We took on the challenge to come up with several summer games you can play using mostly plumbing-related items. This was a fun one to tackle. We’re not ashamed to admit we’ve played some of these games when we are younger… or maybe even more recently. Here are the descriptions and instructions for these games. We hope you try them for yourself.
1. Into-the-Pipe Toss
To play this game, a player tosses washers into pipes from a distance. This is similar to games like corn hole or ring toss.
Set up PVC pipes of different sizes. They should probably be between 3 and 12 inches tall, and 2 or more inches wide. You can place these in the yard, but it may be best on a patio because of the flat ground. You will need to keep the bottom of the pipes flat so they are sturdy, but we recommend you cut the top of each pipe at an angle. This increases the challenge level.
Once you arrange the various pipes, create a line which players should stand behind. Then, each player can use the washers to toss into the pipes. Indicate whether certain pipes are worth more points than others.
Supplies needed:
-Several cuts of PVC pipe
-Washers
-Permanent marker or colored tape if you want to notate points on the pipes
2. Ladder Ball
This game also uses PVC pipes to create a stand with 3 bars connected across it. Two golf balls, one on each end of a rope, are swung and tossed toward the stand to get them to wrap around the bars (with the rope) to earn points.
We recommend you use 3/4” PVC pipe. The pipes along with PVC tees and PVC elbows will be glued together to create the stand.
To make the stand, first, connect 2 pipes into a PVC tee. This will make one leg of your stand. Create the second leg the same way, then place the legs parallel to each other on the ground. The legs should have one hole of the PVC tees still open and be facing upward. Place another PVC pipe into the holes in those tees and place an additional tee on the end of that pipe. Remember, this step should be for both sides of the stand.
Connect another pipe into the newly added PVC tee and place another tee on the end of that pipe. Then place another pipe into the end of that tee but this time cap off the end of that pipe with an elbow. If you successfully duplicated these steps so that the stand has 2 sides parallel to each other then you should be able to take a pipe to connect the top PVC elbows together. You should also have open holes on the PVC tees you used throughout the stand. Connect pipes between those elbows. This will give you the 3 bars your golf ball ropes can land on.
To make your golf ball ropes, get 6 golf balls and drill a hole through each ball and pull a 12-inch nylon rope through it and tie a knot. You will want each of your ropes to have a golf ball on each end. If you aren’t familiar with a drill, you should find someone who is experienced. You’ll also want to use a clamp in order to drill your holes safely.
Here is a picture to help you better understand how to make the game.
-6 golf balls
-Nylon rope
-13 PVC pipes (approximately a foot long)
-2 90 degree PVC elbows
-6 PVC tees
-PVC pipe cutter
-PVC pipe glue
-Scissors
-Drill and clamps
3. Water Hose Limbo or Water Hose Hurdles
This was a game I loved to play as a kid. Use the water hose in your yard and with a spray nozzle or your fingers halfway covering the spout of the hose, cause the water to spray across the yard sharply. Then challenge the players to either play rounds of limbo under the shooting water OR use it as a hurdle to jump over. Whichever way you play it, change the height of the shooting water each round until everyone has been hit by the water. The last one to be completely sprayed while trying to walk under or jump over the water is the winner.
Supplies needed:
-Water hose
-All the energy you can muster
4. Plunger Relay
Use new plungers for this game. That keeps it sanitary. There are 2 types of ways to play this game.
For the first version, hold a plunger by the wooden handle and have the rubber part facing up in the air with a balloon balanced on it. Trying running from the starting line to the finish line while holding the plunger and balloon in that position. If the balloon falls, you’re out! You can use a regular balloon or water balloon.
Or you can run the relay with the challenge of balancing the rubber part of the plunger on top of your head. The plunger has never been used, so there’s no harm. Either way, this kind of race can be hilarious to watch. All you need are plungers and a balloon- or something like it– if you choose to balance it on top of the plunger.
Supplies needed:
-Balloons
-Plungers
5. Plunger Catch
This game is similar to the previous one where you use a balloon. But with this game, it should definitely be a water balloon. Each player needs a partner. Instead of running with the plunger, balance the water balloon on top of the rubber part of the plunger and carefully toss it up and over to your partner. In turn, they have to catch the balloon with the rubber part of their plunger and then toss it back to you.
This is a water balloon toss –plumber style! We recommend that after each toss, both players take a small step back to increase the distance between them. So the starting positions of the game should only be 3 feet apart or so. The tossing continues until you drop and bust the balloon.
Supplies needed:
-Water
-Balloons
-Plungers
We love summer! It provides so much fun, from picnics and vacations to the easiest of backyard entertainment like the games we shared here. If you try any of them, we’d love to hear what you think. We’ll even share your pictures on social media if you want!And while the kids are home for summer vacation and the days are hotter, you don’t want to prolong any problems with your plumbing. Save your water for your daily living, making delicious lemonade, and occasional outdoor fun. Don’t waste it with leaks in your faucets or pipes. If you notice a problem, contact us right away!
Until then, Happy Summer!