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Being stuck inside is no fun. We’ve been finding that out the hard way. Luckily, one of the benefits of spending so long indoors is that when we step outside again, we’re sure we’re going to make the most of it. Whether that’s enjoying the nice weather, cooking out more than we cook in or just breathing in all that fresh air. Another way to stay entertained outside is to play games in your backyard. But what are the best lawn games to maximize your fun?
When it comes to choosing the best lawn game for you and your family or group of friends, there are a number of questions it’s worth asking yourself before you make your decision. These questions include:
How many people will be playing? Make sure you choose a game that can accommodate your expected number of people. If you’re a large family, consider a game for more people or, if it’s just you and a friend, pick out a game designed for two. Remember that teams are a great way to use some two-player games for bigger groups, meaning very few options are ever off the table.
How old are the players? Unsurprisingly, some games aren’t good for children. Whether it’s because they have complicated rules, like chess, or potentially harmful game pieces, like metal horseshoes, you should always consider whether the game is suitable for everyone during your backyard fun.
How big is your lawn? Some lawn games require more space than others, and the last thing you want to do is find out that your backyard is too small to accommodate your game of frisbee or that your croquet pitch is too busy.
How well kept is your lawn? It may sound funny, but if your lawn isn’t well kept and rolled flat, it’s easily possible that some ground-based games, like croquet, may become too much of a battle to be fun. If your lawn isn’t up to scratch, consider choosing off-the-ground options for a better chance of success.
Once you’ve answered these questions and think you’ve got an idea in your head about what’s going to work best, scroll through our collection of the best lawn games to get the fun flowing this summer.
1. GoSports Flag Series Wood Cornhole Set
BEST OVERALL
You can’t beat the classics. And when it comes to backyard lawn games, there are few more loved games than cornhole. In this GoSports Flag Series Wood Cornhole Set, you’ll receive everything you need to get a game of everyone’s favorite cookout competition started. The two boards are handcrafted from 100% solid wood with oak surfaces and come in a range of flag-inspired styles, from the classic American flag to state-specific options, including Texas and Alabama. Both boards are of regulation size and come with eight all-weather bean bags, four red and four blue. There are also accompanying written rules, meaning you’re ready to go as soon as it arrives.
Buy: GoSports Flag Series Wood Cornhole Set $115.49 (orig. $139.99) 18% OFF
2. Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens: Extreme Outdoor Edition
MOST HILARIOUS
This game is chaotic, hilarious, and dodgeball-adjacent — what else could you ask for? Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens: Extreme Outdoor Edition merges card games and dodgeball. Oversized cards earn you points while getting hit by a 3-foot tall inflatable burrito will lose you points. If you enjoy the idea of launching a large, squishy burrito at your loved ones, look no further. While the rules do take a little while to get the hang of, this game quickly becomes addictive.
Buy: Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens: Extreme Outdoor Edition $29.99
3. GIGGLE N GO Outdoor Games KnockOff Disc Toss
BEST TWO PLAYER
No matter whether it’s your brother, your mother, your father or your best friend, once the GIGGLE N GO Outdoor Games KnockOff Disc Toss is set up, all bets are off. There’s nowhere to hide, and it’s winner takes it all. This is a great choice for people who love the dual-style setup in a backyard competition, although it’s easy to play this as a team game, too. The kit includes a frisbee, two upright stands which house the chosen item to be knocked down and a handy carry bag for easy transportation. Furthermore, as this game is independent of the quality of the ground it’s played on, it can also be used on sand, gravel or any other place the legs can sit.
Buy: GIGGLE N GO Outdoor Games KnockOff Disc Toss $34.94 (orig. $38.99) 10% OFF
4. Elite Outdoor Games Ring Toss Yard Game
BEST ACCURACY GAME
Want to find out who’s got the best eye when it comes to precision throwing? Then add this Elite Outdoor Games Ring Toss Yard Game to your backyard setup. The X-shaped target sports nine different prongs which are all worth different values. Players use the included rope and plastic rings to score points. This lawn game is easily assembled in a matter of minutes and includes a handy travel bag if you want to take your game with you to your friend’s house. Additionally, it’s great for playing with kids as you can adjust the difficulty by moving the target closer or further away depending on their capability.
