Lawn & Backyard Games

Lawn and Backyard Games

Bring people together with lawn and backyard games designed for cookouts, family gatherings, tailgates, weddings, camping trips, neighborhood events and relaxed afternoons outside.

From cornhole, bocce and croquet to horseshoes, washer toss, ring toss and portable skill games, the right outdoor game depends on your available space, number of players, preferred level of competition and how often the set will be transported.

Some games can be learned in minutes and played casually by mixed groups. Others reward practice, strategy and precision. Compare the setup area, playing surface, product dimensions, included equipment and storage requirements before choosing a game.

Popular Types of Lawn and Backyard Games

Cornhole

Cornhole is a versatile choice for backyards, leagues, parties, tailgates and organized events. A standard game uses two boards and eight bags divided into two contrasting sets of four.

Full-size boards use a playing surface approximately 2 feet wide by 4 feet long, while recreational and travel boards are often smaller and easier to carry.

Browse cornhole boards and cornhole bags to build a complete setup.

Bocce

Bocce is a social target game in which players attempt to place their balls closer to a smaller target ball than their opponents. It can be adapted to lawns, beaches and other reasonably level playing areas.

Before selecting a bocce set, compare:

• Number of balls included
• Ball diameter and weight
• Number of players supported
• Carrying case
• Recommended playing surface
• Indoor or outdoor suitability

Heavier full-size sets may feel more substantial but require more effort to transport. Smaller recreational sets may be easier for casual gatherings and travel.

Croquet

Croquet combines accuracy, planning and social play. Backyard sets commonly include mallets, balls, wickets and stakes, but the number and dimensions of those components vary.

Consider:

• Number of players
• Mallet length
• Ball material and weight
• Wicket construction
• Carrying case
• Available lawn space

The United States Croquet Association’s official nine-wicket backyard rules provide a standardized starting point for groups that want more structure than informal house rules. The USCA notes that local variations should be agreed upon before play begins.

Horseshoes

Horseshoes is a traditional pitching game suited to dedicated backyard courts, parks, campgrounds and organized competition.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Number of horseshoes
• Stake quantity and dimensions
• Material and finished weight
• Whether the set is recreational or competition oriented
• Space needed for pitching
• Whether permanent court preparation is required

Players interested in standardized competitive play can consult the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association playing rules. The NHPA’s rules apply to sanctioned tournament and league play and can also serve as a reference for recreational players.

Washer Toss

Washer toss is a compact target game that can work well in backyards, campsites and tailgate areas. Players throw washers toward a box, cup or target, with scoring determined by where each washer lands.

Sets differ in:

• Target design
• Target spacing
• Washer size and weight
• Wood, plastic or composite construction
• Folding and carrying features
• Scoring rules

Because recreational washer-toss formats vary, agree on target spacing, scoring and the winning score before the game begins.

Ring Toss and Hook-and-Ring Games

Ring-toss games are easy to understand and can fit into smaller spaces than full-size throwing games.

Traditional ring toss generally uses several targets or pegs, while hook-and-ring games challenge players to swing a ring onto one fixed hook.

These games may be appropriate for:

• Small patios
• Covered porches
• Casual parties
• Bars and hospitality areas
• Camping setups
• Players who want quick rounds

Confirm whether mounting hardware, target stakes, rings and scoring components are included.

Kubb, Stacking and Wooden Skill Games

Kubb, block-stacking games and similar wooden skill games can provide a balance of strategy, coordination and group participation.

These games commonly require a flat, open area and enough surrounding space for players and spectators.

Before purchasing, review:

• Number and dimensions of wooden pieces
• Recommended playing area
• Age guidance
• Carrying or storage case
• Wood-care instructions
• Whether the product is intended to remain outdoors

Outdoor Chipping and Target Games

Golf-inspired chipping games and other target activities can add a different type of skill challenge to a backyard or event.

These products may use foam balls, practice balls or other components designed for the specific target. Follow the manufacturer’s setup and safety instructions, and make sure the playing area remains clear of spectators and breakable objects.

How to Choose the Right Lawn Game

Start With the Available Space

Measure the playing area before purchasing.

Available area	Games to consider
Small patio or compact yard	Hook-and-ring, compact ring toss, tabletop or small target games
Medium backyard	Washer toss, recreational cornhole, bocce or stacking games
Large lawn or park	Full-size cornhole, croquet, horseshoes, kubb and multi-game setups
Tailgate or campsite	Portable cornhole, folding target games and compact toss games

Leave additional room for throwing motions, spectators and safe walking paths. The product’s physical dimensions alone do not represent the complete space required during play.

Consider the Number of Players

Some games work best with two players, while others can accommodate teams or rotating groups.

• Two players: Hook-and-ring, horseshoes, washer toss and singles cornhole
• Four players: Doubles cornhole, bocce, croquet and team toss games
• Larger groups: Multiple courts, tournament brackets or rotating game stations

For a large gathering, several smaller games may keep more guests involved than one court with a long waiting line.

Match the Game to the Players

Review the manufacturer’s age recommendations, component weight and setup instructions.

