15 Best Outdoor Group Games for Adults

Here is our list of the best outdoor group games.

Outdoor group games are activities to do with coworkers, friends, or family that help you enjoy nature. Some examples include an outdoor scavenger hunt, capture the flag, tug-of-war, and outdoor balloon toss. The purpose of these activities is to ensure physical and mental stimulation, socialize, and develop teamwork skills.

Outdoor group games are similar to summer team building activities and field day games. You can hire outdoor team building companies or go to team building resorts to host outdoor team building activities.

This list includes:

• outdoor group games for adults
• hilarious outdoor party games
• fun outdoor games for large groups
• fun outdoor games for small groups
• easy outdoor group games

Let’s get started!

List of outdoor group games

Outdoor group games are perfect for a change of scenery or a break from work. These activities promote team building skills and provide a relaxing environment. Here is our list of some of the best outdoor games for groups.

1. Tug-of-war

Tug-of-war is one of the most popular fun outdoor games for large groups. The game involves two teams pulling on opposite ends of a rope to drag the other team toward them. The players need a lot of strength, endurance, and teamwork to win the game.

​Here is how to play the game:

1. Divide players into two teams. It is better to have at least ten participants on each side.
2. The groups must be of equal numbers and strength.
3. Mark a line in the middle of the field.
4. Each team pulls on their side of the rope.
5. Teams lose if they let go of the rope or any team member steps over the center line.
6. The team that drags their opponents over the line wins.

Tug-of-war is a fun game with physical and mental benefits, such as improved coordination, strength, and endurance. This activity also promotes teamwork and communication, making it popular in schools, workplaces, and festivals.

2. Outdoor scavenger hunt

An outdoor scavenger hunt is one of the most exciting and fun outdoor group games for large groups. In this activity, participants search for clues or items in an outdoor environment, such as a park or forest. Adults and children can play this game, ensuring physical activity.

Here is how to play the game:

1. The host prepares a list of items, clues, and challenges.
2. The players will divide into teams.
3. The host will provide teams with the list of items and set a timer for 30 minutes.
4. ​Teams will start looking for the objects.
5. To finish the hunt, teams may need to​ search for specific items, decipher puzzles, or complete challenges.
6. The team that solves the most clues and finds the most items wins.

Outdoor scavenger hunts can be educational as well as entertaining. In addition, this activity provides an opportunity for teamwork and collaboration.

Here are more scavenger hunt ideas for adults.

3. The human knot

The human knot game is a popular team building activity involving a large group using critical-thinking skills.

Here is how to play the game:

1. Players will stand in a circle and join hands with two members opposite them.
2. ​Set a timer for 30 minutes.
3. Members will work together to untangle themselves without letting go of each other’s hands.

If you have a large group, then you can divide players into three or four teams.

Increasing or decreasing the number of participants can make the knot more complex. The human knot is a fun and engaging activity that can help participants build social connections and improve their problem-solving and communication skills.

Here is a guide to doing the human knot.

4. Capture the flag

Capture the flag is an outdoor game that players of all ages can enjoy. This team-based game requires strategy, physical activity, and teamwork.

Here is how to play the game:

1. Create two teams, each with its own designated territory.
2. You will place each group’s flags in the opposing team’s territory.
3. Teams must bring their flag back to their territory while preventing the other team from doing the same.

In this fun game, players will plan a strategy for attacks and defenses. The teams also must constantly move to protect flags from other teams.

5. Outdoor Twister

If you are looking for easy outdoor group games, then outdoor Twister can be a good choice. Outdoor Twister is a fun and active game that brings the classic Twister game outside.

​Here is how to play the game:

1. Each team will get a large mat with colored circles.
2. The members will stand on the sides of the mat, and the referee will spin the spinner.
3. When the member stops, the referee will call out the color on which the members must put their hands and feet.
4. The referee will spin the spinner again and give directions.
5. The players must remain balanced on the mat while twisting their bodies to reach and touch different colored circles with the corresponding hand or foot.
6. If players fall or their elbow or knees touch the ground, then they are out. Also, two players cannot place their foot or hand in the same circle.
7. If you already have your foot or hand on the called-out circle, then you will move it to another circle of the same color.

