7 Fun Outdoor Ball Games for Kids to Keep Them Active & Happy

As any parent knows, sometimes it can be a struggle to come up with new and interesting ways to keep your kids entertained. After all, there are only so many times you can take them to the park or play tag in the backyard before they get bored.

If you're looking for some new ideas to keep your kids active and happy, why not try one of these fun outdoor ball games for kids? It will help to get them active and using their imaginations, and they're sure to have a blast in the process.

Plus, we've got some advice for keeping your (and your neighbour's) garden safe from any wayward ball shots.

#1 Balloon Catch

This is a great game for younger kids. All you need is a balloon and a small space outdoors. 

The object of the game is to keep the balloon from hitting the ground – players can use their hands, feet, or any other part of their bodies to keep it aloft.

To make it more challenging (and fun), you can try playing in teams or see how long everyone can keep the balloon up in the air.

Make sure you don't play this ball game for kids when it's windy outside, as it will be much more difficult to keep the balloon from hitting the ground.

#2 Beach Ball Volleyball

This is a fun twist on the classic game of volleyball. Instead of using a regular ball, try playing with a beach ball instead.

You can set up a net or simply play across from each other without one – just make sure the area you're playing in is clear of any obstacles that could get in the way.

If you're playing at home, you could set up some ball stop netting to keep the ball from going into your neighbour's garden.

If you're playing at home, you could set up some ball stop netting to keep the ball from going into your neighbour's garden. You can put up and take down the netting as and when you need to.

#3 Bottle Bowling

This is a simple game that can be played with items you likely have around the house. All you need are some plastic bottles filled with water and a small ball. Y

ou can set up the bottles like bowling pins and take turns trying to knock them down with the ball.

This is a great ball game for kids of all ages and can be played by one person or in teams. Just make sure to move any valuables out of the way before you start playing!

#4 Tennis

A crowd-pleaser for kids of all ages, all you need for a game of tennis is a racquet and a ball. If you don't have a tennis racquet, no worries – any type of racket will do (even an old badminton racket).

Just make sure the area you're playing in is clear of any obstacles that could get in the way. You could consider setting up a tennis net in your garden if you have the space. Tennis nets are easy to set up and take down, so you can put them away when you're not using them.

#5 Ball and Spoon Race

This is a twist on a classic game that's perfect for a group of kids - just without the mess! 

All you need is a ball and a spoon (plastic or metal) for each player. The object of the game is to race from point A to point B while balancing the ball on the spoon. It sounds easy, but it's actually quite challenging – and fun!

It's a great way to get kids moving and thinking at the same time. It will help to improve their coordination and balance, and they're sure to have a blast in the process.

#6 Football Bins

This is a fun and simple game that can be played with just about any type of ball, but it works best with a football. All you need is a ball and some sort of container (plastic bins work well).

The object of the game is to score goals by getting the ball into the bin. You can play by yourself or with a friend. If you're playing with a friend, you can take turns being the goalie.

It's a great ball game for kids who love football. Setting up ball stop netting is a good idea for this game as it will keep the ball from going into your neighbour's garden, and you can even use it to protect any breakable items in your own garden.

You'll need to select a netting that is strong enough to withstand repeated use and the strength of the ball.

#7 Hot Potato

This is a classic game that's perfect for a group of kids. All you need is a ball and some music (a portable speaker will do). The object of the game is to pass the ball around the circle as quickly as possible while the music is playing.

When the music stops, whoever is holding the ball is out. The last person standing is the winner.

It encourages kids to think and act quickly. It's also a great way to get them moving and improve their coordination.

How to Set Up Ball Stop Netting

If you're planning on playing any of the games that involve a ball, it's a good idea to set up ball stop netting. This will keep the ball from going into your neighbour's garden and causing any damage. It will also protect any valuables in your own garden.

When selecting ball stop netting, be sure to choose a mesh size that is small enough to stop the ball but large enough so that it won't damage the ball. A mesh size of 100mm is great for general garden ball stop netting.

To set up your nets, you'll need to secure them to something sturdy. You can use posts, fences, or even trees.

Make sure that the netting is taut so that the ball won't be able to slip through any gaps. You don't have to keep the sports netting up all the time, but it's a good idea to put it up when you know you'll be using it.

Summary: Ball Games for Kids & Protecting Your Garden Using Ball Stop Netting

Keeping your children active and entertained doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. There are plenty of fun games and activities that they can do right in your own garden.

Encouraging them to be active will help to improve their health, well-being and development - and they're sure to have a blast in the process.

To protect your garden and surrounding areas, be sure to set up ball stop netting when playing any games that involve a ball.

When your purchase your netting from Huck Nets, you can be sure you're getting high-quality, durable netting that will withstand repeated use.

FAQs