Buy: Elite Outdoor Games Ring Toss Yard Game $28.90
5. Play Platoon Bocce Ball Set
BEST CROWDPLEASER
Bocce ball is another favorite game of many which is sure to excite this summer. This Play Platoon Bocce Ball Set comes highly recommended by over 95% of Amazon users who award the set a positive review. The kit comes in three different varieties depending on where and how many people you want to play with. The balls are both water-resistant and durable. You’ll also find a carrying bag and measuring device to ensure you can always work out the winner with maximum precision.
Buy: Play Platoon Bocce Ball Set $39.99 (orig. $49.99) 20% OFF
6. 3-in-1 Giant Checkers/Tic Tac Toe Game with Reversible Rug
MOST VERSATILE
Rather than coming with a flat board, this giant 3-in-1 checkers and tic tac toe game comes on a reversible rug, making it ideal for your yard, beach play or camping. At just over $15.00, this entertaining strategy game for kids and adults lets you enjoy multiple games in one easy format. It’s also ideal for indoor play on rainy days.
Buy: 3-in-1 Giant Checkers/Tic Tac Toe Game with Reversible Rug $15.99
7. GoSports Portable Cornhole Toss Game Set
BEST JUST-IN-CASE
The GoSports Portable PVC Framed Cornhole Toss Game Set is the ideal option to leave in your car for unexpected game opportunities. Whether it’s an unplanned meeting with friends or better weather than the forecast predicted, with this little kit by your side, you’ll never be left pondering how great a game of cornhole would have been. The kit comes in a handy carrying bag and includes two boards that use a PVC frame, meaning they are lightweight and break down after use for easy and compact storage. The material cover comes in a range of designs, including a football field style or an American flag.
Buy: GoSports Portable Cornhole Toss Game Set $47.49
8. St. Pierre American Horseshoes Complete Set
MOST COMPACT
Another fun and easy way to find out who has laser-point precision and who couldn’t hit a barn door is with this St. Pierre American Horseshoes Complete Set. It comes with four forged steel, NHPA-approved, American horseshoes in blue and white along with two solid steep, 24-inch stakes, capable of withstanding even the harshest weather conditions. You’ll also find an official rules rulebook and a black plastic tote included for easy storage and transport. Furthermore, the horseshoes’ design includes a finger aid which makes the throwing process less intimidating for newcomers.
Buy: St. Pierre American Horseshoes Complete Set $79.95
9. SWOOC Jumbo Four-in-a-Row Outdoor Game
BEST TAKE ON A CHILDHOOD CLASSIC
We can all remember playing Connect 4 as kids, and this jumbo version really brings the game to life, standing at over 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Best of all, it’s water and weather-resistant, meaning that no amount of splashes, humidity or heat will negatively impact this giant game. SWOOC’s version is much quieter than other jumbo models of Connect 4, thanks to its noise-reducing design. The frame is made of high-quality poplar wood from sustainable forests in New Zealand.
Buy: WOOC Jumbo Four-in-a-Row Outdoor Game $119.99
10. Crestgolf Golf Pong Mat Game Set
BEST FOR GOLF LOVERS
This DIY golfing solution is way better than signing up for an expensive country club or having to share a local golf course. Simply lay out this green gold putting mat that comes with six golf balls, two differently sized putters and 12 golf hole covers. In poor weather, this can also be used indoors, adding to its versatility. You can also turn it into a convenient drinking game, using the holes as cupholders instead.
