Team Sports
People of all ages enjoy a carefree team game and they need very little equipment. If you have a large grassy area, you can play soccer, football, or even softball. None of these needs much in the way of equipment and all are easy to play for most people. Badminton or volleyball is also a great option, but you’ll have to bring a net. If your cookout is near a beach, beach volleyball is always fun. You might even want to try croquet, though this requires a little more equipment than some games.
Individual Games
Though team sports are popular, it’s probably a good idea to have a few games that don’t need an entire team to play. Grassy areas are great for horseshoes or darts, but be careful when letting children play darts. If you have any concrete available, pack some sidewalk chalk. Hopscotch will entertain children for hours, but there are other possibilities.
Try using the chalk to draw start and finish lines and have a foot race. If you want to get a little more creative, try to organize a relay race. For more entertainment, try a line race. Have each participant draw a line. It doesn’t have to be straight. It can zigzag, curve, cross other lines, and even double back, as long as it eventually gets to the finish line. Then number the lines and have everyone draw numbers out of a hat. Now people have to race on the line that matches the number they got. The first to hit the finish line wins. This is hilarious as people try to stay on their path without bumping into each other.
Arts and Crafts
Sidewalk chalk can be used for more than just creating games. You can give it to children and adults alike and encourage everyone to get creative. Try blocking off square for everyone and you’ll soon end up with a mosaic of artwork. Have a contest, judging the entries and even awarding prizes, but make sure you have more than one category so that everyone can have a chance to win a prize.
Scavenger Hunts
If you’re looking for a way to keep people occupied for a long period of time try a scavenger hunt. You can do this in one of two ways. You might opt to go to the site early and hide a variety of items, perhaps leaving clues as to their locations. This works well in an area where you can be assured that your items will remain undisturbed, such as private property.
If your cookout is being held in an area that the general public has access to, such as a park, you might want to ask your guests to find items in nature. Make a list that might include dandelions, acorns, pinecones, rocks in certain shapes, a maple leaf, or anything else that’s native to your area. Perhaps as a bonus you could ask everyone to find a four-leaf clover. Provide each participant with a bag and let them go.
Water Games
Summer heat and water just seem to go together. If your cookout has a water source such as a lake, river, stream, or even a water fountain, pack a few water guns. Spread them around and let your guests engage in an impromptu game of ‘war.’ Remember to set some rules regarding who can be sprayed and where the water guns can be used. However, keep in mind that most children and many adults will ignore those rules, so if you pack water guns, be prepared to get wet no matter where you sit.
If there’s a lake nearby, remind everyone to bring their swimsuits. Swimming will occupy your guests for a prolonged period of time with very little effort on your part. Put someone in charge of supervising any children who happen to be in the water, purely for safety reasons.
You can easily turn your summer cookout into a truly social event by the addition of some fun activities. Make accommodations for participants who do not wish to play certain games, and keep in mind the various ages and levels of activities, and your guests will be entertained, engaged, and work up an appetite. Take advantage of the area, and don’t forget to pack some simple items such as a Frisbee and a few balls to toss around. Before you know it, your guests will be enjoying themselves thoroughly.
