Looking for a way to spice up your next backyard gathering? Yard games are the perfect solution! These fun outdoor activities bring family and friends together for hours of entertainment.
From classic cornhole to giant Jenga, there’s a game for everyone to enjoy.
Yard games offer a fantastic opportunity to unplug, get active, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want to make the most of a sunny afternoon, these games provide endless fun for all ages.
You can easily set them up in your backyard, at the beach, or even in a local park.
With so many options available, you’re sure to find games that suit your space and preferences.
Some popular choices include kubb, lawn bowling, and giant Connect Four.
These games not only encourage friendly competition but also help improve hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking.
So grab your friends, head outside, and get ready for some unforgettable outdoor fun!
The Essentials of Yard Games
Yard games bring people together for fun and friendly competition.
They require simple equipment and basic skills, making them accessible to players of all ages and abilities.
Understanding the Basics
Most yard games involve throwing or tossing objects at targets.
Bean bag toss, also known as cornhole, is a classic example.
You aim to toss bean bags onto or through a hole in an angled board.
Hand-eye coordination is key in many yard games.
Practice improves your accuracy and consistency.
Start with shorter distances and gradually increase the challenge.
Washers is another popular game that tests your aim.
You toss metal washers into cups or holes, scoring points based on where they land.
Setting Up for Success
Choose a flat, open area for your yard game setup.
Ensure there’s enough space for players to move freely and spectators to watch safely.
Mark boundaries clearly to avoid disputes.
Use cones, rope, or chalk lines to define playing areas.
Keep score using a whiteboard or scorecard.
This adds structure and excitement to the game.
Have extra equipment on hand.
Spare bean bags, washers, or balls allow for quick replacements if items go missing.
Consider the sun’s position when setting up.
Avoid placing targets where players will face directly into the sun while aiming.
Popular Yard Games
Yard games bring friends and family together for outdoor fun and friendly competition.
These classic activities offer entertainment for all ages and skill levels, perfect for backyard gatherings or beach outings.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a beloved yard game that’s easy to set up and play.
You toss bean bags at a slanted board with a hole, aiming to land them in or on the board for points.
The game typically comes with two boards and eight bean bags, allowing for 2-4 players.
Cornhole boards can be customized with your favorite team logos or designs.
You can even build your own set if you’re feeling crafty.
The game is portable, making it great for tailgating or picnics.
To play, stand about 27 feet from the board and take turns tossing.
Scoring is simple: 3 points for bags in the hole, 1 point for bags on the board.
First team to 21 wins!
Horseshoes
Horseshoes is a classic yard game that’s been around for centuries.
You toss horseshoes at a metal stake, trying to get them to land around it.
It’s perfect for small groups and can be played on various surfaces.
To set up, place two stakes 40 feet apart.
Players take turns throwing two horseshoes each.
A ringer (horseshoe encircling the stake) scores 3 points, while a shoe within 6 inches scores 1 point.
Horseshoes requires precision and strategy.
You’ll need to consider factors like the spin of the shoe and the terrain.
It’s a great game for developing hand-eye coordination and can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
Kubb
Kubb, also known as “Viking chess,” is a unique yard game that combines strategy and skill.
The objective is to knock over wooden blocks by throwing wooden batons, eventually toppling the “king” to win.
Set up the game by placing five kubbs on each side of the field, with the king in the center.
Teams take turns throwing batons to knock down the opposite team’s kubbs.
If you knock one down, that kubb is tossed to your side and must be stood up.
Kubb encourages teamwork and tactical thinking.
It’s a bit more complex than some yard games, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly engaging.
The game can be played on grass, sand, or even snow, making it versatile for different seasons.
Family-Friendly Games
Yard games bring families together for outdoor fun and friendly competition.
These classic activities offer something for all ages and skill levels.
Bocce Ball
Bocce ball is an easy-to-learn game perfect for backyard gatherings.
You’ll need a set of colorful bocce balls and a small target ball called a pallino.
Players take turns throwing their balls to get closest to the pallino.
Set up a court on your lawn or at the beach.
Teams can consist of 2-4 players each.
Younger kids can play from a closer distance to even the odds.
Bocce is great for developing hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking.
Scoring is simple – the team with the closest ball to the pallino wins points each round.
First to reach 13 points wins the match.
It’s a relaxing yet engaging game that sparks conversation and laughter.
Croquet
Croquet transforms your yard into a whimsical playground.
You’ll need a set with mallets, balls, wickets, and stakes.
Set up the course using the wickets and stakes, then take turns hitting your ball through the wickets.
Players can team up or compete individually.
Kids love the satisfying “thwack” of hitting the ball.
Croquet improves aim and teaches patience as you navigate the course.
Add fun twists like obstacle courses or “poison” rules where you can knock opponents’ balls away.
It’s a game that grows with your family, becoming more strategic as skills improve.
Molkky
Molkky, a Finnish throwing game, is gaining popularity worldwide.
