11 Best Backyard Games For the Whole Family
Updated: Jun. 10, 2020These backyard games make staying close to home a whole lot more fun.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.
Staycation central
Your vacation plans got canceled and even the town pool is closed this summer. Thanks, COVID-19! You can make lemonade out of lemons when you turn your home into a destination your entire family will enjoy with these fun backyard games. These 14 items from Wayfair will help turn your backyard into an oasis.
Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur.
GoSports Cornhole PRO Regulation Size Bean Bag Toss Game Set
$116.49
As American as apple pie, hot dogs, and…cornhole. Once you’ll play, you’ll understand why tossing bean bags into a hole (or as close as you can get them to it) has become the national pastime of this century. You need to throw the bean bag hard, but not so hard you overshoot the board. These boards are made of aluminum which is a plus because they’re lighter so you and the fam can take the cornhole game on the road to a park or friend’s house. Follow these 10 tricks for a flawless backyard party.
HeyPlay! Lawn Bowling Set
$51.49
How can you make bowling more fun than it already is? Turn it into a backyard game. This lawn bowling set comes with ten 8-inch pins fashioned from New Zealand pine and two bowling balls. You can use it indoors too, for rainy day fun. Find out 14 things you need for a safe and fun summer BBQ.
Maine Coast Croquet Set
$249
Today, croquet may come off as quite posh, but it was likely created by French peasants in the 13th century, according to The Croquet Foundation of America. Upper crust or not, this croquet set from L.L. Bean has the color-coded wooden mallets and plastic balls you’ll need for a rousing game of nine wickets. When you’re done playing, stack everything neatly back up in the included stand. Just don’t have so much fun that you forget about the food on the grill—these 13 grill mistakes that could make you sick.
Wilson NCAA Illuminator Basketball
$14.99
Gather the gang for a goofy game of horse or a competitive game of two on two. With this Willson glow in the dark basketball, you can play all night long (or at least until the neighbors ask you to keep it down). With wider channels between the different panels of the ball, it’s easier for younger hands to grip and control when dribbling, passing, and shooting.
ECR4Kids Junior-4-To-Score In-Line Board Game
$142.99
You’ll need to remind the kids to come in when it gets dark out once you bring home this backyard game. It’s the classic Connect 4, only supersized to nearly 4-feet wide and 3-feet tall. Don’t worry though, the plastic construction makes it light enough for mom or dad to move around the yard.
Giant Timber – Jumbo Size Wood Game
$79.95
This Jenga on steroids is a true test of skill. Measuring 2.5 feet at the start of the game, players have been known to create a tower that is more than 5-feet tall as the game gets heated. Just remember to keep that hand steady and get ready to move out of the way quickly when these topple down.
Mark & Graham Acrylic Neon Backgammon Set
$160
Sure, you could take your beloved leather backgammon set that you inherited from gramps out onto the patio, but why risk spilling a margarita all over it? This acrylic set from Mark & Graham isn’t only easy to wipe down, the neon blue and pink make it easy to see.
MegaChess Giant Oversized Premium Chess
$370
Channel your inner Ron, Harry, and Hermione with this giant chess set. Though it’s not quite life-size, the king does stand an impressive 25 inches tall. The pieces are made of molded, hollow, recycled plastic that’s light to pick up and resistant to UV rays and water. Note that the board is sold separately.
Baden Champions Badminton Set
$93.81
Badminton might be the ultimate backyard game: It’s easy to learn, the rules are pretty simple, and just about anyone young or old can play it. This set is regulation size and comes with four racquets and three birdies. These beautiful summer flowers will add a touch of color to decks and patios.
iPlay, iLearn Kids Golf Toys Set
$27.99
They’re never too young to start learning to enjoy the game of golf, especially when you consider it works out their arms, back, and core and improves balance and hand-eye-coordination, not to mention it does wonders for their mental focus. But all that aside, all we really want is a few moments of peace and quiet, and this set that’s for kids ages three and up pretty much guarantees that.
Viva Sol 106.9mm Bocce Set with Carrying Case
$88.99
You’ll feel like you were transported to Italy when you break out this beautiful bocce set. The professional-grade pastel-colored resin balls come packaged in an oil-rubbed wooden case with bronze hardware. It would also make a lovely hostess gift, the next time you’re able to skip town.
Want more deals and product picks sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter!