Memorial Day is just one week away which means the kick off to a summer of BBQs and outdoor parties! Today I’m sharing a whole bunch of fun games and activities for a BBQ. Often the party is filled with swimming in the pool or running around playing yard games. Sometimes, especially for the holiday bbqs, it’s fun to have a few organized games and activities.

I love summer parties, but my two favorite days to celebrate: Memorial Day and 4th of July… because you all know I love all things red, white and blue! While the games and activities below are fun for all summer bbqs, you’ll notice lots of patriotic colors and themes.

Speaking of patriotic and lots of red, white and blue, you’ll also find some of my favorite summer outfits throughout the post. They’re all from The Beaufort Bonnet Company. It’s been a spot I look for red, white and blue clothes for the kids for years now. This summer I found patriotic swim, shorts, tops, dresses and even accessories. All of the adorable red, white and blue outfits in the photos are Beaufort Bonnet Company. This year’s pattern, called American Swag, is awesome! I linked all of our styles here: Red, White and Blue Sibling Outfits.

10 Games and Activities for a BBQ

1. Bucket Relay

This is a family favorite! Make 2 teams. One teammate sit with a bucket on their head and the rest of the team lines up on the other side. Each team needs a container of water and a sponge. When you yell “go” a teammate fills the sponge with water, runs to their teammate with the bucket on their head and squeezes out the sponge. Continue the relay. At the end whatever team has the most water in their bucket wins. And we add something fun on really hot days: losing team has to dump the bucket of water over their head!

2. Red, White & Blue Can Game

These are so easy to make! All you need are empty cans (beans, vegetables, anything). Make sure you use a can opener that takes the entire top off so it’s not sharp. Then wash & dry it. Grab some fun scrapbook paper. Tape it to the can, roll the paper around the can and tuck it into the top. Place one more piece of tape to keep it in place and you’re set. We used a wiffle ball for the game.

3. DIY Centerpieces Kids Can Make

These double as a centerpiece kids can make and a treat they can eat! All you need are red, white and blue Tootsie Roll pops, small glass jars and ribbon.

4. DIY Patriotic Poppers

These are fun to make, look cute as part of a patriotic tablescape and even make a great party favor. Save toilet paper rolls. Grab some tissue paper and ribbon and candy. Tape a piece of tissue paper to the toilet paper roll. Roll the tissue around and secure with a piece of tape. Tie off the end with ribbon, fill the toilet paper roll with candy and tie off the other end.

5. Tattoo Station

This is such a simple activity for a summer bbq but kids always love it. Order some tattoos (I just ordered these for a Memorial Day party). Then all you need are some sponges and a cup of water.

6. Potato Sack Races

This is perfect for some old fashioned fun. Having a 4th of July or Memorial Day party? Check out these red, white, and blue potato sacks for the races: Patriotic Potato Sacks

7. Pool Noodle Baseball

This is like wiffle ball but use a pool noodle as the bat. This is hilarious and fun. Add a water balloon as the ball for extra fun.

8. Water Balloon Toss

Everyone grab a partner. Start standing right across from your partner and toss the water balloon to your partner. Take a steps apart. Toss again. Continue until you drop the water balloon and it pops. Last set of partners with their water balloon in tact wins!

9. Yard Tic Tac Toe

This is a fun one for all ages too. You can order a Yard Tic Tac Toe set or make one. An idea for a DIY version… buy red and blue plastic plates and be colors vs x’s and o’s.

10. American History Trivia

This is a fun one, especially if you end up with rainy weather or it’s later at night sitting around making s’mores. You can grab a game or cards…or if you are a history nerd like me, maybe just make some up to ask! There’s this Trivia Board game and use the cards or this Noggin one is great for younger kids. Another option is download and print this cute one from Etsy.