Looking to add some big fun to your backyard bash? Look no further than these giant lawn games! These larger-than-life versions of classic games are perfect for all ages and add a playful twist to any outdoor gathering. Whether you’re looking for a game to keep the kids entertained or a way to liven up your next BBQ, jumbo yard games are the way to go. From giant Jenga to oversized bowling, there are so many options to choose from. But where do you start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We’re sharing our top picks for giant lawn games that you can purchase right now. In fact, most of them are from Amazon, so you can get them almost right now. It’s never too early to start planning your spring and summer get-togethers, and these are also perfect for spring break. Plus, we made sure to consider kiddos of all ages so no one gets left out. Get ready to supersize your next backyard game night!
Oversized Yardzee
This oversized Yahtzee (Yardzee—get it?) game is so much fun for everyone! And this set isn't just limited to Yahtzee. Farkle, Bowling, Pig, and more (20+ games) are packed into this one, weather-resistant set.
This jumbo yard pong game is perfect for all ages. This set includes 12 oversized red cups, four balls, and a carrying case so you can take easily bring the fun with you to the beach or your next family gathering. Available in red, black, or teal/glow in the dark options!
Did someone say 'washable'? The board—a durable and reversible canvas—can be machine-washed, so grass stains and drink spills are no problem at all. This set comes with everything you need for Checkers and Tic Tac Toe.
This giant ring toss game is simply a backyard must-have. A tried-and-true favorite activity through the spring, summer, and fall, ring toss has a way of bringing people (of all ages) together. This particular set has almost 12K glowing Amazon reviews, too, so they're clearly doing something right.
Just as the name implies, this is indeed a mega game of chess. With a 25 in. tall king (should give you a good idea of the size we're talking about here), this is such a charming set for mega chess fans.
Who among us doesn't need a full (all 52 cards) deck of enormous playing cards?
Giant Playing Cards ($13.69)—Buy Here!
Kick Croquet Game Set
Franklin Sports
Kids will have a ball with this fun, outdoor, giant kick croquet game! Kick Croquet combines the fun of running and kicking a ball with the extra added attraction of guiding it through a course of wickets. You can make the course as hard or easy as you want. We're talking soccer vibes in a huge croquet set.
If this isn't the most fun game for families, we aren't sure what is. Set up this jumbo version of Connect Four in your backyard and the kids will be dueling it out all summer long (but, you know, like in a healthy, friendly competition way). Don't believe us? Read the reviews!
Don't you just love this extra-huge version of Jenga? The kids might need your help setting it up every time they knock it over, but other than that this is certainly one of the best jumbo lawn games you can bring home.
Sure, this huge inflatable game could go one of two ways depending on the kind of neighbors you have and the aim your family has, but it's still wildly fun.
This inflatable dice set comes with six dice so that you can teach the kids one of these fun games or even use them to make match concepts fun. We love that they are easy to transport so that you can bring them with you camping or on your next family vacation.
This is a super fun option for little ones since there's very little risk of them getting hurt. Have the kids kick the bowling ball or mix it up and have them kick it backward—there are tons of ways this can be a fun and active game.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
So you have a newly-mobile little one. An official toddler. It’s a whole new world for both of you and while you’re baby-proofing all the things and chasing them down the hall, it’s also time to stop (you know, when they’re asleep) and consider what first walker shoes to start them out with. They’re a little different from pairs for older kiddos. New toddlers need shoes designed to keep them upright (obviously) and support their foot development. Luckily, there are so many baby shoes for new walkers to choose from, so you’ll be able to find the perfect pair or two for their little feet.
Carter's Relay Sneakers
Carter's
Carter's line of shoes for new walkers, called Every Step, features sneakers, boots, Mary Janes, moccasins, and even high-tops. A double hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to put on and take off these shoes, and the cute, classic styles and colors mean they'll easily match with your child's outfits.
The First Steps line from Wobbly Waddlers,offer a flexible rubber sole, leather insole, ankle support and additional stability to support toddlers as they learn to walk. The shoes in this line are handmade in Mexico and come in cute and classic styles.
