These days, children and young people are more attracted to video games than to outdoor play. However, it has to be said that outdoor games that can be played in the garden or park are of great importance.
Physical activity contributes to better health, increased energy levels and family bonding.
This summer, we're offering a range of fun and entertaining games for families and friends to play during the holidays.
There are plenty of outdoor play options that you and your children will love. But you need to take into account your tastes and your location, as some need a larger outdoor space.
In this article, we've put together our selection of the best indoor games that are easy to play.
1. Gabaky
When you think of an outdoor game, you immediately think of pétanque. But with the minor dangers this game can bring, especially if you have children, it's best to think about it beforehand.
Are you a fan of pétanque, but with children playing nearby, you don't want to take any risks? Then Gabaky is an excellent alternative. Yes, it's our game, all the more reason to introduce it to you.
It's a game of skill that's suitable for everyone and can be played on any terrain. With these soft balls, children and even grandparents can play in peace. As well as being easy to play, the rules of the game are simple to apply.
Throw the ball towards the target and try to get as close to the centre as possible. The opposing team then tries to overtake you. If they place their ball better than you, it's your turn to play until you regain the lead.
When you throw, you can aim, shoot or point to score a point. The first team to reach 13 points wins the game and another round quickly begins.
2. A game of chamboule-tout
Chamboule-tout is a popular outdoor game that everyone loves.
If you're organising a party or looking for an idea for a birthday game, consider this game. The objective is very simple: knock over cans stacked on a table with tennis balls.
Playing a game of chamboule-tout couldn't be more complicated. All you need are 3 tennis balls and 5 tins of food.
All you have to do is place the tins on top of each other, overlapping them. Then you stand in front of them, a few metres away, and try to pull on the cans so that they all fall.
You shoot three balls in a row and if you manage to knock over the boxes, you win a point.
3. Croquet
It's an outdoor family game that's great for children. It's easy to play and suitable for people of all ages.
It can be played individually, but can also be played in a team for added fun. The rules of the game are very simple, as all you have to do is hit a ball with a mallet and pass it under arches.
Each player takes a mallet and a ball of the same colour. Each player starts with the first post; on the post are painted the colours indicating the order of play. The ball must then pass through all the arches in order, touch the other post and return in the opposite direction.
The first to do so is the winner. However, the others will continue to play until the last one has finished.
4. Badminton, a sporting outdoor game
Who doesn't know how to play badminton? You need a big enough playing field for more excitement. That's why this game is ideal for family outings where everyone wants to have fun while playing sport.
Badminton is now a real racket sport in which two players (singles) or two pairs (doubles) play against each other. The players are simply placed on opposite halves of a rectangular court separated by a net.
Players must hit the shuttlecock with their racket and send it across the court, over the net and into their opponent's area. The point ends when the shuttlecock touches the ground and can only be hit once before going over the net.
5. Table football
Although bars and amusement arcades are usually the ideal place to play table football, this time you can enjoy a game in your own garden.
The basics of table football techniques are really easy to understand. Beginners will quickly find the correct positions and modes of attack and defence in just a few games.
The game consists of scoring more goals than the opposing player or team with all the balls available at the start.
6. The darts game
How many times have you been at a friend's house or in a bar and felt like playing a game of darts? This time, you can enjoy it in your outdoor garden.
It's an easy game if you think of it as simply throwing darts at a target divided into segments and assigning a score to each segment.
Darts can be played as a team or individually. All you need are steel-tipped or plastic darts. To start the game, you decide who throws first by throwing a dart at the centre of the target. The player (or team) who hits the centre, or the one closest to it, starts the game.
For each throw, players must throw three darts. But before the game starts, a throw line must be established. The player must not cross this line. If a player steps on the line with his foot while throwing, the throw is invalid. Points will not be scored.
Once the three darts have been thrown, you must leave them in the target until you have scored.
If a dart bounces off the target but does not stick, it will not be counted. In addition, it is not possible to repeat the throw.
Hang it on the wall and that's it. Rediscover the game of darts on family outings.
Conclusion on the best easy-to-play outdoor games
There are times when you don't know what to play with your children when you're out and about. However, there are countless multiplayer games, but what we have presented are, in our opinion, the best outdoor games. They're easy to play and, above all, great fun.
Whether you're with your family or your friends, just playing these games will help you have a great time together.
After reading this article, we're sure you've got an idea of some great outdoor games. Some of these games will bring back childhood memories, so enjoy them with your family.