21 Best Lawn Games That You Need at Your Next Outdoor Gathering

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Summer is here, and one of the best ways to enjoy the warm weather is by getting outside. Though, once you’re under the sun, you may ask yourself, “What’s next? What do I do?” Besides lounging by the pool, curling up on the outdoor furniture with a summer read, or a host of other fun summer activities, you can always play lawn games. Outdoor games are a great way to get outside and be active, whether with kids, friends, or even playing solo.

We’ve compiled a list of the best lawn games to whip out during your next BBQ, birthday party, or picnic. There are some familiar games such as ring toss, cornhole, and 4-in-a-Row, as well as games you may not have heard of such as Tipsy Toss, Yard Pong, and Water Balls. All offer endless entertainment while outdoors.

Because transport to the beach and other summer vacation destinations can be stressful, especially with kids, many of these games include a bag to fit all of the pieces and parts for easy clean up and travel. This is also great for general storage, so there won’t be miscellaneous balls or rings on the floor of the garage.

Keep reading for all of our top outdoor lawn game picks in 2023.

Tipsy Toss Game Set

With elements of ring toss, frisbee golf, and milk bottle toss, Tipsy Toss will be a fun new game to play with friends at your next BBQ, tailgate, or beach day. The stakes can be used in the lawn or sand. Just be careful with the sharp edges when transporting or playing with younger kids.

Number of players: 2-4 | Intended for ages: 13 and up

Double-Sided Bean Bag Toss Game

This 2-in-1 game is perfect for toddlers. On one side, there is a game of bean bag toss. On the other side, there's a ball and target game. Both activities are great for helping toddlers learn about hand-eye coordination while spending time outdoors.

Number of players: 2-4 | Intended for ages: 3-10

28-Piece Outdoor Large Wooden Domino Set

Take this classic indoor activity outdoors with large wooden dominos. Adults can play a standard game of dominoes, teens can line them up for a falling domino effect, and toddlers can use them as blocks to build and play. Best of all, this versatile domino set comes with a carrying case, so no domino gets left behind.

Number of players: 2-4 | Intended for ages: 4 and up

Giant 4 in a Row

Give your guests something to do while waiting for the reception. This 4-foot by 3-foot version of Connect Four is fun for guests of all ages. Attendees on the groom's side can play with the black pieces while attendees on the bride's side can play with the white. Plus, the set is said to be noise reducing, meaning guests will be able to chat and mingle without the loud thud of game pieces interrupting conversations.

Number of players: 2 | Intended for ages: 3 and up

Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game

Think of this high-energy team game like air hockey — except it comes in a bag, you can take it anywhere, and the air never turns off! Set it up in seconds, and take turns throwing and deflecting the flying disc. It’s made in the USA and durable for fun, season after season.

Number of players: 2-4 | Intended for ages: 9 and up

Backyard Bocce Set

Bocce Ball is a classic, and this set has everything you need. It comes with eight balls, a canvas bag for carrying and storage — and yes, even a measuring rope, so there can be no ambiguity about the real winner in tight competitions!

Number of players: 2-4 | Intended for ages: Youth and up

Yard Pong

Yes, it’s like beer pong, but an all-ages game that anyone can play outdoors. The game includes 12 durable red buckets, four balls, and a carrying bag. Since the buckets stack inside each other, this game is extra portable and packs small. Pro tip: Fill the buckets with sand or water so they don’t blow over in the wind.

Number of players: 2-4 | Intended for ages: Youth and up

Giant Foam Dice Set With Scoreboard

These foam dice are safe enough for indoor play on a rainy day, and perfect for outdoors under the sunshine. You get six foam dice, a carrying bag, plus a double-sided, dry-erase scoreboard with a pen.

Number of players: 2-4 | Intended for ages: All ages

RELATED: The Best Family Board Games

Paddles and Balls

Carry this lightweight ball and paddle kit anywhere in its included bag. The paddles have a sticky effect that catches the ball and holds it tight. This crowd-pleasing game helps younger kids with motor skills and entertains just about any age.

