Best Yard Games for an Outdoor Party

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!