Yard games are a great way to keep busy and active at home. It’s all about getting back to the basics with the best yard games.
When was the last time you and your family and friends went out in the yard and just had some good old fashioned yard game fun? These are some of the best yard games to keep you occupied and having fun. You may even find it hard to stop.
But you sure don’t want to miss out on these great outdoor games.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a very popular outdoor game in North America and in some places in Europe.
Traditionally with classic Cornhole, you’d make your own wooden cornhole boards and fill eight bags with 1 pound (0.45Kg) of corn, hence the name. But since this is the XXI century and we like things to be easier and faster.
Go Sports manufactures this portable kit so you can have fun with your quarantine companions. Or by yourself if you want to practice or try something new, wherever you are.
Ideally, you’d set it on your backyard, but if you don’t have one, your living room will do the job. This is one of the best yard games for you to try at home.
Minimum number of players: 2
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Bocce Ball
Bocce Ball is a very old game that evolved from a bowling game played in Ancient Rome. This outdoor activity was originally played only by Italian migrants. The game has gained a lot of popularity in the past decades.
The game rules are very simple: basically, there are two teams, the first one must toss the small ball (pallino) and then both teams toss their respective bocce balls (the big ones) so they can land as close as possible from the pallino.
The team with the closest ball gets one point. To win, your team must earn 13 points.
Perfect for outdoor parties. Make sure not to miss out on this classic lawn game.
Minimum number of players: 2
Rollors
Rollors is a brand new game developed by an American veteran in Minessota, which has become very popular in the US. The game features a combination of traditional games like Bocce Ball, Bowling, and Horseshoe.
The rules are a little complex but you’ll have a lot of fun playing this yard game. To install the game and start playing, you only need a flat area and some outdoor space.
You can also do this as an indoor game, just make sure you have enough space to move comfortably. This yard game can be played almost anywhere.
Minimum number of players: 2
Rampshot
Rampshot is very similar to Cornhole except you have to be more physically active to play it. The main difference between Cornhole and Rampshot, is that, in the latter, you can save the ball after it bounces on the net, therefore taking points away from the other team.
This game looks super fun and gives you the sense of an actual competitive sport. This game should be played on a soft surface such as grass or sand as you will probably fall a few times while having fun with this great yard game.
This one is one of the best active yard games for adults. This is also a great backyard game for birthday parties.
Minimum number of players: 2
Bulzi Bucket
This is another game based on the game of Cornhole but with some differences. First of all, you need a little bit more skill and some good reflexes. It’s not as intense as Rampshot, but it does involve physical activity.
There aren’t any strict rules but the main goal is always to shoot the ball directly at the top bucket. It is also water-friendly. So if you have a swimming pool then this is the perfect game for your next backyard party. Party guests are sure to have hours of fun!
If you don’t have a pool don’t worry this game can be played almost anywhere, even your living room with the entire family. I had loads of fun trying out this one.
Minimum number of players: 2
KanJam
This is a fun game that requires a lot of teamwork and focus. Kan Jam consists of hitting your opponent’s goal with the disc. Your teammate is allowed to help you in order to earn points.
This game requires space, so you will need a decent sized yard to really enjoy it.
It’s like playing frisbee really, but with a lot more competitiveness and adrenaline. This yard game is sure to be a family favorite.
Minimum number of players: 4
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Washers
This classic yard game is simple and doesn’t require a lot of space. You can play it inside your home or in your backyard.
The main objective is very simple; just toss the small washers into the centre core of the target. To increase difficulty, just add more distance between the players and the target.
I love this great yard game because it is a simple game and can be played by larger families.
Minimum number of players: 2
Horseshoe
This great yard game of horseshoes is an American classic and has been played since the 14th century. It gained a lot of popularity during the last century.
There is some complexity to the rules of the game. There is even an association in charge of maintaining that the rules stay up to date.
The main goal of this game is to toss the horseshoe and completely encircle the stake. That is what is called ringing.
You can also score points by throwing the horseshoe as close as possible to the stake. This is an entertaining game that requires focus, practice and varying skill levels.
It will keep you busy for some time.
Minimum number of players: 2
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Giant Jenga
This oversized game is like normal Jenga but with a child-sized tower of timbers. If you’re not familiar with Jenga, the game consists of pulling the highest amount of timbers and putting them on the top.
You need a lot of concentration for this one. Of course, the tower will eventually fall apart but playing this is all about the thrill.
You can challenge yourself with this oversized version to reach as high as possible. You can even compete with your friends and family for some fun.
Minimum number of players: 1
Ring Toss
This is a very fun game that doesn’t have a complicated set of rules and is very easy to play. Just toss the rings and hit the highest value target.
This is a great way to have fun if you feel a little lazy. You can set this game in your backyard or in your living room since it doesn’t require a lot of space.
This is a great low maintenance yard game that everyone can play to take a break from all the competitive games out there. Also great for family game night!
Minimum number of players: 1
Croquet
Croquet is a traditional British sport that is very popular around the world, especially among commonwealth countries.
The game dates back to the middle ages in England, but the modern game and set of rules was born in London and then spread overseas.
This is a fun way to kill time, practice your aim and spend some quality time with your family or your roommates. And if you really liked playing croquet, this is actually a competitive sport with associations and championships around the world.
It is one of the best yard games that you can play. A game perfect to unleash your inner Bridgerton!
Minimum number of players: 2
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Frisbee
Frisbee is a classic active game that you can play on your own, with your dog or a group of people. It’s all about good aim and the perfect toss. Just throwing the disc is incredibly entertaining and gratifying.
A great game to play on beach trips too! This is a great yard game that will have you feeling great. One of my favorite games with friends.
If you didn’t know, there are a lot of great brands of frisbees out there, all offering something different.
This brand of frisbee is fast and has a pretty great reach. They also come in some in a great variety of colours. This is one of the best yard games you can invest in.
Minimum number of players: 1
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Spikeball
This is a super fun active game great for adult parties. It is sure to make you move and sweat as if you had a great workout session. Spikeball has gained fantastic popularity since it won on Sharktank in 2015.
This timeless classic yard game is an epic combination of volleyball and foursquare. Additional space may be needed.
The game rules are very similar to volleyball’s ones and the scoring happens in the same way. Only the net is completely different, making the game a lot more fun. This is one of the best outdoor yard games out there
Minimum number of players: 4
Bottle Bash
There are several games similar to Bottle Bash such as Flimsee and Poleish Horseshoe. The general rules of the game are pretty much the same.
This is another disc game with some similarities to Kan Jam but a little less fast-paced.
The game consists of players throwing the disc at the opponents. If you drop either the disc or your bottle, the other team makes gets points.
This is one of the best outdoor yard games that’s guaranteed fun for adults.
Minimum number of players: 2
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Tetherball
This simple and easy game is really entertaining. One of my favorite games even!
The goal is to completely wind the rope in your direction while trying to make sure your opponent doesn’t do the same. This classic requires some practice but will be hours of great fun.
This is one of the most addictive lawn games out there. Great for lawn parties!
Minimum number of players: 2