You’ll need a set of numbered wooden pins and a throwing skittle.
Set up the pins in a triangle formation and take turns throwing the skittle to knock them down.
Score points based on the numbers on fallen pins.
The first player to reach exactly 50 points wins.
If you go over, your score drops back to 25.
This adds excitement and keeps the game close.
Molkky is easy to learn but tricky to master.
It’s perfect for all ages and abilities.
The wooden pieces are eco-friendly and durable.
You can play on any surface – grass, sand, or even indoors on carpet.
Games for Skill Building
Yard games aren’t just for fun – they can help sharpen your abilities too.
These games challenge your hand-eye coordination and precision, letting you hone useful skills while enjoying the outdoors.
Tetherball
Tetherball is a fast-paced game that tests your reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
You’ll hit a ball attached to a pole, trying to wrap the rope around the pole before your opponent can reverse its direction.
This game improves your timing and spatial awareness as you judge the ball’s trajectory.
To set up tetherball, you’ll need a sturdy pole and a tethered ball.
Choose a level spot in your yard and secure the pole firmly in the ground.
Draw a circle around the pole to mark the play area.
As you play, you’ll develop better hand-eye coordination and quicker reflexes.
The constant movement also provides a good workout, improving your cardiovascular fitness and agility.
Ladder Golf
Ladder Golf, also known as ladder toss, challenges your throwing accuracy.
You’ll toss bolas (two golf balls connected by a string) at a three-rung ladder, aiming to wrap them around the rungs for points.
To play, set up two ladder-like structures about 15 feet apart.
Each player gets three bolas, typically color-coded.
You’ll take turns throwing your bolas at the opposite ladder, trying to score points by wrapping them around the rungs.
This game sharpens your aim and teaches you to control the spin of the bolas.
It’s a great way to improve your throwing precision and depth perception.
Ladder Golf is easy to learn but tricky to master, making it an engaging skill-building activity for players of all ages.
Unique Yard Games
Want to take your backyard fun to the next level? These supersized versions of classic games will make a big splash at your next outdoor gathering.
They’re easy to set up and provide hours of entertainment for all ages.
Giant Outdoor Kerplunk
You’ll love this jumbo twist on the tabletop favorite.
Set up a large tube filled with colorful plastic balls and crisscrossing sticks.
Players take turns carefully removing sticks, trying not to let the balls fall.
The suspense builds as more sticks are pulled out!
To make your own, use a tall trash can or wire fencing to create the tube.
PVC pipes work great for the sticks.
Fill it with plastic ball pit balls or lightweight wiffle balls.
The giant scale makes it extra exciting when the balls come tumbling down.
This game is perfect for backyard parties.
Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of the suspenseful gameplay and satisfying cascade of balls at the end.
Giant Jenga
Bring the classic block-stacking game to new heights with an oversized version.
You’ll use 2×4 lumber cut into 54 blocks, each 10.5 inches long.
Stack them in alternating directions to build a tower that starts around 3 feet tall.
Players take turns removing blocks and placing them on top, trying not to topple the increasingly unstable structure.
The tension mounts as the tower grows taller! When it finally comes crashing down, it makes a satisfying rumble.
This game is super easy to DIY.
Just cut, sand, and optionally stain the wood blocks.
For storage, use a sturdy crate or bag.
Giant Jenga is a crowd-pleaser that will provide hours of entertainment at your next cookout or family gathering.
Beach-Ready Games
Beach games bring fun and excitement to your seaside adventures.
You’ll find options perfect for all ages and group sizes, from classic volleyball to innovative new twists on familiar favorites.
Kanjam
KanJam transforms frisbee into a thrilling team sport.
You’ll love tossing discs at targets while your partner deflects them in.
It’s easy to set up on the sand and packs down small for transport.
The game involves two teams of two players each.
Your goal? Get the flying disc into the “kan” or slot.
Scoring is simple – 1 point for a deflection, 2 for a direct hit, and 3 for a slot shot.
KanJam’s portability makes it ideal for beach outings.
The lightweight cans are a breeze to carry and assemble.
You can even find glow-in-the-dark versions for nighttime play.
Best Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball remains a quintessential shoreline activity.
Sets designed specifically for sand play have softer balls and adjustable nets.
Look for volleyballs with a soft-touch cover.
These are gentler on bare hands and arms during extended play.
Inflatable balls are your best bet – they’re easy to pack and won’t get waterlogged.
Net systems come in various sizes.
Four-way volleyball sets let you divide into smaller teams, perfect for family play.
Adjustable heights accommodate players of all ages and skill levels.
Don’t forget accessories like boundary markers and ball pumps.
With the right gear, you’ll be spiking and serving in no time.
Indoor and Miniaturized Versions
Bring the fun of yard games inside with compact alternatives.
These scaled-down versions let you enjoy favorites like cornhole and croquet year-round, no matter the weather or space constraints.
Indoor Cornhole and Ring Toss
You can easily set up indoor cornhole in your living room or basement.
