Playing games is always fun, but doing exciting games outside in the dark takes the excitement to a new level! These games are perfect for burning out some late-night energy from the kids or having a way to let all the kids at a sleepover get outside and run amuck. Check out the fun games below – and get those flashlights and tennis shoes ready!
No matter the kids’ age (or adults!), everyone can agree that playing outside in the dark is fun. This is especially true if you’re with a bunch of your friends or family members and letting that competitive spirit take over.
There is something mysterious about entering a dark backyard or park. What will you find? How will you use your 5 senses with limited availability of sight? I you are ready to take on a nighttime challenge, you will enjoy these fun outdoor games for the night.
If you are hosting outdoor party games, it’s also important to note that while night games are fun, don’t forget that safety does need to be considered. All of these games are fun to play outside in Mother Nature, but be sure to have flashlights and bug spray and be in an area without cars or traffic to stress out about.
Okay, now that I’ve gotten that motherly advice off my mind, let’s get back to the topic at hand – night games to play outside with friends!
We’ve played these games at sleepovers and family reunions, and they’re a huge hit!
What ages are nighttime games appropriate?
This is really up to your and your comfort level who can play nighttime games. Since most of these scary games to play outside at night include kids using flashlights, you can rest easy that they won’t get spooked from feeling alone in the dark. In addition, these games are playful and silly. Plenty of laughter will scare away the bad guys.
These games do have a series of directions, so they are best for older kids, teens, or adults. However, younger kiddos can easily pair up with older children to give them that sense of belonging and calm.
Lastly, most of these games are best after the sun goes down, so these yard games are best for kids who are still awake after dark.
What games can you play at night outside?
So you are in charge of planning the outdoor entertainment only you don’t know where to begin. When it comes to planning night games to play outside with friends, we’ve done the hard work for you. I know you’re wondering what are some of the outdoor games to play at night, and I’m excited to share them with you.
The hard part of planning an outdoor party at night should not be the entertainment. With just one easy download, all of these 17 outdoor night games and directions will be delivered right to you, ready to print.
Want a sneak peek? Take a look at these fun games included in the printable outdoor games.
Lawn Twister
You just need some neon paint and the ability to make a circle to get the kids twisting the night away. You can use the Twister board from the board game or just have a caller who calls out various commands. If you’re willing to get a bet messy, add a bit of colored shaving foam.
Steal the Bacon
This game does require teamwork and fast feet! Similar to capture the flag only with a faster pace. At the start of each round, a number is called, and the numbered players from each team run for the object and try to get it back to their side for one point. Who will be the sneakiest team to steal the bacon? Only time will tell!
Flashlight Tag
It’s like a regular tag, but with flashlights! Instead of tagging, you use a light to tag players. Having plenty of space to hide makes this the perfect game. Other players can untag you by crawling between your legs. Once everyone is tagged, “it” wins the game, and the game restarts. A perfect activity for the kids to run out of that energy before the midnight hour hits.
Glow Hunt
Grab those leftover Easter eggs and have a hunt in the yard! This is really fun if your Easter Eggs glow. If not, you can fill them with a battery-operated tea light. In addition, fill them with some goodies for extra fun! See if you can have a golden egg for a really serious prize. This egg might not light up.
3 Flies Up
You will need a glow-in-the-dark ball and the ability to have someone toss the ball and someone else catch it. In this game, you want to catch the ball three times to win the round. Try not to run over your friends and teammates.
Flashlight Sardines
This fun game is like hide-and-seek, but the opposite! Plenty of seekers and only one “hider.” Once a seeker finds a player hiding, they hide with the hider until there is one seeker left. The last person then becomes the first person to hide in the next game.
Shoe Pandemonium
You might remember this fun group game from youth group days. Get everyone to take off one of their shoes and throw them all into a pile. Then, see who can get their shoe first, all in the dark!
Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss
Using upcycled 2-liter soda bottles, grab those glow-in-the-dark rings and see who can land it on the target. Similar to cornhole, this is a fun backyard game for the nighttime.
SPUD
Grab a ball, toss it in the air, scream out someone’s name, and then watch that person frantically try to catch it. Spell SPUD and lose the game.
