When it comes to hosting the perfect outdoor party, having a fun and engaging game to play can elevate the entire experience. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a family reunion, or a summer celebration with friends, outdoor party games are a great way to keep your guests entertained and create lasting memories. From classic favorites to modern twists, these 21 outdoor party games will ensure that your next gathering is a hit.
1. Giant Jenga
If you’ve ever played the classic game of Jenga, you’ll know that the suspense of pulling out wooden blocks without toppling the tower is always thrilling. But take it up a notch by playing Giant Jenga! This oversized version of the game uses large wooden blocks, which can reach heights of several feet, adding an element of excitement and challenge.
To play, players take turns removing one block at a time from the tower and placing it on top. The objective is to avoid causing the tower to collapse. With its easy setup and wide appeal, Giant Jenga is perfect for any age group and adds a competitive yet fun atmosphere to any outdoor gathering.
Make sure to use a sturdy surface, like a flat lawn or deck, to ensure the tower stays stable. Plus, the larger blocks make for a great visual impact, making it a fantastic game for photos and creating lasting memories.
2. Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic outdoor game that’s become a staple of backyard parties and tailgates. It’s a simple game to learn, making it suitable for guests of all ages. The game involves throwing bean bags at a raised board with a hole in the center. The goal is to get your bean bags through the hole for maximum points.
Set up two cornhole boards facing each other and divide your guests into teams. The first team throws their bags, trying to land them in the hole or on the board, while the opposing team does the same. The first team to reach 21 points wins. It’s easy to play, but it can get highly competitive, especially with a few rounds under your belt.
Cornhole is great because it encourages both friendly competition and social interaction, and it’s a game that everyone can enjoy throughout the event.
3. Water Balloon Toss
Perfect for a hot summer day, the water balloon toss is a refreshing and hilarious game to keep your guests cool while having fun. All you need are water balloons and a wide-open space. Pair up your guests, and each pair gets a balloon to toss back and forth. After each successful toss, they take a step backward, making the distance between them longer.
The game continues until only one pair remains without their balloon bursting. The last team standing wins the game! It’s a great way to encourage laughter, and the inevitable balloon pops and water splashes add a bit of unpredictability to the fun. Plus, it’s a game that works great for all ages—just make sure to have plenty of water balloons ready!
4. Lawn Darts
Lawn darts is a traditional outdoor game that’s been enjoyed for generations. This game involves throwing heavy, dart-like objects onto a grass field, trying to land them on a target area. The game can be played individually or in teams, with each player or team taking turns throwing their darts at a target.
The rules are simple—each dart must be thrown from a set distance, aiming for a specific zone on the ground. The person or team with the most darts landing in the target zone wins. Lawn darts can be as casual or competitive as you like, and the excitement increases as the distance between the players grows.
For a more modern twist, you can buy inflatable dart boards with Velcro-tipped darts, which are safer for younger players.
5. Ring Toss
A ring toss game is easy to set up and can provide hours of entertainment. The game involves tossing rings over pegs or bottles, with the goal of landing them over a target. Whether you choose a set of bottles, cones, or a DIY peg system, ring toss is a simple yet fun game that can be played anywhere—on a grassy lawn or even on a back porch.
To play, set up the pegs or bottles at varying distances, making the game more challenging. Each player takes turns tossing their rings, aiming to land them over a peg or bottle for points. The player or team with the most points wins.
Ring toss is a great game for kids and adults alike, and it’s easy to adjust the difficulty level based on your guests’ age or skill level. Plus, it’s compact enough to be used as a travel game for outdoor parties anywhere!
6. Kickball
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Kickball is a fun and energetic game that blends the thrill of baseball with the simplicity of soccer. It’s perfect for larger groups and encourages plenty of outdoor movement. To play, you’ll need a ball, a few bases, and some open space. The rules are similar to baseball—one team kicks the ball and runs around the bases while the opposing team tries to get them out by catching the ball or tagging them.
What makes kickball great is that it’s easy to set up, and players of all ages can join in on the action. You can organize a friendly game, or even turn it into a competitive match for extra fun. Whether you have a large group of friends or just a few family members, kickball is always a crowd-pleaser.
7. Relay Races
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Relay races are an ideal game for large gatherings and can be customized to fit any space. The concept is simple—players are divided into teams, and each team member runs a portion of the race, passing a baton (or another object) to the next runner. The team that finishes first wins!