Look for boards with folding legs for easy storage.
Soft bean bags are perfect for indoor play, preventing damage to floors or furniture.
Some sets come with both cornhole boards and a ring toss target, giving you two games in one.
For ring toss, try hanging a pegboard on the wall.
This allows you to adjust the difficulty by changing peg placement.
Soft foam or rope rings are ideal for indoor use.
You can even create your own targets using bottles or dowels stuck in a base.
Tabletop Croquet and Bocce
Miniature croquet sets let you play on your dining table or coffee table.
These typically use small wooden mallets and balls, with wire wickets you can arrange in various patterns.
Some sets feature felt-covered bases to protect your furniture.
Tabletop bocce is another great option.
Look for sets with lightweight plastic balls that won’t damage your surfaces.
You can create boundaries using string or tape.
For an extra challenge, set up obstacles like small blocks or toy buildings.
Yard dice can be incorporated into these games too, adding an element of chance to your indoor tournaments.
Transformative Yard Game Accessories
Upgrading your yard games with innovative accessories can take your outdoor fun to the next level.
These enhancements improve gameplay and make storage a breeze.
Enhanced Equipment
You can breathe new life into classic yard games with upgraded equipment.
For your horseshoe set, consider adding LED-lit horseshoes for nighttime play.
They’re perfect for those summer evenings when you don’t want the fun to end.
Grab some all-weather bean bags for your cornhole game.
They’ll withstand rain and sun, letting you play year-round.
For croquet enthusiasts, try mallets with adjustable handles.
They’ll accommodate players of different heights, making the game more inclusive for the whole family.
Glow-in-the-dark balls are another fun addition to your croquet set.
They create a magical atmosphere for twilight matches.
Storage Solutions
Keeping your yard games organized is key to quick setup and long-lasting equipment.
Invest in a weather-resistant storage box with wheels.
You can easily move it around your yard or garage.
Look for one with compartments to separate different game pieces.
For your horseshoe set, a wall-mounted rack keeps stakes and shoes neatly arranged.
It’s a space-saver that doubles as a display.
Croquet sets benefit from specialized bags with individual slots for mallets, balls, and wickets.
These bags often have shoulder straps, making transportation to the park or beach a cinch.
Consider a pegboard system for smaller game accessories.
It’s versatile and lets you customize your storage layout.
Hang bean bags, balls, and scorekeeping items within easy reach.
Organizing Yard Game Events
Hosting yard game events brings friends and family together for outdoor fun.
You’ll want to plan carefully and create a structure that keeps things running smoothly.
Planning Tournaments
Choose games that suit your space and group.
Mix classics like cornhole with newer options like Spikeball.
Set a schedule, allowing enough time for each round.
Prepare scorecards to track results.
Consider noise levels and inform neighbors about your event.
Have backup plans for weather.
Stock up on snacks and drinks.
Set up shaded areas for spectators.
Make sure you have all necessary equipment and extras like chalk or measuring tapes.
Create clear rules for each game.
Brief participants on safety guidelines before starting.
Have a plan for tiebreakers, like a final cornhole toss.
Creating Teams and Brackets
Divide players into balanced teams.
For fairness, mix skill levels if you know players’ abilities.
Teams of two work well for most yard games.
Design brackets based on your number of teams.
Single or double elimination formats keep things exciting.
Use a whiteboard or large poster to display brackets.
Assign start times for each match.
Give teams breaks between games.
Have a system ready for reporting scores promptly.
Consider a points system across multiple games for variety.
This lets teams compete in different events throughout the day.
Tally cumulative scores to crown overall champions.
DIY Yard Game Projects
Creating your own backyard games can be a fun family activity that results in hours of outdoor entertainment.
These projects allow you to customize designs and add personal touches to classic favorites.
Building Your Own Cornhole
You can easily construct a cornhole set using plywood and 2x4s.
Cut two 2′ x 4′ rectangles from 3/4″ plywood for the boards.
Frame the underside with 2x4s for stability.
Cut a 6″ hole centered 9″ from the top edge of each board.
Sand all edges smooth and apply weather-resistant paint or stain.
For the legs, cut four 11.5″ pieces of 2×4.
Attach them to the frames with bolts so they can fold.
Add non-slip pads to the bottom of the legs and board edges.
Make eight 6″ x 6″ bean bags filled with corn or plastic pellets for tossing.
Customizing Game Pieces
Personalize your yard games by creating unique playing pieces.
Paint giant Jenga blocks in bright colors or add fun patterns.
Use wood burning tools to engrave designs on bocce balls or ladder golf bolos.
For a twist on classic lawn darts, make safe foam versions using pool noodles and plastic fins.
Cut noodles into 12″ lengths and attach fins made from plastic folders.
Create custom targets by spray painting shapes on an old sheet.
Add glow-in-the-dark paint to horseshoes or washer toss rings for nighttime play.
Use chalkboard paint on scoring areas so you can easily update points during tournaments.