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The 15 Best Backyard Games of Summer

Get ready for backyard BBQs and summer parties with these top-rated outdoor games.

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Enjoying the warm weather and spending time outside is what summer is all about. Whether you’re looking to make backyard barbecues even more fun for your guests, want to give the kids something fun to do to keep them busy, or are looking to plan an outdoor family game night, the right backyard games can make all the difference.

Below are the 15 most popular backyard games that are fun for the whole family. Challenge everyone to a high-energy game of Spikeball or bucket ball, or have fun with a giant Jenga set that people of all ages will enjoy.

1. Spikeball Game Set

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Spikeball Game Set
Photo: amazon.com

Spikeball is a fun and fast-paced game that combines elements of volleyball with foursquare as teams of two try to score points by returning the ball to the round central net. This Spikeball game set is a customer favorite with over 5,500 reviews. It comes with a round net, a ball, and a case for storage and transport; you’ll have everything you need to get playing right away.

Get the Spikeball Game Set on Amazon for $64.99

2. Classic Cornhole Set

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Classic Cornhole Set
Photo: amazon.com

Cornhole is one of the most popular backyard family games. This set includes two full-size boards, four blue and four red bean bags, and a carrying case so you can also have fun when tailgating, camping, or when at a friend’s house. Choose from multiple board designs, including American Flags, chevron patterns, red and blue stripes, and plain wood.

Get the GoSports Classic Cornhole Set on Amazon for $99.99

3. Giant Jenga Game

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Giant Jenga Game
Photo: amazon.com

Traditional Jenga is fun to play inside, but with this giant version of the classic game, you can take the fun out to the backyard. The set includes 54 blocks that are over eight times the size of the classic blocks (6 inches by 2 inches by 1.2 inches). At the start of the game, the tower will be nearly 2 feet tall, and if you play well enough, it could reach a height of over 4 feet before it topples to the ground. A giant carrying bag is included to keep the blocks protected when playtime is done.

Get the Giant Jenga Game on Amazon for $99.95

4. Kan Jam Disc Toss Game

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Kan Jam Disc Toss Game
Photo: amazon.com

Step up your Frisbee skills with the Kan Jam outdoor game. In this team game, members take turns throwing the flying disc towards the goal at the other side of the yard. They can earn points for hitting the can or getting the disc to land inside the can. The set includes everything you’ll need to play: two Kam Jam cans and a flying disc.

Get the Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game on Amazon for $36.99

5. Backyard Bocce Set

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Backyard Bocce Set
Photo: amazon.com

Get ready for some friendly competition with this bocce ball set. With eight high-quality resin bocce balls (red, green, blue, and yellow), a pallino ball, and a canvas carrying case, this set includes everything you’ll need to get the game started in your backyard or to bring the fun to a friend’s backyard party.

Get the GoSports Backyard Bocce Set on Amazon for $40.45

6. Bucket Ball Set

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Bucket Ball Set
Photo: amazon.com

With over 1,400 positive reviews, Bucket Ball is one of the most popular games that you can play in your backyard, poolside, or even at the beach. Compete with your team to toss a ball in all of your buckets before your opponents win. This combo pack includes six blue buckets, six orange buckets, two hybrid balls, and a convenient tote bag so you can bring the game everywhere you go.

Get the Bucket Ball Set on Amazon for $54.99

7. Lawn Bowling Game

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Lawn Bowling Game
Photo: amazon.com

Bring the bowling alley to your backyard with this lawn bowling game. The attractive and colorful pine wooden set includes 10 pins and two bowling balls—everything you’ll need to play traditional 10-pin bowling or European Skittle Ball. When you’re finished, place all the pins and balls in the included mesh carrying bag for convenient storage or transport.

