As the temperature starts to warm, most Americans begin spending more time outside with family and friends. These gatherings are an ideal setting for outdoor family games that will be fun for families to play together. Playing games is a great way to spend time together as a family and create memories that will last for years. In addition, playing outdoor games is a good way to get some exercise. Here are some ideas for games for families and other groups to play this summer.

One of the most common outdoor family games is horse shoes. The game of horse shoes consists of pitching horse shoes at a stake in the ground. The goal of the game is to make a "ringer" by tossing the horse shoe onto the stake. Pitching horse shoes is a fun activity that all ages can enjoy by using different sizes and weights of horse shoes and adjusting the distance that the competitor stands from the stake. Horse shoe sets are easy to transport from one place to another as there is very little equipment needed to play.

Corn hole is a traditional game in many rural parts of the country and it has become widely popular in recent years. For those who are not familiar, corn hole is a game similar to horse shoes where competitors pitch a bean bag toward a hole in a raised platform. Points are earned by placing the bean bag on the platform or successfully tossing the bag into the hole. The distance that the target is placed from the player can be adapted to allow beginners and children to compete with more skilled competitors. Corn hole sets are sold in many different styles including those with insignias of college and professional sports teams. These sets are popular for gameday play at tailgate parties outside of a stadium.

Volleyball is another popular game for summer fun in the backyard, at the beach or anywhere. All that is needed to play this game is a ball and net, making this another easy game to transport from one place to another. While only two are needed to play a game of volleyball, many people find that games are most fun with a larger number of players. A volleyball net can also be used for playing badminton.

In addition to these three games, there are many more outdoor family games to consider including softball, croquet and basketball. No matter what games families like to play together, the important thing is to get outside and have some fun this summer.