Buy: Crestgolf Golf Pong Mat Game Set $119.29
11. Pop-A-Shot Official Indoor/Outdoor Dual Shot Basketball Arcade Game
BEST SPLURGE
While this is definitely the biggest splurge on our list, it basically turns your backyard into a home arcade and is a must for basketball lovers. Get your friendly competition on with this dual shot basketball arcade game that has 16 different games, six audio options and a big LED scoreboard to help you keep track. It’s even weather-resistant, so even when the weather isn’t ideal, you can still get your swish on.
Buy: Pop-A-Shot Official Indoor/Outdoor Dual Shot Basketball Arcade Game $349.99
12. Franklin Sports 2 Player LED Badminton Racket Set
BEST BADMINTON SET
Badminton will always remain one of the best racquet sports ever — it’s lightweight, portable, and you can play it anywhere, even if you don’t have a net. This racket and birdie set comes with two player rackets and two shuttlecocks, so you can either play one-on-one or in teams. Rackets are built to last with a steel frame, and everything is powered with tiny LED lights, so you can keep playing even when the sun goes down.
Buy: Franklin Sports 2 Player LED Badminton Racket Set $17.19
13. Spikeball Pro Kit
BEST FOR GROUPS
Spikeball Pro is a group-friendly game that encourages movement. It’s fast-paced, and ideal for those who enjoy volleyball or four square. Just slam a ball into a net — if your opponent misses the ball when it bounces back up, you’ll earn your team a point. As it’s meant to play with four players, this lawn game is ideal for group hangs. Unlike the original Spikeball set, these balls have added texture for more spin, and the net is even sturdier.
Buy: Spikeball Pro Kit $119.99
14. Mattel Toss Across
BEST BUDGET PICK
This classic and easy lawn game by Mattell costs just over $10 but remains a nostalgic best-seller, providing hours of entertainment in your backyard. To play, turn all the targets blank side up, grab your bean bags and get to tossing! Players will need to get the rotating triangles to flip, revealing either X or O. Three in a row earns a win! A family-friendly game that could also easily turn into a drinking game for grownups.
Buy: Mattel Toss Across $14.99 (orig. $19.99) 25% OFF
15. Waybelieve LED Light Cornhole Board
BEST FOR NIGHTTIME USAGE
Why limit yourself to a game of cornhole during the daytime? This unique cornhole board is edged with LED color-changing lights, letting you bring your game into the evening and turn it into a party. It comes with 16 color modes and can be controlled from a distance of up to 16 feet. The flexible light strips don’t come on the board, however — users need to attach them to the perimeter of the rim with a screwdriver.
Buy: Waybelieve LED Light Cornhole Board $27.99
16. Splinter Woodworking Co Yardzee
CLASSIEST PICK
No matter whether you’re looking for a classy outdoor gift for friends or a way to involve the whole family with a range of fun lawn games, the Splinter Woodworking Co Yardzee Set will fit the bill. The “Yardzee” set includes six 3.5-inch dice which are made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine and boast a 100% weather-resistant construction. You’ll also find a stylish wooden bucket and five reusable scorecards, giving you everything you need to play over 20 different dice games, including a giant version of Yahtzee. For added durability, the dice feature carved dots that won’t fade over time, meaning you can use the set at the pool, beach, lake or while camping without any fear.
Buy: Splinter Woodworking Co Yardzee $79.99 (orig. $94.99) 16% OFF
17. 4Fun Jumbo Chess and Checkers Set
BEST BRAIN WORKOUT
If you’re looking to spend time in your garden and want to give your brain a workout at the same time, this 4Fun Jumbo Chess and Checkers Set could be the answer you’re looking for. The kit includes chess pieces that range in size from six to 10 inches, giving you plenty of purchase as you play out your moves. In addition, you’ll find a 70 by 62-inch mat which includes a waterproof backing and ground stakes to keep your board in place. This game also comes with a set of checkers pieces to provide a less-intensive alternative for when your brain is fried from overthinking.
Buy: 4Fun Jumbo Chess and Checkers Set $99.99
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