14 Outdoor Games to Make Summer Gatherings Even More Fun

Croquet

This classic game fits in perfectly for any occasion, whether you're hosting a refined garden party or a more laid-back barbecue. The first team to maneuver their set of balls through the course (running all wickets and hitting both stakes) wins. Oversized versions with larger hoops and soft, 14-inch balls make the game fun for younger kids, too.

Bocce

Winning at bocce is part skill, part luck. Sets include eight heavy balls (in two colors) and one smaller pallino, or "jack," the target ball. Every team will toss the pallino, and every player will toss their balls to inch their way closer to the pallino, all while making sure their bocce balls stay on the court.

Horseshoes

This beloved pastime spans centuries. To play, you'll need two 3-foot iron stakes, set several feet apart to mark the playing field, with a pitcher's box marked around each. While standing in the pitcher's box, toss the horseshoes toward the opposite stake.

Badminton

A simple round of badminton will get everyone excited to head outdoors. The rules are simple: Each player will need to hit the badminton ball to the other side of the court. This ball, also known as the "shuttle," can't hit the net, opposing players, or go out of bounds. The team with the most points wins the game.

Cornhole

Add a custom element to your lineup of backyard games with a DIY painted cornhole set.

1. Start with a plain, unpainted set. (We used junior-size boards; they're much lighter than the 4-foot regulation-sized ones but don't diminish the fun.)
2. Paint them white and let them dry.
3. Mask off stripes using 2-inch painters' tape (or 1-inch, for a narrower pattern).
4. Paint the stripes blue and let dry, then remove the tape.
5. If you plan to leave your boards outdoors, brush on a protective oil to keep them from getting weathered.
6. Paint the canvas bags to coordinate, using the same technique; use contrasting patterns to designate beanbags for two teams.

Giant Wooden Stacking Tower

With plenty of room for pieces to tumble, your backyard offers an ideal spot for a giant wooden block stacking game. The rules are the same as the miniature tabletop version, but the 5-foot-high tower makes a much more satisfying crash when it falls.

Ladder Toss

You can build your own ladder toss set by securing three wooden rungs to each of two stands (or invest in a colorful, pre-made version). Set a toss line five paces (or, officially, 15 feet) away, and have each team take turns tossing a bola—a short rope with a golf ball at each end—at their ladder. Earn points according to the rung the bola lands on, and play until a team earns exactly 21 points.

Spikeball

Spikeball is played with a small, round trampoline that supports a black net. Two teams of two players take turns bouncing a ball onto the net; the other team has three chances to bump the ball back onto the net. This packable game is a popular take-along activity for the beach, park days, campsites—and your backyard, of course.

Kingdoms

Kingdoms, a lesser-known (but equally as fun) pastime, is a wooden outdoor game where throwing balls at blocks mimics rival armies storming each other's castles. With rules that accommodate up to 16 players ages 5 and older—and which encourage alliances and betrayals—your multi-generational group can all vie for control of the backyard.

Four in a Row

A classic four-in-a-row game is simple enough for even the youngest members of your neighborhood to enjoy but surprisingly tricky when competitive players face off against each other. As the name implies, it's all about getting four pieces in a row without being blocked by your opponent.

Oversized Dice

With nothing more than a handful of dice, a score sheet, and a pocketful of tokens, gamers throughout history have invented dozens of simple ways to spend an afternoon. Try a single die for Pig, a straightforward addition game; two dice for Chicago, where you'll attempt to roll every possible number combination; or more for games like Bunco, Farkle, or Sevens.

Kubb

The Swedish game of Kubb is said to date back to the Vikings, but it's just as fun for modern families. The wooden pieces include one crowned king, six cylindrical throwing dowels, four corner spikes, and 10 rectangular knights. Use the dowels to knock over your opponent's knights—and the king—to win.

Classic Card Games

A set of traditional playing cards provides go-anywhere entertainment, whether you're playing Go Fish at the pool or hosting a round of rummy after a cookout. To amp up your outdoor play, opt for a deck of weighted cards.

Pool Games

If you have a pool, don't miss out on classic water games. Spend the afternoon playing favorites like Marco Polo and Categories. No matter which game you choose, an afternoon spent splashing around in the pool is fun for all ages.