Number of players: 2 | Intended for ages: 3 and up

Lawn Darts Game Set

Get them outside for a sharp-edge-free game of lawn darts! This one uses rings that can be adjusted to create larger or smaller targets depending on skill level. Plus, you can charge these babies up with a flashlight for a glow-in-the-dark effect for fun nighttime play.

Number of players: 2-4 | Intended for ages: 6 and up

Yard Games Set With Ring Toss, Cones, and Bean Bags

Planning a cookout or party? You can’t go wrong with this 3-in-1 set that has the potential to kickstart a full day of fun. Use it for ring toss, cornhole, relay races, bean-bag toss, and more. The 26-piece set comes with 10 brightly colored plastic rings, 10 nylon bean bags, and 6 carnival cones.

Number of players: Any | Intended for ages: All ages

Indoor/Outdoor Horseshoe Set

Rubber construction makes this game lightweight, safe for kids, and even suitable for indoor play, too. It comes with rubber mats and horseshoes, plus colorful yellow pegs for extra visibility. It sets up quickly and easily.

Number of players: 2 | Intended for ages: Any age

Flag Football Set

This set includes all you need for a game of flag football: 10 flag belts (5 of each in two colors), four goal line cones, and a bag to carry it all to the park or party with ease.

Number of players: 10 | Intended for ages: 7 and up

Carnival Games Set

Four lawn games in one set? Instant party. This set comes with four colorful sack race bags, six sets of wooden spoons and eggs, four three-legged relay bands with adjustable elastic tethers, and 10 plastic gold medals — for the day’s big winners, of course!

Number of players: 4-10 | Intended for ages: 3 and up

Croquet Set

What feels more civilized than a spot of croquet on a beautiful day? Nab your own set of the classic pastime with this best-selling kit made from solid beechwood. It comes with its own bag for easy storage and transportation. Set up the mallets in seconds with easy screw-in handles, and you’re good to go.

Number of players: 6 | Intended for ages: 6 and up

Limbo Set

Grab the bluetooth speaker and turn the music up for an outdoor limbo game! The plastic pieces set up easily, and the height of the pole is easily adjustable as you play. How low can you go?

Number of players: 2 or more | Intended for ages: Any

Ladder Toss Game Set

Test your skill with this game of ladder toss that can be set up in just two minutes thanks to its PVC tube construction. The soft rubber bolos are kid-friendly and great for a range of ages, as younger kids can stand closer to the target for a better shot.

Number of players: 2-4 | Intended for ages: 4 and up

Backyard Lawn Bowling Game

Sure, you could go with an inflatable lawn bowling set for younger kids, but this pine wood lawn bowling set is more satisfying — and still kid-sized.

Number of players: 1 or more | Intended for ages: 3 and up

Ring Toss Game Set

This classic outdoor game assembles easily, requires zero learning curve, and is fun for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Number of players: 2 or more | Intended for age: 5 and up

Inflatable Football Challenge

Test your football-throwing accuracy — or just have a ball — with this inflatable challenge. The player-shaped target is a full six feet tall and sets up in minutes. Just fill the base with water to weigh it down. This set also comes with four inflatable rubber footballs, a ball pump, and a dry-erase scoreboard.

Number of players: 1 or more | Intended for ages: 2 and up

Water Balls

These balls are like water balloons — but they’re reusable and won’t burst all over your lawn, leaving colorful trash to melt in the heat. With this set, you get 60 balls that soak up water for water ball fights, games, and cooling fun on sweltering days.

Number of players: 1 or more | Intended for ages: 4 and up

What to look for when shopping for a lawn game

✔️ Weight and portability: If you’re going to be carrying your game on public transportation to the beach, you’re going to want something that’s small, lightweight, and comes with a carrying bag or strap. If you’re planning to set up right at home, your search can feasibly include larger or heavier games.

✔️ Age appropriateness: Consider lawn games that are sophisticated enough to keep your group interested but not complicated enough to overwhelm participants. If you’ll be playing with small children, avoid small parts that could be potential choking hazards.

✔️ Quality and durability: We have lawn games on our list with budget price points to get you through the season — or even just a single party or holiday. But if you want your game to endure season after season and hold up against harsh conditions, you might prefer to choose a more durable version of your favorite game with higher quality materials that will go the distance year after year.

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