Ball Games for Kids: 12 Easy Ball and Disc Ideas
Quick answer
The best ball games for kids in the backyard are simple ones with a few rules: bounce and catch, target toss, flying disc games and beach ball keepy-uppy. This guide gives 12 ideas, a boomerang how-to and a sports day plan, using bouncy balls, a flying disc and inflatable balls.
Key takeaways
- Bouncy balls, a flying disc and an inflatable ball cover 12 easy games.
- Short rounds and simple scoring keep mixed ages playing together.
- Turn the games into a sports day with a points table.
Ball games are the easiest way to get a group of kids moving, and you do not need a full sports kit. A few balls, a flying disc and an open patch of lawn will do. Browse the balls and outdoor games range for everything below.
These 12 backyard ball games for kids use simple rules, so you can explain them in a minute and start playing.
Bouncy ball games
The glitter bouncing balls come as a pack of 4, each 3cm across, while the Super Shot balls are 6cm and sold singly. Both bounce well on hard ground like paving or a driveway.
- Bounce and catch. Bounce the ball once, then catch it. Add a clap or a spin to make it harder.
- Target bounce. Place a bucket a few steps away and score a point for every ball that bounces in.
- Wall bounce. Take turns bouncing a ball off a wall and catching it, and drop out when you miss.
- Pass the pack. Players stand in a circle and pass balls around, adding one more ball each round.
Mix and match these with the games below. A bucket makes a good target for almost any ball, and a line of chalk or a rope on the grass gives players a clear place to stand.
Flying disc games
The flying disc is 21.5cm wide and weighs 65g, so it suits flying disc games on the lawn, at the park or on the sand.
- Disc golf. Use buckets or hoops as holes and count how many throws it takes to land inside each one.
- Catch streak. Two players throw back and forth and see how many catches they can make in a row.
- Disc relay. Teams line up and pass the disc down the line, then throw it into a bucket.
How to throw a boomerang
The Y shape boomerang measures 24.5 x 27.5cm and weighs 45g. It takes practice, so treat it as a challenge rather than a race.
- Stand in a large open space, well away from other people.
- Hold one arm of the Y upright, tilted just slightly away from straight up and down.
- Throw it forward with a flick of the wrist, aiming roughly level.
- Watch how it curves, and adjust your angle on the next throw.
Players score a point for each throw that comes back to within a few steps of the thrower. It is a good game for older kids and adults to try together.
Inflatable ball games
The inflatable rainbow beach ball is 23cm across when inflated, and the inflatable football is 23cm too. Both are PVC and pack flat, so they are easy to take along.
- Beach ball keepy-uppy. The group keeps the ball in the air and counts hits.
- Backyard kickabout. Set up two cones as goals and play a short game with the inflatable football.
- Ball toss circle. Call a name, toss the ball to that person and keep it moving.
Ways to adapt any ball game
- Change the distance. Shorter for little ones, longer for older kids.
- Change the ball. A big inflatable ball is easier to catch than a small bouncy ball.
- Add a rule. Catch with one hand, bounce before you throw, or throw only with your weaker hand.
- Play to a time, not a score. Five minutes per game keeps everyone involved.
Turn it into a sports day
Kids love a points table. Pick four events, give each a toy and a scoring rule, and add up the points at the end. Work in pairs or teams, and give each team a name. It works for school holiday afternoons, family get-togethers and birthday parties, and you can rotate the events so every team tries every station.
| Event | Toy | How to score |
|---|---|---|
| Bounce target | Super Shot balls | 1 point per ball in the bucket |
| Disc golf | Flying disc | Fewest throws wins |
| Keepy-uppy | Beach ball | 1 point per hit |
| Boomerang challenge | Y shape boomerang | 1 point per return |
Small balls and discs also make easy prizes, so have a look at our small stocking gifts for extras, or browse more outdoor play toys to build a bigger games kit.
Common questions
What are fun ball games for kids?
Fun ball games for kids include bounce and catch, target bounce, beach ball keepy-uppy and backyard kickabouts. They use simple rules that work for mixed ages.
How do you play with a bouncy ball outside?
Playing with a bouncy ball outside is easiest on paving or a driveway, with games like bounce and catch, target bounce and wall bounce. Count points to turn it into a challenge.
How do you throw a boomerang?
Throwing a boomerang takes an open space, a firm grip on one arm and a level forward throw with a flick of the wrist. Expect it to curve, and adjust your angle after each throw.
What games can you play with a flying disc?
Flying disc games include disc golf with buckets, catch streaks and team relays. A single disc is enough for several games.
Products mentioned in this guide
Glitter High Bouncing Balls 4 Pack 3cm