Four heart cutouts dress up this classic leather Mary Jane from BirdRock Baby. There's an elastic band at the ankle that keeps shoes snug and makes it easy to take them on and off. And with each purchase, BirdRock Baby donates a day's worth of food to a child in need through the charity Feed My Starving Children. BirdRock Baby also makes super cute moccasins and baby booties in a variety of colors and styles and at reasonable prices.
RO + ME by Robeez, their line of soft-soled shoes, feature eye-catching metallic and sequin accents and casual designs that can be dressed up or dressed down. They're especially made for babies in all stages from crawlers to walkers. Available in 6 styles.
Zutano booties not only stay on little feet; they have a grippy sole that give them stability. Parents will love the hook-and-loop side closures, which make slipping the shoe on and off squirmy baby feet a breeze. Available in a ton of colors and prints.
Pediped's First Walker Shoes are designed for a toddler's first steps, with flexible soles and spacious toe boxes that let little feet learn to grab onto the ground and march forward with confidence. Available in 7 fun color combinations, too.
For almost 100 years, Stride Rite has been making shoes for teeny tiny feet. The kicks in the Stride Rite Soft Motion line are built for toddlers' first steps, with bendy flexible bottoms, strong closures and rounded soles that won't trip up your toddler. Plus, these shoes come as small as a size 3 and in three different widths, so you should be able to find ones that fit well.
These slip-on baby shoes are incredibly flexible, soft, and come in a ton of different colors! They're also really affordable, so you can grab a few to mix and match.
jbrds Stand2Walk Baby Shoes' sock-like upper and injection-molded support cage are designed to promote the healthy development of feet + provide the support for first steps. They come in multiple colors, too.
It's never too early to start them on a journey into the classics. The footwear classics, we mean. These little Superstars come in multiple colors, too.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
When you want to get creative with your kids but don’t want the mess to take over, outside art is key. The messy stuff can stay outside (like all that baby-safe paint), and your kids (probably) won’t mind when you use the hose to spray them down when they’re done. From painting with water to using salad spinners to contain the mess, check out these outdoor art ideas that are big on creativity, but easy on cleanup.
Quite possibly the cleanest, easiest idea of the bunch, we love the simple brilliance of water painting. This is an especially great outdoor art project for toddlers because there’s no paint to be found! Happy Hooligans has more tips and tricks.
The best way to prevent art from getting messy is to keep it contained. That's why we think this spin-art idea from Meri Cherry is pure genius. Your kids will get swirly designs, and all you’ll have to do is drop the spinner in the sink when everyone is done. See what you’ll need over at Meri Cherry.
If you don’t want the family art easel to be covered in paint, you can easily recreate this outdoor art idea by attaching a few sheets of paper to a tree! We love the idea of containing the colors in a squirt gun, too. Get more details about this brilliant idea over at Fireflies and Mudpies.
You’ll be able to ditch the dusty residue of sidewalk chalk with this easy foam paint recipe. Plus, keeping the paint contained in the condiment bottles helps to keep little hands free of stains.
These incredible rainbow pour pots are pretty easy when it comes to cleanup, especially since there aren’t any brushes involved. Just be sure to totally cover the space before handing over the squeeze bottles. Make your way to Messy Little Monster for the tutorial.
Colored salt projects are gorgeous, and they help to hone fine motor skills, too! After you've taken plenty of pictures, all you’ll need is a broom and dustpan to sweep it away. Find out how to color the salt—and how to get it to pour just right—over at Buggy and Buddy.
Paint Rocks
iStock
Kids only need a little bit of paint for this outdoor art project, so you don't have to worry (as much) about spills. We love the story behind the idea of painting rocks, too!
Wondering what to draw with chalk? There are tons of creative ways to use this fun outdoor art supply
Sidewalk chalk is the Swiss Army knife of summer, and when the days get longer, there’s no better tool we’d rather have in our pockets. From straightforward to seriously creative, we’ve got an idea that will turn your sidewalk into hours of fun. Here are not only cool things to draw with chalk but also some of our favorite ways to make your mark (and then erase it).