Consider:

• Throwing distance
• Weight of the playing pieces
• Whether sharp stakes or heavy objects are used
• Reading and scoring complexity
• Whether adults should supervise setup or play

A game should not be described as appropriate for every age merely because the basic rules are easy to understand.

Decide How Portable the Set Must Be

For tailgates, campsites, parks and beaches, look for:

• Folding or nesting components
• Integrated handles
• Carrying cases
• Clearly stated packed dimensions
• Manageable total weight
• Quick setup without specialized tools

Browse tailgate and outdoor games when transportation and fast setup are the main priorities.

Review the Materials and Storage Requirements

Outdoor games may use wood, metal, plastic, resin, rope, fabric or several materials in one set.

Before ordering, verify:

• Manufacturer exposure guidance
• Cleaning instructions
• Whether wood requires periodic maintenance
• Whether metal components should be dried after use
• Whether the product can remain outdoors
• Warranty exclusions involving moisture or sunlight

“Outdoor,” “weather resistant” and “waterproof” are not interchangeable. Store each game according to its product-specific instructions.

Confirm What Is Included

Product photography may show several accessories or pieces that are not included in the base purchase.

Check for:

• Number of targets or boards
• Number of balls, bags, rings or washers
• Stakes and mounting hardware
• Scorekeeping equipment
• Carrying case
• Assembly tools
• Replacement components

Best Lawn Games by Occasion

Backyard Cookouts

Choose games with simple rules and short rounds so guests can join and leave easily.

Strong options include:

• Cornhole
• Washer toss
• Ring toss
• Bocce
• Hook-and-ring

Tailgates

Prioritize compact storage, pavement-friendly setup and short games.

Consider portable cornhole, compact scoreboards, folding target games and products that do not require ground stakes.

Camping Trips

Look for manageable packed dimensions, durable storage cases and components that can be counted easily before leaving the campsite.

Avoid games that require a permanently prepared court or equipment that is difficult to dry and store.

Weddings and Corporate Events

Choose games that are visually presentable, easy for new players to understand and suitable for the venue.

Custom cornhole equipment, bocce, croquet and ring-toss games can work well when they fit the available lawn and guest flow.

Use party and social games when the event also needs indoor, tabletop or late-evening entertainment.

Family Reunions and Neighborhood Events

Multiple game stations can serve different ages and skill levels.

A practical setup might include:

• One or more cornhole courts
• A compact ring-toss station
• A bocce or croquet area
• A stacking or wooden skill game
• A scoreboard or tournament bracket

Cornhole Rules and Competition Standards

Casual backyard games can use agreed-upon house rules. For organized cornhole play, consult the organization conducting the event.

The American Cornhole League, American Cornhole Organization, World Series of Cornhole and American Cornhole Association should be treated as separate, equal competition authorities.

Each organization publishes or applies its own equipment, court and competition requirements. A board, bag or rule used by one organization should not automatically be represented as approved by the other three.

Building a Complete Backyard Game Area

A useful game area should be organized around safe movement, storage and clear separation between activities.

Consider:

• Level playing surfaces
• Space between throwing lanes
• Shade and seating
• Lighting for evening play
• Dry storage
• Visible scoring
• Walkways that do not cross throwing areas

Browse cornhole accessories for scoreboards, lights, cases and storage products that can support a larger outdoor entertainment setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best lawn games for a backyard?

Cornhole, bocce, washer toss, croquet, horseshoes and ring toss are strong choices. The best option depends on the available space, players and desired portability.

What lawn games need the least space?

Hook-and-ring, compact ring toss and small target games generally need less room than full-size cornhole, croquet or horseshoes.

What outdoor games are good for large groups?

Multiple cornhole courts, croquet, bocce and rotating game stations can serve larger gatherings. Several games usually reduce waiting time.

What lawn games are easiest to transport?

Look for compact toss games, folding targets, portable cornhole and products with carrying cases and clearly stated packed dimensions.

Can lawn games stay outside?

Only when the manufacturer permits the intended exposure. Many wood, metal and fabric products should be cleaned, dried and stored in a protected location.

What games work well for a tailgate?

Portable cornhole, washer toss, ring toss and compact target games are popular because they can use short rounds and require relatively little equipment.

What lawn games work for weddings?

Custom cornhole, bocce, croquet and decorative ring-toss games can work well when the venue provides enough space and the equipment matches the event.

Do lawn games come with carrying cases?

Some do and some do not. Confirm the exact included components on the individual product page.

Are backyard game rules official?

Casual groups may agree on house rules. Organized games should use the current rules of the applicable association or event authority.

Where can I shop for lawn and backyard games?

Browse the current Lawn and Backyard Games collection, or narrow your search through tailgate games, party games and tabletop games.

Find the Right Outdoor Game

Choose a lawn game based on the space you have, the people who will play and how often the equipment must be transported or stored.

For a dedicated backyard, full-size cornhole, bocce, croquet and horseshoes can create a substantial entertainment area. For tailgates and campsites, prioritize portable sets with quick setup and organized storage.

Review each product’s dimensions, included components, materials, age guidance and outdoor-care instructions before ordering.