Whether you invest in the hottest new yard games or enjoy classic activities that require no equipment, your yard can become an ultimate hang out destination with these fun ideas.
Old Standbys
When it comes to backyard fun, old fashioned doesn’t necessarily mean outdated. These games have withstood the test of time, and they’re perfect for families.
Badminton — Two or four players use racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. There’s no heavy lifting and a minimal equipment investment, adding to this game’s broad appeal.
Croquet — Played as singles or doubles, each player tries to maneuver both their own and their opponent’s balls to make points for their side, while preventing their opponent from doing the same. Sets begin as low as $40 and include mallets, balls, wickets and stakes.
Bocce — Strategy and skill combine when two teams of two players, each using two bocce balls and one smaller ball called the pallino, try to roll their bocce balls closer to the pallino than the other team’s. Sets range in price, but can be found for as little as $20.
Horseshoes — Requiring only two players, in this classic game players attempt to toss their horseshoes onto a stake at the opposite end of a pitch. Your family can use the classic set-up with metal stakes and shoes, or opt for a kid-friendly rubber set.
Volleyball — If you’ve got ample yard space, set up a net and grab a volleyball for inexpensive fun that can entertain a whole crowd. While everyone knows the general idea of the game, here’s a scoring tip: the first team to reach 25 points wins the set, but must win by two points.
New Classics
You might not have grown up with the following games, but rest assured that these unique activities have grown in popularity over the last decade or more — and are sure to bring a new brand of fun to your yard.
Cornhole — Kids love a good bean bag toss, and when it comes to cornhole, so do adults. Two teams pitch their bags (filled with — you guessed it — corn) toward the opposite board. Points are scored for bags that land and stay on the board, as well as those that go through the hole.
Ladder Golf — Also called ladder ball or hillbilly golf, this game uses pairs of golf balls attached by rope (bolos), and two ladder stands with three rungs each. Two teams of two players stand opposite each other and alternate throwing three bolos at the opposite “ladder” in an attempt to score points. laddergolf.com
Ribbon Ninja — For just $17, your family can get in a cardio workout and a side splitting laugh session. Each player (Up to four or six, depending on the set size) wears two wristbands and attaches three long ribbons. The winner is the last person standing with a ribbon still attached, after running, jumping and dodging one another to try to pull off opponents’ ribbons.fatbraintoyco.com
Pickleball — There’s a reason pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for three years in a row, according to the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association. It’s accessible to a wide range of ages, doesn’t require a large investment to play, and offers a great, low impact workout. For as little as $50, you can get a set with a net, paddles and balls to play in your own driveway.
Spikeball — Combine volleyball with a trampoline, and you have Spikeball, a fast-paced game that will entertain your family for hours. After a player serves the ball down onto the Spikeball net so that it bounces up at his opponents, the returning team has up to three hits between them (think bump, set, spike) to return the ball back onto the net. The rally continues until a team can’t return the ball onto the net
within their three touches. spikeball.com
No Equipment Needed
These old-school backyard games have survived generations for a reason: they’re easy to learn and fun for all ages to play. Teach your children the playground games of your youth and enjoy the bonding that follows, from toddlerhood through the early teen years. Here are some suggestions:
Red Rover • Duck Duck Goose
Hide & Seek • Simon Says
Red Light, Green Light
Big Fun
If your family loves classic board games, grow your fun exponentially with giant yard game versions of your favorites. Most major retailers carry super-sized versions of Jenga, Connect Four, Yahtzee and other popular games.
