Looking to up your lawn game this summer? (Pun very much intended.) You’ve come to the right place!
In this guide, we’ll show you the top 10 lawn and backyard games that will have your friends and family enjoying the fresh air and entertained for hours on end. And if you’re heading to the beach instead of the backyard this summer, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered there too with some bonus beach game recommendations.
We have selected all of the games below based on several key factors, including price point (you don’t need to spend a ton to have fun!), and have chosen games that should be easily portable for easy transportation to a friend’s house (or the beach), enjoyable for adults and kids alike, and able to be played in a group (two to four player game, or even one on one).
So what are you waiting for? Start reading and get ready to level up your outdoor fun with the best lawn games!
Croquet
Croquet is a classic backyard lawn games that brings forth a sense of summer fun and enjoyment. Whether played on beautiful grass or a flat, manicured lawn, croquet can be great entertainment over the summer months. The main requirements for a good game of croquet are high-quality balls and mallets and hoops set up with an even spacing. But, these don’t have to come with a steep price tag. In fact, you can get a great quality set for a very reasonable price (here is one of our favorites).
The game itself is quite simple to learn and follows basic rules of knocking your opponent’s ball out and getting yours through the hoops in succession. Easy for anyone to learn, so your guests can show off their skills on your beautiful green grass!
Bocce ball
Bocce is another of the classic lawn games that will energize any outdoor gathering with friends and family. It’s a fun and easy game to play, requiring only basic equipment — generally just bocce balls and a court layout.
When shopping for the perfect bocce ball set, players should consider several elements: size, weight, marking style, material, carrying case, and color personalization options.
Properly weighted balls will produce the most consistent rolls over various topographies of terrain. Bigger-sized balls can also be great for playing either outdoors or indoors.
A great bocce ball set can be purchased for under $40 (here’s one of our favorites; also comes with a canvas carrying case)!
Badminton
Badminton is a great backyard game that can bring a lot of fun and excitement to any outdoor gathering. It’s easy to learn, and you don’t need a lot of extra equipment, just racquets, one or two shuttlecocks, the net, and some space.
When it comes to buying a set for your own backyard, consider how much space you have and how many players will be playing. There are two-player sets available if space is at a premium or if there will only be two people playing. However, four-player sets are also out there with larger nets which can accommodate more people and provide greater room for play.
Make sure to choose good quality racquets as they must be strong enough both to hold up during play and when handling smashes. For shuttlecocks, look for ones made from durable materials like feathers or plastic so they won’t break after being used over time – plastic may last longer but feathers will bring better accuracy in flight.
Getting a good net is recommended. And, there are a number of combo nets available on the market. Our favorite net recommendation doubles as both a badminton net and a pickleball net.
You’re now ready to pick up a great badminton set and start playing!
Ladder ball (aka Ladder Toss)
Ladder ball (aka Ladder Toss) is the perfect game for any backyard gathering. The equipment is easy to set up, only requiring two stands with a connecting ladder and three bolas per team.
Ladder Toss also has different levels of difficulty, allowing you to adjust for your audience’s skill level by increasing or decreasing the distance between stands.
No matter how competitive players are, ladder ball offers tons of fun without requiring significant physical effort – so anyone (even the kids!) can join in the fun!
Kan Jam
KanJam is an exciting and physically active team game that can fit into even the most compact of backyards. In this game, two teams of two players each line up on opposite sides of a goal and take turns throwing frisbee-like discs in an attempt to land them in the goal. The first team to get to whatever score you choose (ahead of time of course) wins!
The trick to mastering this game is learning to use the angled surfaces of the goals to earn points and gain an edge over your opponents! However, it’s not just about technical skill; since Kan Jam requires good communication between team members, it’s also a great way to have fun with friends or family while enjoying some friendly competition! With a bit of practice, you’ll be an ace Kan Jam master in no time.
