Updated for 2026!
The best yard games are the ones that get pulled out again and again, not the ones that look pretty in the garage. With seven kids and two competitive adults, we’ve tested a lot of them.
Adam grew up playing cornhole (or “bags,” depending on who you ask). I grew up playing croquet so seriously it nearly ended friendships. Now that we live in Florida, we play yard games almost year-round, which means our collection has been thoroughly stress-tested by kids ages 2 through teen, and lots of family BBQs!
Below are the best yard games we actually keep playing and recommending. A few quick picks if you’re in a hurry:
Best Yard Games for Families Quick Picks
Best Classic Game: Croquet or Cornhole
Best for Traveling: Molkky or Bocce Ball
Best for Kids: Stomp Rocket or Slingball
Best for Active Families: Jazzminton or Spikeball
Find all these and more of our favorite yard game items on our Amazon Storefront.
The Best Yard Games for Families
Molkky
It’s like outdoor bowling but better, trust me. We love how this game is growing in popularity!
Kubb
A lawn game inspired by the Vikings!
Croquet
I love how croquet is both a game of skill and strategy. It can be cutthroat all while giving you that Nancy Meyers Summer feel!
Bocce Ball
Fun at home, the park, the beach, or even an official court!
Jazzminton
This can be played indoors and outdoors and is TONS of fun! Works great for both your athletic players and your stand-still-and-hit players!
Giant Spot it!
This has been a go-to outdoor activity for us this summer! There are lots of fun ways to use the cards for both indoor and outdoor games.
KanJam
A must for any frisbee lover!
Washers
Few things are more satisfying than getting a ringer in a game of washers. Easy to take on the go and store when not in use.
Stomp Rocket
The single best outdoor toy we’ve ever gotten our kids. Period.
Adjustable Badminton + Pickleball net
We love this net! We’ll play badminton in the backyard and pickle ball in the drive way!
Yard Jenga
Always a hit! And when you’re done playing the game, the kids love building with the blocks while adults chat around the grill!
Ladder Toss
Love using a PVC set so it can be stored extra small.
Spike Ball
These games get intense and can be a real workout! Portable for fun anywhere. Games can be a bit tricky and require a lot of athletic skill, so if your kids are younger or you like a more stationary game, we’d recommend skipping this one.
Bocce Roll
Easy to take on travels. It’s a unique twist on skiball that everyone gets excited about. Works on the grass or sand!
Tiki Toss
Perfect for adding to your deck or garage, it’s guaranteed to get adults (and kids!) lined up to take their shot at hooking a ring.
Ring Toss
An easy one for the kids to set up and play in the backyard together.
Sling Ball
We can’t go to the beach without it! Fun on land too!
Blitzball
Your backyard baseball games just got an upgrade! Easier to pitch ball with simple grips for fun pitches!
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