Fireflies
This is a super fun game that combines tag and hide-and-seek. Only the person hiding cannot stay in one place. This is great for a campsite or backyard woods. Choose a new firefly each round.
Gloweyball
Insert glow sticks into beach balls in this fun glow-in-the-dark game. It’s like a game of glow stick volleyball with a glow-in-the-dark beach ball. Split players into two teams who can be identified by their different colored glow stick bracelets. So much fun to watch and even more fun to play!
Flashlight Scavenger Hunt
Grab your flashlights and go! This outdoor scavenger hunt game can be used alone or with all the other night games. Don’t worry. As a bonus, you’ll even get the printed scavenger hunts included in this download!
Ghost in the Graveyard
This is the scariest game and likely only an outdoor scary game because of the name. In fact, you might have played this game back when you were younger. It’s like freeze tag meets hide-and-seek, with a bit of screaming involved. Watch the ghost population grows as this game continues to be played.
Potato Drop
Putting potatoes in between your knees and running is the name of this relay race game. You drop the potato, and you have to start all over again at the start line. Twist up the game with a little bit of red light, green light action.
Kick the Can (Glow-in-the-Dark Style)
Talk about a throwback game with a fun glow-in-the-dark spin! This is your typical summer camp game. The first person is “it” and counts to 50 while the others hide. It tries to find hidden players. When they see someone they say their name and where they are (I see Owen in the bush!) Depending on who kicks the can, the player can release prisoners in jail. However, if all the players are in jail, “It” wins and you can start a new game.
Marshmallow Pong
It’s like beer pong but kid-friendly. The kids will bounce the marshmallows into the cup and then eat that marshmallow once it’s inside. It sounds like everyone wins in this fun plastic cup game.
Night Statues
Freeze tag meets sneakiness meets fun. Choose one person as the museum curator. Give them a flashlight. Everyone else is a statue. If a statue is caught moving by the curator, they go back to the starting line. The first person to tag the curator wins.
Supplies
The best part about using these outdoor game printables is that you just need a few simple supplies to start! (you will need to also have a few glow-in-the-dark rings, beach balls, potatoes, a flashlight, and paint – for some of the games)
- Paper
- Printer
- Outdoor Night Games Download
You can easily start with one and then get the rest as the year goes along. I recommend printing on cardstock and then laminating the printable game. This makes it easier to use over and over again!
How many players are needed for these games?
These games are meant to be enjoyed by a group of people. The more that can join in, the better! Some can be just 2-3 players, but the others are fun to have more people making it more chaotic fun.
Outdoor Night Games Printable
These outdoor games are great for parties! Gather the kids and have them invite all their friends. The outdoor space at your home is about to be the next happening spot!
What’s included in the Printable Outdoor Games for Night
In this file, you’ll receive the following:
- 17 Outoodor Night Games PDF Instant Download
- Bonus: Flashlight Scavenger Hunt
Grab the Outdoor Night Games Printable
More Outdoor Games
Are you in charge of a youth group, summer camp, or family reunion? We have plenty of outdoor games to keep you entertained the entire weekend. Grab both sets of outdoor games for night and day.
This outdoor game set is found in our Etsy Shop. It includes a total of 29 games.
Huge Set of Outdoor Games to Play with Friends
More Fun Games to Play Outside with Friends
Check out this Fun Outdoor Minute to Win it Games that the kids will love to play! While each game is only 60 seconds, these outdoor games include hours of fun and excitement! Pin to Pinterest.
These Fun Outdoor Water Games are perfect when the weather gets hot and sticky! Water balloons, water guns, and more. This selection includes pool party games, trampoline games, beach games, games for the lake, and more. Get ready to get wet. Pin to Pinterest.
Going on a family adventure? Camping games are great for the entire crew. Enjoy conversation games around the campfire and games that include sleeping bag races. Pin to Pinterest.
If you are sleeping under the stars, or the weather as you are inside, take a look at these fun games to play at night in bed or in your sleeping bag. Try these sleepover party games. You can do some of these games laying down, they are so easy. Pin to Pinterest.
Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your fun outdoor games for a party. Leave a comment here or on Pinterest!
Free Printables
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