Top 5 Outdoor Party Games

Having a summer party or celebrating a special occasion on a bright and sunny day? Bring the party out from your confined dining or living room onto your backyard or a park and add more fun by having your guests, old and young alike, to participate in some exciting outdoor games. It's a great way to get everyone running around, being silly, and feeling happy.

These simple outdoor games can work for spur-of-the-moment family reunions or picnic with friends. And if you encounter bad weather, then some of the games like the scavenger hunt can always be adapted for indoor settings.

1. Scavenger Hunt — it's always fun to have some sort of scavenger hunt for parties. You can make it a hunt for items found in nature. Just give your guests a list of the things they need to find. It could also be based on color or another theme. Having the game outdoors is even better as you'll have more places to hide your treasures. If you're going to take it outdoors, the best type of scavenger hunt is the photo hunt. Of course, the winner is the one who finds the most items on the list before the time runs out.

2. Balloon Stomp — this exciting game will certainly bring out the competitive spirit in the players, as well as burn a few calories. It's easy enough to play for adults and super fun for children. The objective of the game is to be the only player left with his/ her balloon intact, after every other player tries to blow the each others' balloons by stomping on them. The game starts with the participants tying a balloon on one ankle, whichever they prefer and most strategic. For example, you may have a tendency of stomping with your right foot, so you might be able to protect your balloon more because that foot is constantly in motion.

3. Tug-of-Water — the outdoor and summer take on the classic tug-of-war game. It is the perfect way to teach the value of teamwork to kids and foster team spirit in adults. Start by placing the water sprinkler in the middle of your lawn. Then have two teams hold each end of a rope (or garden hose). Turn on the sprinkler. At the word "Go!" have the teams pull each other into the sprinkler. It's wet, wild, and fun.

4. Freeze Dance — can be played outdoors and inside the house. Bring out your iPod or mp3 player and play some upbeat tunes and let your guests dance to the music. When you stop the music, the players should freeze. If anyone moves while the music is still out, then that player is out of the game. The last player standing is the winner.

5. Obstacle Course — this is a competitive game, but still fun and perfect for any outdoor party. You can make it as simple as you can with just a few easy tasks per leg of the course such as eat an apple or peel 5 oranges. Or you can make it more elaborate, especially if you're doing it for a team-building party.