Playing Twister outdoors provides a different experience than playing inside, as the members can get plenty of space to put on a larger mat. This game also encourages physical activity and promotes flexibility, balance, and coordination. Thus, adults, teenagers, and children can play this game.

6. Sack race

A sack race is among the most hilarious outdoor party games for children and adults.

Here is how to play the game:

1. Players stand inside a large sack or bag.
2. Members will start on a starting line.
3. When the game starts, players will hop forward to reach the finish line.
4. The player who crosses the finish line first wins.

Sack races are ideal for outdoor events, such as picnics, carnivals, and field days. The sacks used in this game are usually burlap or another material that can withstand the activity.

This game is a great way to encourage friendly competition and teamwork.

7. Egg drop

Egg drop is a popular activity encouraging participants to use critical-thinking skills. The objective is to create a structure that can withstand the impact of the fall and protect the egg from breaking.

Here is how to play the game:

1. Make teams of at least five players.
2. Give players materials like paper, straws, tape, and other household items.
3. ​Set a timer for 15 minutes.
4. Participants will construct a contraption to protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped.
5. ​Drop the egg from a balcony or rooftop.
6. ​Participants who successfully protect the egg win.

​Playing egg drop can help develop creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as the players work together to develop the best design.

8. Hopscotch

Hopscotch is one of the most well-known outdoor group games. This childhood favorite is a great addition to your next game day.

Here is how to play the game:

1. Draw a hopscotch pattern on the ground with chalk or a similar material. The hopscotch pattern consists of squares, usually arranged in a single or double line.
2. Players take turns tossing a small object, such as a pebble or stone, into the first square.
3. ​Participants hop on one foot through the pattern, avoiding the square with the object.
4. Players are out of the game if they fall, step on their object, step on a line, or skip a square.
5. Players must complete the pattern to win.

Hopscotch is an easy game to set up, requiring minimal materials. Additionally, the game provides numerous benefits, such as physical exercise, hand-eye coordination, and balance.

9. Camouflage

Camouflage is a popular game you can play in an outdoor setting, like a forest, where players can hide easily. This game is ideal for smaller groups. Camouflage requires players to use their creativity, strategy, and observation skills. The main objective is to try to spot the players without moving.

Here is how to play the game:

1. One player from the group will be the tagger.
2. Players stand in a circle with the tagger in the middle.
3. Give players 10 seconds to hide. During this time, the tagger closes their eyes.
4. After all players hide, the tagger will open their eyes.
5. ​The tagger will stay in position and guess who is hiding where.

You can change the rules according to the group. For example, in some versions, players must change positions to avoid being found.

​The game can be a fun and challenging way to spend time with friends or family. You can also use it as a team building activity. However, players should prioritize safety and ensure the environment is appropriate for the game.

10. Icebreaker beach ball

Icebreaker beach ball is one of the most fun outdoor games for small groups. This activity encourages participants to talk and interact. You will play this game using a beach ball with various questions or prompts written on it.

Here is how to play the game:

1. Inflate a beach ball, and write many prompts on it.
2. ​Participants will sit or stand in a circle.
3. The host will play music and start the game.
4. Players will randomly pass the beach ball around to one another.
5. When the music stops, the player with the ball must answer the question or perform the prompt.
6. Players will perform the prompt or answer the question under their right thumb.

You can tailor the questions or prompts to the specific group, but be sure to include getting-to-know-you questions or fun challenges.

​Icebreaker beach ball is a great way to promote team building, improve communication, and create a relaxed and fun atmosphere. You can play this game at social gatherings and picnics. The game encourages participants to open up and share their thoughts and experiences, helping build connections and foster community.

11. Outdoor yoga

Outdoor yoga is a physically and mentally beneficial activity that connects participants with nature. Practicing yoga in natural settings such as parks, beaches, or forests can provide a sense of relaxation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

You can hire a professional yoga instructor and prepare yoga mats for your team to practice.