Get the Lawn Bowling Game on Amazon for $44.42

8. Jazzminton Paddle Game

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Jazzminton Paddle Game
Photo: amazon.com

This Jazzminton paddle game will get you up and moving as you try to hit the birdie and send it back to your opponent. Two paddles, four birdies, and a drawstring carrying bag are included with this set. The red and green birdies allow for faster or slower play, allowing you to match each game to the skills and activity level of the adults or children playing. With the plywood construction, water-resistant paint finish, and foam handle, the paddles are designed to be durable, long-lasting, and comfortable to hold.

Get the Funparks Jazzminton Paddle Game on Amazon for $14.99

9. Giant Connect Four Outdoor Game

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Giant Connect Four Outdoor Game
Photo: amazon.com

If you’re searching for outdoor family games, this four in a row game is perfect for adults and kids alike. The giant standing Connect Four board is 3 feet wide and more than 2 feet tall, making it large enough for everyone to get in on the fun and watch the game. The varnished and sealed poplar wood board is water-, heat-, and humidity-resistant and will not crack, split, warp, or twist.

Get the Giant Four in a Row Outdoor Game on Amazon for $119.99

10. Champion Horseshoe Set

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Champion Horseshoe Set
Photo: amazon.com

Horseshoe is one of the classic outdoor games that is still widely popular and fun to play. This Champion horseshoes set includes four high-quality, regulation-weighted metal horseshoes, two 24-inch metal stakes, and a nylon carrying case. Simply open the bag, place the stakes in the ground, and you’ll be ready for a friendly—but competitive—game of horseshoes.

Get the Champion Sports Horseshoe Set on Amazon for $51.76

11. Ladder Toss

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Ladder Toss
Photo: amazon.com

This ladder toss game can be used for one-on-one or team competitions. Each individual or team needs to try to score the most points by tossing their rubber bolos so they wrap themselves around one of the rungs of the ladder. Each of the PVC ladders—which take just two minutes to assemble—includes a built-in scorekeeper.

Get the GoSports Pro Grade Ladder Toss on Amazon for $30.99

12. Croquet Set

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Croquet Set
Photo: amazon.com

If you love classic backyard games for adults, croquet may be right up your alley. Up to six people can face off in a friendly game of croquet with this set that includes six 8-inch hardwood mallets with 28-inch hardwood handles, six weather-resistant balls, nine steel wickets, and two hardwood ending stakes. A case for easy storage and transport is also included.

Get the Juegoal Croquet Set on Amazon for $46.99

13. Lawn Darts Game

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Lawn Darts Game
Photo: amazon.com

This glow-in-the-dark lawn darts game promises both daytime and nighttime fun in your backyard. The set includes four durable lawn darts with a weighted base and shock-absorbent tip that will stand up once they land on grass, sand, or other soft surfaces. Two target rings and a carrying case are also included with the set.

Get the Hakol Lawn Darts Game on Amazon for $25.49

14. Giant Yardzee Set

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Giant Yardzee Set
Photo: amazon.com

Why play Yahtzee inside when you can enjoy the beautiful summertime weather playing Yardzee. Place the five wooden dice in the collapsible bucket, and roll to see if you can get a Yardzee—five of a kind. A dry erase Yardzee scorecard with a bonus Yardkle scorecard on the reverse side is also included with this set.

Get the Rodopa Giant Yardzee Set on Amazon for $41.99

15. Ring Toss Game

The Most Popular Backyard Games Option Ring Toss Game
Photo: amazon.com

Get ready for some fun at your next outdoor picnic or barbecue with this ring toss game. The game is designed to be easily portable and takes just minutes to set up—making it ideal for the backyard or even camping or beach trips. Once you’re ready to play, try to score the most points by tossing one of the 10 plastic rings or five rope rings over the pegs.

Get the Elite Sportz Ring Toss Game on Amazon for $33.86

The prices listed here are accurate as of publication on 7/1/22.

 
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Deirdre Mundorf

Contributing Writer

Deirdre Mundorf is a former teacher turned writer, specializing in homes, family, and pets. She has been contributing to BobVila.com since 2020.

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