Let's play outside! The best garden games for all ages
To my mind, gardens in a post-Covid world need to be all things to all people: packed with fragrant blooms to enjoy during the day, a serene space for eating al fresco morning, noon and night, and now, more than ever, a fun-filled space to keep the troops entertained.
Once a peaceful domain for plant lovers and lawn aficionados, these days the spotlight has been turned on our gardens as the designated space for socialising. As a result of endless days confined in our homes, many of us have reassessed our outdoor space and now see its full potential.
Speaking from experience, our small garden was totally transformed at the start of the first lockdown with the arrival of a super-comfortable sofa, a pizza oven and a set of boules (which proved to be really enjoyable for my son and me, as well as having the satisfactory bonus of discouraging the neighbourhood cats from using the area as a giant litter tray).
As we wait to see what happens on June 21 in terms of the lifting of restrictions, and with covid variants on the rise, many are cautious about venturing far from home. So, with warmer weather now on the way, that means migrating into the garden with friends and family for impromptu gatherings and parties. Let’s hope the weather holds and we can also spend the summer holidays outside.
Chances are you will already have garden furniture and barbecues in situ, but for those who haven’t given much thought to entertainment, take some inspiration from this pick of 15 of the best garden games.
Perfect for...After-dinner entertainment
Outdoor games dining table
If space is an issue, why not go for a multifunctional gaming table, which can also be used as a dining table with matching benches. Available in grey/brown and brown/black, the design doubles up as an authentic pool table and table-tennis table for plenty of fun (£4,999.99, gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk).
Perfect for...Movie buffs
Inflatable cinema screens
Guaranteed to be the envy of your neighbours, as well as delighting the kids, the Ozis inflatable movie screen (18ft, 21ft and 25ft) is the last word in home entertainment. The pop-up screen is easy to set up, quick to inflate (a blower is included) and packs away into a sturdy storage bag (£409.99 for 25ft version, amazon.co.uk).
Perfect for...retro players
Classic Swingball
Happy memories were made by families in the 1970s, thanks to the simple-but-fun Swingball. This set comes with a tennis ball, two championship bats and a height-adjustable pole (up to 1.65m tall); it can be used on any surface. There is also an Early Fun Swingball set, designed for younger children, with a softer foam ball and lighter bats (from £20, johnlewis.com).
Perfect for...Surf dudes
Lawn water slide
All’s not lost if you can’t get to the beach this summer, as this water slide will keep everyone nice and cool, as well as entertained. Made from a thick, super-slick PVC sheet, it is strong and durable, so can cope with being packed up and brought out every year. Over 15ft long, the Crash Pad will ensure there are no bumps or tears. Also comes with two mats (£26.99, amazon.co.uk).
Perfect for...Cocktail hour
Croquet
Sophisticated fun for all the family, croquet, as we play it today, is believed to have been introduced to England in 1852 from Ireland, where it had been played since the 1830s. Sporting goods manufacturer John Jaques & Sons began selling sets not long after, and still remains one of the most reputable brands today (from £169.99, jaqueslondon.co.uk).
Perfect for...Jumpin’ Jacks
Trampoline sprinkler
Pimp up your trampoline this summer with this nifty accessory, which will transform it into a mini water park. In addition to the sprinkler hose, the kit comes with 100 water balloons, which you can use to battle your friends while you bounce. Suitable for almost all trampoline sizes, it is quick and easy to set up and available in 8m or 12m (£19.99 for 8m, comfybear.co.uk).
Perfect for...party people
Pass the Pigs giant dice game
You might be familiar with the party game, but this giant inflatable version promises hilarious fun whether you’re in the garden, pool, or at the beach. Simply throw your pair of porkers to see where they land and find out if you’ve gained or lost points (£14.49, amazon.co.uk).
Perfect for...Francophiles
Boules
Start your very own boules – or pétanque – tournament. Best known as a game played by retired gentlemen in tree-lined squares all over Provence, there is actually a World Cup held in Marseille, which sees nearly 500 women taking part each year. Plastic, wooden and metal versions are available (from £5.99, decathlon.co.uk).
Perfect for...Sporty kids
Crossnet volleyball net
This round-robin version of volley ball is for four players or more and can be played on lawn, sand, or even in the pool. The net is adjustable, and the rules are fairly simple : essentially, players are in a four-way battle to eliminate one another, taking it in turns to serve and win points by landing the ball in each other’s square (£169.95, volleyverse.com).
Perfect for...A demolition Derby
Kubb
To play this Scandinavian lawn game, you will need to mark out a rectangular “pitch”. “Kubbs” are positioned at both ends, and the “King Kubb” in the middle. The main objective is to knock over your opponent’s “Kubbs” and then the “King”. Great fun to play, the game can last anywhere from five minutes to an hour (£55, mastersofgames.com).
Perfect for...Kids of all ages
Flickin’ chicken
Silly amusement for kids of all ages, this is easy to play – simply throw the target disc as far as you can and then try to hit it with the rubber chickens. Points are won if you hit it, and lost if you miss it. The winner is the person with the least amount of points after nine rounds, so it pays to practise (£24.99, activitiestoshare.co.uk).
Perfect for...Strategists
Giant chess
Nothing beats an outdoor game of chess. Well, perhaps this giant version. Available in several sizes, there’s something for every pocket and space. Made from durable UV-treated PVC, they’re waterproof too, so you won’t need to pack away if rain is forecast (from £50 for 20cm chess pieces; and from £35 for a nylon mat, ubergames.co.uk).
Perfect for...fitness fanatics
Glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag just got more exciting with this luminous version, where all ages can chase each other in the twilight. Perfect for a party, this game has different scenarios depending on the number of players: four people are needed for the Invader theme, while a group of 20 or more can join in for Treasure Thieves and Ninja (£54.99, amazon.co.uk).
Perfect for...Aspiring gladiators
Inflatable baton combat
Resolve family feuds with this hilarious It’s a Knockout!-style inflatable pugil stick called Duel Battle. Testing strength and balance, players are required to stand on inflatable podiums and whack their opponent until they are forced to step (or topple) off their mark. Includes a repair kit (£35, menkind.co.uk).
Perfect for...Late-night fun
Glow-in-the-dark lawn darts
A twist on the traditional game, these lawn darts are ideal for younger players, with wings and targets that brightly glow in the dark and rubber-weighted tips that replace the sharp, spiked version. Charged by the sun, they will keep kids entertained on special occasions when they’re allowed to stay up late (£98.59, amazon.co.uk).