The change of scenery alongside the fresh air and sunlight will also energize the participants, enhancing the overall yoga experience. The yoga session will also challenge the members to adapt to different terrains and weather conditions, making it an excellent opportunity to build strength, balance, and flexibility. Whether a solo practice or a group class, outdoor yoga is a beautiful way to connect with oneself and the world around us.

Here is a guide to team building yoga.

12. Truth or dare

Truth or dare is a fun and engaging party game that players of all ages can enjoy.

Here is how to play the game:

1. Players choose whether to answer a “truth” question or perform a “dare” challenge.
2. ​Another participant will come up with a truth or dare for the player.
3. Players must answer questions honestly or complete the given challenge.

Truth or dare can push boundaries and encourage new experiences, as it challenges the players to do something they may not have done before. You can also customize the game to fit the needs of the players, making it suitable for any gathering. This lighthearted and entertaining activity can provide hours of fun and laughter. The game is a great way to connect with others and create memorable experiences lasting a lifetime.

Here is a random truth-or-dare generator.

13. Outdoor fort building

Outdoor fort building is an activity that captures your imagination and tests your creativity. This game is best for an outdoor environment where players can find plenty of materials to build forts and structures.

Here is how to play this game:

1. Set a timer for 30 minutes.
2. Build a temporary structure using natural materials, such as sticks, stones, and leaves.
3. For adults, you can add more items to make the game challenging and fun. These items can include card boxes, rope, and even tools, such as hammers and nails.

Fort building can provide various benefits, including encouraging creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills. The participants, especially children, learn to work together and communicate with one another to achieve a common goal, enhancing their social and emotional development.

14. Water balloon toss

Water balloon toss is one of the best outdoor group games for adults and children. This fun and refreshing outdoor group activity is perfect for hot summer days.

Here is how to play this game:

1. Pair up players.
2. Each pair will stand opposite the other at a distance.
3. Members will toss a water balloon to each other without dropping it.
4. After each successful toss, the players increase their distance.
5. ​You can use tape or a stick to mark the position of the players after successful tosses to ensure all pairs stand at equal distances.
6. The goal is to see how far apart players can get before the balloon bursts.

Water balloon toss is an excellent activity for team building as well as various gatherings. The game encourages players to work together and communicate with one another, promoting social and emotional development.

​The unpredictable nature of the game makes it exciting and provides a great opportunity for players to cool down on hot days.

15. Kickball

Kickball is a well-known outdoor group game that combines elements of soccer and baseball. The game requires a field similar to a baseball field with four bases and a pitcher’s mound. You must have at least three players to play. However, the game works best with ten players on each team. The goal is to score runs by kicking the ball and running around the bases.

Here is how to play the game:

1. One team pitches the ball to the other team’s kicker, who then attempts to kick it.
2. If a player catches the ball in the air before it hits the ground, then the kicker is out. If a fielder tags a runner with the ball, then the runner is out. A runner is also out if the ball reaches the base before they arrive.
3. Teams score one point for each runner who successfully touches all four bases and returns to home plate without being tagged out.
4. The game usually consists of five innings, with each team taking turns kicking and in the field.
5. The team with the most runs at the end of the game is the winner.

Kickball is a great activity for all ages and skill levels, as it is easy to learn and promotes physical activity, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork.

​You can also modify the game to fit the needs of the players. Kickball is often played in a casual and fun atmosphere, making it a popular activity for school events, company picnics, and other group gatherings.

Conclusion

To sum up, outdoor group games are recreational activities you play in an open area surrounded by nature. Outdoor games are ideal for both small and large groups, and they ensure physical and mental well-being. These games also give time to members to bond and have experiences together, which can promote a friendly relationship among players.

Our list includes well-known as well as creative games suitable for different age groups. These games can work well in various events such as family gatherings, school events, parties, and team building events at your workplace.

Next, check out our lists of DIY amazing race games and team building camps.