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If the weather is warming up where you are, you’re probably itching to spend more time outdoors. And if you’re the kind of outdoors lover who prefers entertaining to quiet reading sessions in the hammock, you’re going to want some some games or other entertainment for you backyard. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a ton to make your outdoor space a destination for your friends and family.
Install a bocce court
In order to add a bocce court, you’ll need a level spot that’s at least 13 feet wide. The length of your court can vary, with regulation courts measuring 91 feet and standard recreational courts measuring 60 feet. Once you’ve selected your bocce court area, you’ll need to tamp down the ground to level the surface exactly and then cover the flattened area with pea gravel ($5.88/5 cubic feet). To frame your bocce court, you can use concrete ($5.71/80 pound bag) and a curb shaper ($18.49) or a mold ($43.90). Finally, you’ll need a set of bocce balls ($16.99) to get the game going.
Add a tree swing
If you have a big enough tree and enough space for swinging, a tree swing is a must. You can make a simple tree swing with some good quality rope ($22.99/50 feet) and a board ($24.28/ 2 inch by 1 foot by 8 foot board) that’s thick and wide enough for someone to sit on. Just drill through each end of your board and thread the rope through each hole. Then, use a knot below the hole to attach the board to the rope on each side.
Thread through and knot
Credit: Becca Lewis
Hang your swing from a branch to finish your swing. You can also use burlap ($14.99) between the rope and the branch to protect the tree bark from getting scraped by the rope. Make sure that you’re choosing a sturdy branch that can stand up to the weight of your swingers to avoid damaging your tree (or your swinger!). The diameter of the branch should be at least three or four inches, but that is also not more than half the diameter of the main trunk and you should choose a branch with no obvious signs of decay like missing bark or insect infestation. Hang your swing no more than halfway to the end of the branch from the trunk of the tree to give yourself a steady spot.
Make a beanbag toss
A beanbag toss is a simple DIY project you can make from one sheet of plywood ($27.38/4 foot by 8 foot sheet) and some beanbags ($16.99). You’ll need to cut four triangles, two tops, and two backs to make a bottomless wedge. You’ll then cut three holes in the top of each wedge about three inches in diameter.
Beanbag toss parts
Credit: Becca Lewis
Put a bead of wood glue on the top edge of each of the side pieces and the top edge of the back piece. Then, position the parts with the top piece in place and attach it by nailing or screwing the top piece into the side and back pieces. Finally, nail or screw the back piece into each side.
Beanbag toss exploded parts
Credit: Becca Lewis
Then, sand your parts to eliminate splinters and paint your wedges to your own taste. This can be an excellent opportunity to use up some leftover paint from another project, or you can use a quart-sized exterior paint ($14.98/quart).
Set up a horseshoe court
A horseshoe game is one of the simplest outdoor games to set up. You just need a flat area that’s about 40 feet long by about eight feet wide and a horseshoe set ($34.85). Just hammer your stakes in at either end of a 40-foot span and your court is ready to go. Remember that tossing horseshoes can require some room to swing, and not every horseshoe player will be accurate on every toss, so give yourself a 10-foot distance from buildings and areas where people congregate.
Make a scoreboard for your games
To make a scoreboard, first start with a board made from plywood or similar wood. Your scoreboard can be any size you want, but should be a rectangle that fits in your recreation area or can be mounted to a post for access and visibility. Depending on the game, you’ll need to keep track of different numbers; howeve, you can make almost any scoreboard using a numbered board with holes and dowels. First, make a grid on your board with the number of players across the top and the number of points along the side. Then, drill a hole in the center of each square in your grind the same size as your dowel. For a half-inch dowel ($2.07/ four foot dowel), you’ll drill a half-inch hole. Paint or draw your numbers onto the board for each corresponding dowel position, and then you can track points by moving the dowel up the board as points are scored. This is a great way to use up scraps of material or leftover paint from other projects.