every birthday party or BBQ since then! The kids literally spend hours upon hours playing in it.
I know some families who pool their money and purchase these bouncers together. They then share the bouncer across birthday parties and other events.
10. Outdoor Movie Screen – Last fall we caught this Giant Portable Outdoor Movie Theater Screen on Lightning Deal during holiday deal season. It was a purchase that we had considered for a few years and we took the sale as a sign to go ahead and buy it. Check out this round up I put together with some of the best outdoor movie projectors!
We used the screen with a projector, DVD player and speaker that we already owned. As the sun went down, we put Wreck-It Ralph on the big screen and the kids spread out their blankets and chairs. We popped popcorn and the kids had a blast watching the movie while the adults watched from the patio, enjoyed the fire pit, etc.
More Summer fun you might enjoy…
Super Summer Printable Planner Pack
Ultimate Summer Staycation Bucket List for Kids
Best Backyard Games to Play This Summer
Summer Reading Book Log – Free Printable Tracker
Wonderful ideas as usual! Thank you so much! I think we’ll set up some stations the next time the kids are over. So much fun!
<3 I'm so happy to hear they are helpful!! My kids love activity stations!
Great ideas for play!
Do you happen to have any menu plans for toddler bday bbq, dinosaur themed?
Ah, I do not! But I’ll bet someone does. Have you checked Pinterest or even just googled it? There are some great party planning blogs out there that have themed menus!