If your summer plans entail hosting or attending any backyard bbq’s, picnics, family reunions or other outdoor parties, you need to stock up on some yard games that make any outdoor gathering more fun – for kids young and old(er).
While Memorial Day weekend usually is the official kick off for summer, we started a little early with a picnic with good friends last weekend complete with yard games. We had such a fun day and both the kids and adults were entertained the whole time!
I was thrilled to finally break out my DIY Yard Dice for a game of Yardzee and the kids loved playing lawn darts, frisbee, corn hole, and various other games we brought along.
Here’s my list of favorite backyard games, most with links to both buy and diy options. (Some links are affiliate links to trusted retailers. I try to list Amazon Prime options for you Prime lovers, like me!).
Lawn Dice – These are great to play any popular dice game, especially Yahtzee! DIY: Sometimes Homemade or BUY: Amazon
Giant Jenga -We’re definitely making one of these this summer. Just watch out when the pieces fall! DIY: A Beautiful Mess or BUY: Amazon
Corn Hole (or Bags if you’re not from the Midwest) – this is a favorite for all backyard parties and tailgating season! DIY: DIYNetwork or BUY: Amazon or Etsy for custom themes.
Ladder Ball – My in-laws refer to this as “Dick Ball”, something about their friend name Dick. 🙂 DIY: Lumber Jocks or BUY: Amazon
Giant Connect Four – DIY: Build Basic or BUY: Amazon
Kerplunk – another classic game, made yard friendly. DIY: AllParenting or BUY: Amazon
Yard Dominoes – DIY: 1 Dog Woof or BUY: Amazon
Yard Scrabble or Banana Grams – the class word game made giant! DIY: Instructables or BUY: Amazon
Yard Pong – can be geared for adults or kids! DIY: Momtastic or BUY: Bear Pong
Molkky Scatter Game – a form of lawn bowling that I want to try out! DIY: 47 Grove or BUY: Amazon
Bocce Ball – this is one of our absolute favorites. We got a similar set as a wedding gift, still looking great 15 years later! BUY: Amazon
Lawn Darts – This is a much safer version than the actual metal dart versions we played with as kids! BUY: Amazon
Croquet – Our friends host an annual croquet tournament each year in their yard. We dress up to the theme (last year Luck O’ The Irish!). If you haven’t played croquet in years, it’s a lot of fun and can be pretty competitive. BUY: Amazon
Pool Noodle Target Throw – DIY: Parents
Backyard Twister – DIY: SheKnows
Any favorites you would add to the list? We’re definitely looking to up our outdoor game arsenal this summer, and we’re always looking for new ideas!
2 Comments
Rachel
Backyard Twister looks like so much fun! We just moved to a condo that has a pretty large outdoor area, so I might have to try this!!
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Melanie
All of this looks so fun. Im planning on doing many barbecues this summer so these games would be perfect! Thanks for sharing
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