1. Draw a backdrop for a picture. Bonus point for scenes where they’re flying or underwater. Need inspiration? See the amazing chalk creations we found around the globe, here.
2. Make silly silhouettes. Trace each other with chalk. And then fill in the details for a fun self-portrait.
3. DIY your own chalk. It’s easy to make an endless amount of summer’s favorite supply. See our tutorial, here.
4. Your sidewalk’s got game. Make a life-sized game board of their favorite game (Chutes & Ladders, Candy Land, checkers, etc.) and let your little gamers be the game pieces.
5. Let chalk hold court. Draw a makeshift tennis or basketball court, and let them practice their swings and dribbles like Princess Pinky Girl did.
6. Get wet. Hose down the driveway and let them experiment with chalk on a wet surface. They’ll love the new effect.
7. Chalk that’s todye for. Need to freshen up your look? Turn sidewalk chalk into hair chalk in a few easy steps. Find out how at One Creative Housewife.
8. Go 3-D. Tired of a two-dimensional driveway? Turn your sidewalk chalk into foam paint. The Tip Toe Fairy shows you how here!
9. Be city planners for a day. Make a sidewalk chalk town and roadway. Look for inspiration at B-Inspired Mama.
10. Do some trolling. Turn the patches of grass growing through cracks in the driveway into the hair for your own pet trolls. Just add a body and let the fun begin!
11. Make an Olympic-worthy course. Measure out a long jump board, mark each milestone, and start training!
12. Make chalk pops. Make sidewalk chalk on a stick (they look like real treats!), then turn the kids loose to design a masterpiece. See how Project Nursery does it, here.
13. Create your own put-put. Draw a mini golf course and use a hockey puck or rock and a stick to play a round!
14. Decorate the walkway. An ode to the Wizard of Oz’s Yellow Brick Road—only with more color.
15. Make it glow. You can make a batch of your own glow-in-the-dark chalk, like Coffee Cups and Crayons.
One of the loveliest elements of the holiday season, the Christmas tree, can lose its luster pretty quickly once the new year arrives. Good news! The city’s Mulchfest program makes it easy for you to recycle your Christmas tree and do some good for the city’s parks and young trees. Here’s how to get rid of your Christmas tree and do a little green good this year. (Plus: the last day for sanitation tree pickup and recycling!)
Treecycle it: MulchFest2021
NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
MulchFest is back! NYC’s own “TREECYCLE” tradition is taking place from December 26, 2021 to January 9, 2022. Last year the city mulched more than 29,000 trees, and it's pumped to set a new record for 2022!
Bring your tree (free of all decorations, netting and wrapping) and it will be recycled into wood chips to nourish trees and plants on NYC streets and gardens. Drop it off at one of the many Mulchfest locations around the city (there are many in every borough), or bring it on "Chipping Weekend", January 8 and 9, to see your tree reduced to bits live.
Bonus: If your own backyard needs some sprucing up, you can get a free bag of mulch to take home with you after your tree is chipped. (Locations marked with an asterisk have mulch for the taking.)
Spread the Love — and the Mulch! Feel like spreading some of that green love around? You and the kids can volunteer to add that awesome mulch to city trees. (The mulch helps protect young trees, shrubs and garden beds from the winter cold, helps plants retain moisture and provides a nice decorative touch.) Sound like the green, civic activity your family's been seeking? Events are happening in all boroughs on weekends in January. Click here to see locations, dates, and times and to register! (And remember, dress warmly, wear closed-toe shoes and a mask!)
Kick it To the Curb — and Still Recycle It!
Dates for Department of Sanitation Pick-Up Bring your tree down for curbside pick-up by the Department of Sanitation from January 6-15. Trees will be recycled into compost for NYC’s public spaces (parks, gardens, etc.). Be sure to remove all decorations from the tree and do not place the tree in a plastic bag.
Note: trees left curbside with holiday decorations of any kind remaining on them will be collected as garbage. If your metal or plastic imitation tree has worked its last holiday season, dispose of it with your normal recycling and it's off your hands.