Relay races can take many forms, from the traditional running relay to variations like three-legged races or sack races. For added fun, you can incorporate silly tasks between legs, such as balancing an egg on a spoon or hopping on one foot. The more creative, the better!
Relay races are an excellent way to keep everyone active and laughing, with an added element of teamwork and excitement. Perfect for all ages, this game brings a sense of friendly competition and camaraderie to any outdoor gathering.
8. Capture the Flag
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Capture the Flag is a fast-paced, strategic outdoor game that’s perfect for large groups. It’s a great way to get everyone moving and working together in teams. To play, divide your guests into two teams. Each team has a flag (or a colored object) that they need to protect, while also attempting to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to their base.
Players can tag opponents to send them back to their base, but if they’re holding the enemy flag, they must dodge and strategize to avoid being tagged. The first team to capture the opposing team’s flag wins! This game encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and physical activity, making it a fantastic option for groups of all sizes.
9. Scavenger Hunt
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A scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to add excitement and exploration to your outdoor party. The idea is simple—create a list of items or clues for your guests to find around the backyard or park. Participants can work individually or in teams, racing to find the items before the clock runs out.
You can tailor the scavenger hunt to the age group and interests of your guests by including fun, quirky items or clues related to the theme of your party. The first team to find all the items on the list (or the one with the most items found by the end of the time limit) wins!
This game is perfect for encouraging teamwork and discovery, and it also allows you to showcase the outdoor space in a fun and interactive way.
10. Obstacle Course
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If you have a spacious yard, setting up an obstacle course is an excellent way to entertain your guests and challenge them physically. You can incorporate everyday objects like pool noodles, cones, ropes, and tires to create a unique and exciting course. Players race through the course, completing tasks like jumping over obstacles, crawling under ropes, or balancing on beams.
An obstacle course works well for both kids and adults, and you can modify the difficulty level based on the age group. It’s a fun way to keep everyone moving, plus it adds a little friendly competition to your outdoor party. Consider timing participants to see who finishes the fastest, or set up teams to complete the course together.
11. Horseshoes
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Horseshoes is a classic outdoor game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. The objective is to throw metal horseshoes at a stake, trying to land them around the stake to score points. The player or team that lands the most horseshoes closest to the stake wins!
To play, you need two stakes and a set of horseshoes. Players take turns throwing their horseshoes, with each successful ring around the stake earning points. If a horseshoe lands “within a ringer” (around the stake), they score extra points.
Horseshoes can be enjoyed by all ages, making it a great game for family gatherings. It’s easy to set up and offers a competitive yet laid-back vibe, making it perfect for a relaxing outdoor party.
12. Sack Race
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A sack race is a fun and nostalgic game that’s perfect for outdoor parties, especially when you want to bring out the laughter and energy of your guests. This game requires each participant to hop inside a large sack and race toward the finish line. It’s simple to set up—just find some large burlap sacks or heavy-duty bags, and mark a race path.
The objective is to jump to the finish line faster than your opponents. It’s a hilarious and competitive game, where players will have to balance speed and agility while navigating in a sack. You can create variations, such as relay-style sack races, where teammates switch off or form a team with multiple sack jumpers. Whether for kids or adults, the sack race is sure to get everyone laughing and moving.
13. Spikeball
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Spikeball is an exciting, fast-paced game that’s a hit at modern outdoor parties, especially in more open spaces. It’s similar to volleyball but with a smaller, round net that sits low to the ground. Teams of two compete against each other by serving and spiking the ball into the net, with the goal of bouncing the ball off the net in a way that the other team can’t return it.
It’s a dynamic game that involves a lot of movement and quick reflexes. Because of its smaller playing area, it’s perfect for smaller backyard spaces but still delivers high-energy action. With easy-to-follow rules and a unique gameplay style, Spikeball is a great way to spice up any party and challenge your guests’ agility and teamwork.
14. Bocce Ball
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Bocce ball is a relaxing yet competitive outdoor game that has been around for centuries. It’s perfect for garden parties or family reunions, especially if you want to keep the atmosphere casual but still fun. The game involves players taking turns to roll bocce balls toward a smaller target ball, known as the “pallino.” The goal is to have your bocce balls closer to the pallino than your opponent’s by the end of the game.
Bocce is easy to set up with a flat, open space, and it encourages friendly competition. Players can strategize their moves to knock their opponents’ balls away or land their own balls in the perfect spot. It’s a laid-back game that is suitable for any age group and can be played at a leisurely pace while enjoying some snacks or drinks.
