The best backyard games will keep the whole family entertained and active, especially during long summer evenings. We have the usual badminton and horseshoe, along with some unusual picks for those of you who'd like to try something new. Here are the best selections to get your family off the couch and away from their screens.
Champion Sports horseshoe set
The original backyard game
You can't go wrong with a good old game of horseshoes. This one can be played without making any holes in the lawn.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Classic favorite game
- Simple to play for all ages
Cons:
- Rubber posts could use more weight
This horseshoe game is made so you don't have to drop stakes in the yard, although the rubber posts with stands work better on a flat surface. The rubber horseshoes are not as heavy as the traditional metal kind, making it easier for small kids to toss them. It's a fun and simple game for everyone in the family.
GoSports backyard bocce set
Best bocce set
Another classic backyard game, bocce ball is easy to set up and play. This one has several options to choose from, including traditional hard balls, soft rubber balls, or LED balls for nighttime play.
Pros:
- Comes with carrying bag
- Fun for all ages
- Offers several options
Cons:
- Soft rubber balls require inflating
The GoSports bocce set comes with the hard-ball option for adults and outdoor play or a soft rubber set for kids and indoor play. There's even an LED option for nighttime play. Choose the balls that best fit your family's playing style and start playing bocce! It's simple and easy to set up, and it comes with its own carrying case.
GoSports cornhole bean bag toss game set
Just like the county fair
Who doesn't love a good beanbag toss? This cornhole set brings to mind the county fairs of old. Just launch the bag in the hole!
Pros:
- Comes with everything you need
- Offers many color options
- Beanbags are durable and water-resistant
Cons:
- It's expensive
Here's a sturdy cornhole set that offers several color schemes to suit your backyard style. It comes with eight durable bean bags so the whole family can play. It's lightweight and easy to fold down, so you can take the set along to the neighbor's backyard barbecue as well.
Starlux capture the flag redux game
Best exercise
Not only is capture the flag a ton of fun, but it's also a great way to get everyone moving. Kids especially love this game of chase, and with built-in lights, you can play it at night!
Pros:
- Fun exercise
- Built-in lights for nighttime play
- Comes as a complete set
Cons:
- Not ideal for small children and toddlers
Capture the glowing orb to win! The original capture the flag game is made even more exciting in this glow-in-the-dark set. You can even play it day or night to encourage cardio and exercise.
GoSports six-player croquet set
Best for adults
The original game of croquet was invented in England and may seem a bit sophisticated, but it's a lot of fun for bigger kids and adults.
Pros:
- High-quality equipment
- Comes as a complete set
- Includes carrying bag
Cons:
- Not intended for small children or toddlers
Make your memories of Alice in Wonderland come alive with this traditional English lawn game. It includes enough mallets and balls for six people to play. Although the game might be difficult for very small children, bigger kids and teens will enjoy playing croquet with the adults.
Wicked Big Sports kickball backyard game
Bring back your favorite recess pastime
If you grew up in any sort of traditional school setting, chances are you spent many a recess playing kickball. Bring back the fun with this set that includes bases and an oversized ball.
Pros:
- Includes bases and ball
- Comes with a big oversized ball
- Great for all ages
Cons:
- Ball requires inflating
Kick it and run! If you haven't taught your kids to play kickball, you're doing them a disservice. The huge ball just adds to the fun. This game is great for all ages, and the more the merrier.
Baden Champions volleyball and badminton combo set
Best team game
If you have a big family, this badminton and volleyball set is great for playing on teams. It includes everything you need, from racket to net and stakes.
Pros:
- Includes all the pieces you need
- Fun for large families in a team setting
- Comes with carrying bag
Cons:
- Requires a lot of setup
Once you raise the net with the included stakes, you can host the best neighborhood barbecue with this set. You can choose to play either badminton or volleyball since all the required pieces are included to play both games. It's a fun way to teach kids about teamwork and sportsmanship.
Fat Brain Toys AeroDisk Max game
Best two-player game
Keep kids entertained with this bouncy OgoDisk game. The large disks can be used to bounce a rubber filament ball back and forth.
Pros:
- Fun for two players
- Great for kids
- Simple and easy to play
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger families
Although only two can play at once, family members can take turns bouncing this ball back and forth with handheld trampolines. It's a silly game that's sure to produce lots of laughs. This one is easy to play at any age.
Time to go outside
Get outside and start the fun with the best backyard games. Here we have options that work for small or large families, from two-player games to team sports. We love the classic game of horseshoes since it's fun for any age.
If you have a large family or just like to host big barbecues, the Baden Champions volleyball and badminton combo set will be fun for large groups to play badminton or volleyball in teams. This one requires some setup, but it comes with everything you need to play either game.
Before you buy, you'll want to consider backyard and family size before you decide which backyard games are best for you.