Have Someone Else Do the Heavy Lifting — and Still Recycle It!: Removal Services
If you’re unable to physically take your tree down to the curbside or to a MulchFest chipping location or drop-off site, don’t worry. Services like NYC Trees can come to your home, remove the tree, and take it directly to a recycling location for you. Starting at $80 for a four-to-five-foot tree, NYC Trees makes the tree removal process (and clean up!) about as easy as it gets. (If you want them to take off your lights, ornaments, etc. expect to pay more.)
Most shoppers make a quick pit-stop in the garden section before heading inside on their Trader Joe’s run, and you’ll definitely want to now that fall products are arriving. On a trip this weekend, our editors spied a spooky and sweet new succulent: baby toe’s!
Known officially as Fenestraria Rhopalophylla, these potted succulents grow in individual stems that look oddly enough like adorable baby toes that you love to nibble. The pretty plants come in brightly colored porcelain pots and are perfect for the spooky season (because baby toes not attached to a baby foot are the stuff of nightmares).
The petite plant is easy to care for, just needing a lot of sun and water when the soil becomes dry. You can also easily propagate if you’d like a total garden of baby toes, which could be the ideal way to scare your neighbors this Halloween.
You’ll find the potted succulents in the usual garden section of your local Trader Joe’s during the fall season for less than $5.
What’s on trend for the upcoming school year? Stitch Fix, the clothing delivery service, studied shopping data for kid clients and came up with a list of the hottest requests for 2021. From tie dye to loungewear, read on for the results!
Matching lounge sets have surged in popularity among the adult crowd and they’re big for kids, too. An overwhelming majority (87%) of kid clients want coordinated outfits, aka head-to-toe matching sets. And they want them to be easy to wear: the keyword “cozy” went up 65% over the last year. Stitch Fix is calling this combination “chillwear” and adding a new shopping category as a result.
Tie dye isn’t a passing trend for the kid crowd. Requests for the popping pattern at Stitch Fix were up 192% in the last year! In the world of graphic tees, messages around positivity and kindness or outdoor themes are the most popular.
Finally, sporty clothes are here to stay. Stitch Fix’s top 10 most-loved kid styles are all active brands, including Under Armour, Nike and Adidas. Activewear requests have gone up 68% from last year and requests for joggers are up a whopping 138%.
So when you’re making your back-to-school shopping list, don’t be surprised if you hear requests for sporty sets or tie dye. They’re on trend, but better yet, they’re comfortable for both study and play! And if you really don’t want to brave the crowds, you can use Kids Fix for affordable, styled clothes sent straight to your home.
Summer’s here! It’s time to get your outdoor enthusiast properly geared up for warm-weather adventures with a pair of water-friendly shoes that’ll take them from the pool to the park and back home again in style. Since we know it can be hard to figure out what they want, we searched high and low for tough footwear that isn’t afraid of a little H20, and that we know they’ll love. From Keen to Native Shoes, scroll down to see our favorite water shoes for kids.
Native Shoes Jefferson Bloom
This very popular shoe is not only comfy, but it can go just about everywhere, even in the pool! Offered in a dozen different colors, the Jefferson Bloom is a best bet for just about any kid. Super cool: they are made from repurposed algae!
Creek-jumping adventures await with this fun and comfortable shoe from Northside. No socks are needed and your kids can get them on and off with ease. They are super grippy on the sole and perfect for hikes and jumping off rocks. Bonus: they come in adult sizes too!
Ever heard of a shandal? Neither had we, but we think this water shoe from Adidas is pretty cool. It's a lightweight hiking shoe that can withstand wading in creeks or jumping in puddles. They have an easy on-off lace-free closure and a collapsible heel that makes it easy for little ones to manage.
These unique water shoes have rubber soles that are perfect for climbing and running and lightweight and quick drying. Plus, they come in dozens of different colors and prints.
The original outdoor/water shoe is always a good choice. The velcro fastenings make it easy for kids to take on and off and the foam bed offers comfort all day long.