15. Tug of War
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Tug of War is a traditional game that can easily be played at any outdoor gathering. All you need is a strong rope and two teams of players. The objective is to pull the opposing team across a designated line or marker, making it a battle of strength and teamwork.
This game is ideal for large groups, as you can divide your guests into equal teams. The excitement builds as each team tugs on the rope, trying to outlast their opponents. It’s a fantastic way to engage your guests in a physical, fun challenge. You can modify the game’s difficulty by adjusting the length of the rope or the distance teams need to pull. Tug of War is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite and a test of teamwork and strategy.
16. Volleyball
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A classic game of volleyball can turn any outdoor party into a lively and energetic gathering. Whether it’s a casual game on the beach or in your own backyard, volleyball encourages both friendly competition and teamwork. You’ll need a net, a volleyball, and enough space for players to serve, pass, and spike the ball over the net.
The game is easy to set up and perfect for a wide range of guests, from beginners to seasoned players. You can also introduce variations like beach volleyball (with no boundaries) or relaxed rules for family-friendly play. Volleyball brings people together, and the game’s dynamic nature keeps everyone entertained, creating a great atmosphere for bonding and fun.
17. Croquet
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Croquet is an elegant yet competitive game that’s perfect for more laid-back gatherings. The game is played with mallets and balls, with the objective being to hit your ball through a series of hoops set up on the lawn. Players take turns aiming for the hoops while trying to block opponents from completing their paths.
This classic game is perfect for outdoor spaces that have a bit more room, and it’s ideal for an afternoon of socializing. Croquet doesn’t require intense physical effort, making it a relaxing way to spend time with friends while enjoying the outdoors. Plus, the strategy involved in maneuvering around the hoops keeps things interesting.
18. Badminton
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Badminton is a light, fun, and active outdoor game that’s great for both small and large groups. It requires a badminton set, which typically includes a net, rackets, and shuttlecocks. The game is similar to tennis, but played with a lighter shuttlecock, making it easy for players to swing the racket and get involved in the action.
Badminton is perfect for outdoor parties, as it requires minimal setup and is great for players of all skill levels. You can either play one-on-one or in teams, creating an exciting yet casual atmosphere. The shuttlecock’s unique flight path adds a layer of strategy, keeping the game fast-paced and enjoyable.
19. Kick the Can
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Kick the Can is a childhood favorite that’s perfect for outdoor play, especially for those with a large backyard or a group of energetic kids. The game combines elements of tag with hide-and-seek. One player is chosen to be “it,” while the others scatter and hide. The object of the game is to kick the can (placed in the middle of the play area) before the player who is “it” catches anyone.
Kick the Can promotes teamwork, as the hiders must work together to avoid being tagged while trying to kick the can. It’s an active game that encourages strategy and sneaky moves, making it perfect for a fun, energetic outdoor experience.
20. Mini Golf
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For a more creative twist on outdoor party games, setting up a mini-golf course in your backyard can be a fantastic idea. Whether you buy a mini-golf set or create one yourself using household items, the goal is simple—hit the ball into the hole with the fewest strokes.
Mini golf is a great option for any age group and adds a touch of competition and precision. Set up obstacles like ramps, tunnels, or walls for extra challenge, and get everyone involved in creating their own mini-golf holes. The game is perfect for a more relaxed outdoor gathering and can be enjoyed at any pace.
21. Frisbee Golf
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Frisbee golf, or disc golf, is a unique and challenging outdoor game that’s perfect for adding some variety to your party. The goal is to throw a frisbee into a designated target (usually a basket or a tree), similar to how golf is played. It’s an engaging game that combines precision, strategy, and outdoor exploration.
You can set up a frisbee golf course in your backyard or a local park, marking designated areas to act as “holes.” Players take turns throwing their frisbee toward the target, aiming to hit it in the least number of throws. This game is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed, yet competitive outdoor activity that combines fun with skill.
Conclusion
With these 21 outdoor party games, you’ll have no shortage of ideas for entertaining your guests and making your next gathering unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a family reunion, or a casual get-together with friends, these games offer something for everyone. From high-energy activities like cornhole and volleyball to more laid-back options like bocce and croquet, you can tailor the fun to suit your party’s vibe and space.
Remember, the most important part of hosting an outdoor event is ensuring everyone has a great time. These games are designed to get everyone involved, laughing, and bonding. So, gather your friends, head outside, and let the fun begin!