Cornhole (aka Bean Bag Toss)
Cornhole, otherwise known as bean bag toss, is a classic backyard lawn game that people of all ages can enjoy. It doesn’t take much to get started–all you need is a cornhole set and some friends (usually four players) ready to play!
Whether you want a laid-back afternoon of fun or an exciting tournament with prizes, cornhole has something to offer everyone.
Spikeball
Spikeball is a fast-paced team game that requires skill, strategy and cooperation. It consists of two teams of two players each, who take opposite sides of a net and aim to hit the ball off the net with their hands or feet. The goal is to keep the ball in play as long as possible while trying to make it difficult for the other team to return it.
This game is great for players of all ages and skill levels, as it can be tailored to fit any specific playing style or level of ability. It also encourages teamwork and communication, as players must make quick decisions on how best to return the ball in order to gain an advantage over their opponents.
With practice, Spikeball can become an incredibly competitive game that will bring hours of fun and entertainment for everyone involved!
Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga is an exciting and challenging game that is perfect for any outdoor gathering or party. The outdoor game requires 54 wooden blocks, each measuring 7.5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, which are stacked to create a tower 18 levels high. Players must then take turns carefully removing one block from the stack without toppling it over.
As the game progresses, the tower becomes increasingly unstable and harder to manage, adding to its suspenseful nature. Not only does this game require skill and concentration, but it also encourages team work, as all players must collaborate in order to keep the tower standing.
With its easy-to-learn rules and frenetic pace, Giant Jenga is sure to bring hours of fun and laughter to any event!
Giant Connect 4
Giant Connect 4 is a classic game that is great for parties, family gatherings or just some fun with friends. This exciting game involves two players taking turns dropping their colored discs into the top of the giant grid. The goal is to get four of your discs in a row either horizontally, vertically or diagonally before your opponent can do the same. The first player to get 4 in a row wins!
The large size of the game adds an extra layer of excitement as players watch their discs cascade down the grid to ultimately reach its base. Games can be as short or long as desired and are often played in a tournament style with multiple rounds, giving everyone plenty of opportunities to join in on the fun. What’s more, Giant Connect 4 is easy for people of any age or skill level to play!
With its simple rules and fast paced action, this game offers hours of enjoyable entertainment – making it a perfect addition to any yard occasion.
Polish Horseshoes (aka Pole-ish Horshoes, aka Beersbee, aka Bottle Bash)
Polish horseshoes is a fun game for all ages that involves both skill and strategy. Players take turns throwing a frisbee at a distant plastic or metal stake (or pole–hence the name “pole-ish” horseshoes!) with a bottle or cup balancing on top of the stake, attempting to knock the bottle off.
The scoring system is based on how many points are earned each turn, with higher points awarded if the horseshoe lands closer to the stake than an opponent’s throw.
It usually takes around 20 minutes for a game to conclude, so you can easily get all of your guests involved.
Bonus Beach Fun: Classic Toss-and-Catch and Beach Volleyball
Volleyball is an exciting and popular outdoor game that can be played almost anywhere. It combines elements of skill, strategy, and teamwork, making it an ideal choice for parties, family gatherings, or just some fun with friends out in the yard. And, it’s a super easy game to set up at the beach or park, so make sure to pack your set next time you’re heading out!
Due to its easy setup requirements and ruleset which accommodates all skill levels, beach volleyball has become a favorite game amongst outdoor enthusiasts across all age groups.
Whether you’re looking for something to do on your next trip to the beach or simply wanting to have some friendly competition between family members or friends out in the yard – beach volleyball is sure to provide hours of entertainment!
Beach Toss and Catch Velcro is a fun, classic game that is perfect for any beach or outdoor gathering.
Ideal for younger kids, there are many variations and ways to play catch–or even play a quick game of velcro baseball! And, what a great way for the kids to build hand eye coordination! Easy to learn, requires no preparation and super easy to toss in the beach bag to carry to the beach.
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