This closed-toe option has a velcro back for easy on and off that kids can do themselves. A sturdy sole means they won't be slipping on rocks as you walk.
A classic water shoe that won’t fall apart, KEEN shoes are worth the price. The pull tab fastener holds the shoe tight on the foot and your kiddo can pick from tons of different colors and styles.
This fun shoe from Stride Rite is a perfect wet/dry shoe for toddlers. They are 100% washable, have a rubber outsole for traction and have Aegis™ and Biome™ lining that helps to reduce odor.
Simple but effective, these non-slip water shoes are perfect for on-the-go or travel, as they easily fold up and the rubber sole means kids can walk on wet surfaces with ease.
We can’t help but love the price of these water shoes! You won't be disappointed with this pick with toe bumpers and rugged outsoles for added protection and traction.
They may be less than stylish for adults, but they are super comfortable and come in dozens of styles and character collections, which make them perfect for kids! You can even buy JIBBITZ charms and let the kids decorate in their own style.
Let your little one slip into something easy and stylish this back-to-school season. These lace-free options give even the smallest pre-schooler the independence to get ready on their own. Which means less work for you! From classic styles to collabs you’ll love, keep reading to see our top picks for shoes without laces.
Saucony Jazz Hook & Loop Sneaker
Saucony
A longtime favorite, Saucony's classic sneaker features a hook and loop feature for easy on/off, a rubber outsole for traction and flexibility and the suede and nylon uppers are just as stylish as the adult version. Offered in six different colors, there's one for every kid in the family.
A washable sneaker that slips on and off with ease? Sounds like a match made in kid heaven. Stride Rite's topkick washable slip-on sneaker is exactly that, and it comes in both white and navy blue. With a fun red rubber overlay and the option of adding laces (if you dare!), this is a good slip-on shoe for little and big kids alike.
Native Shoes's Miles is a play on their classic Jefferson shoe but comes with retroreflective spray in select areas on the shoe that's perfect for low-light conditions. It's got a wider fit than the Jefferson but still has a quick slip-on, slip-off feature that both parents and kids love.
Even velcro straps can be a challenge for toddlers, which is why we love these super slip-on sneakers from New Balance. We also love that an extra-thick foam sole offers extra comfort for on-the-go kiddos.
How awesome is this collab between LEGO and Adidas? Your kiddo will get the same comfort that a regular Adidas shoe offers, as well as the fun colors and playful touch of the brick-inspired shell toe.
A classic water shoe that won’t fall apart, KEEN shoes are worth the price. The pull tab fastener holds the shoe tight on the foot and your kiddo can pick from tons of different colors and styles.
A lace-free shoe that doubles as both a running and hiking shoe? It sounds ideal for a little outdoor enthusiast! With water-resistant uppers and a resistant rubber toe guard that protects little feet, this pick will take your kiddo from school to the playground and beyond. Plus, it's offered in more than a dozen of colors.
Heads up parents and parents-to-be: Fisher-Price is recalling two popular infant swings, the 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers and 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders. This is due to four deaths in the 4-in-1 product and approximately 175,000 of the two products combined are under recall in the U.S.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, affecting model numbers CHP56, CHP55 and CBT81 in the 4-in-1 and GDD28, GDD39, GDD41, GGW85, GNX43, GVG43, HBD26 and HBD27 in the 2-in-1. Both products have a powered glider seat and an infant rocker feature, which move head-to-toe or side-to-side. You can find the model number on the underside of the base.
The tragic accidents occurred when the infants were reportedly placed on their backs unrestrained and were later found on their stomachs. All four occurred in the 4-in-1 product, with no fatalities reported in the 2-in-1 at this time.
The gliders were sold at popular retailers including Walmart, Target and Amazon. The 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers were sold from January 2014 through December 2020, for about $108. The 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders were sold from November 2018 through May 2021, for about $125.
If you have one of these gliders, immediately stop using it and contact Fisher Price for a refund. The CPSC emphasizes that babies should be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard.
––Sarah Shebek
Images courtesy of the Consumer Products Safety Commission