Aug 7, 2022 7:00 AM

The Best Lawn Games for Goofing Off in the Sun

From classics like cornhole to newer games like ladder toss, these are our favorite ways to play with friends and family.

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Featured in this article

GoSports cornhole boards and carrying case

GoSports Giant Jenga set and carrying case

4 / 9

If you’re anything like me, you get pretty bored at barbecues. Sure, standing around drinking beer and grilling is fun. But there’s no outdoor gathering that can’t be improved with a little fierce, friendly competition in the sun. That’s where this assortment of excellent outdoor games comes in. From simple classics to newer creations, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy during the nicest weather of the year.

While you’re here, be sure to check out our other summery guides, including the Best Tents, Best Family Board Games, and editor Adrienne So’s rave on her beloved technical jorts (which are, in fact, a thing).

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Photograph: GoSports
Best Cornhole Set
GoSports Regulation Cornhole Set
Among the most popular lawn games in America, this is the one where you throw the baggy of sand (or corn) through the hole. It's a fun game to play with friends and family. You can find rivals to play with at every bar and park.
This specific set is more expensive than plastic and portable boards you can find, but we like these regulation wooden targets and well-filled bags. They make the game feel a bit more professional, and last longer with rough use. This one also easily packs up, so you can bring it to the park.
$155 at Amazon
Photograph: Amazon
A Modern Classic
Spikeball Game Set
This popular backyard game is a great addition for those who don't have as symmetrical or as smooth a lawn or outdoor space than you need for cornhole. Dive, dodge, and run around in a circle to spike the ball back onto its springy center net.
The set comes with a ball and bag for the net, which makes it super easy to bring this with you on outdoor adventures. You can even stash it away in your trunk, for when you end up bored and outside somewhere.
$70 at Amazon

Photograph: GoSports
Stacking Power
GoSports Indoor/Outdoor Stacking Game with Case
If regular Jenga is like performing delicate surgery, this extra large version from a different company is like performing a dangerous game of minesweeper. Be sure you’re confident in your choice of piece to remove and place on top, or you’re sure to have bruised shins for the next round. We like that this one comes with a carrying case, but you can also make your own set pretty easily with some wood and a chop saw.
$79 at Amazon
$70 at Lowe's
Photograph: Amazon
Classic Sibling Rivalry
AmazonBasics Croquet Set with Carrying Case
Throughout the centuries, this bougie classic has been an excellent game (provided you have a nice lawn to play on). Pick your favorite color and smash your way through the wickets faster than the rest, with bonus points for launching your enemies as far as you can into the weeds. This set is pretty basic, but I've played numerous games on nearly identical sets (that may or may not be all made in the same factory). They all hold up well, as long as you keep them in the case between uses and don't over-tighten the mallet heads.
$64 at Amazon

Photograph: Amazon
Another Target
AmazonBasics Ladder Toss
This game is almost as common as cornhole. You’ve probably seen people throwing balls strung together to swing onto onto ladder rungs for points. Believe it or not, this game is harder than it looks—like a 3D version of horseshoes for the millennial generation. It's lighter than cornhole, too, which makes it a better option if you're biking or hiking to wherever you're planning to play.
$49 at Amazon
Photograph: Amazon
A Great Net (and Accessories)
Baden Badminton/Volleyball Set
It requires a good amount of space but nothing has heated up our simmering family rivalries like a good game of badminton in the yard. We like this net because it’s relatively durable, but as usual, the rackets and birdies that come with this one leave a bit to be desired. Snag your own racket and some nicer things to hit if you’re serious.
This also comes with a volleyball, which makes it easy to transition between games. You can find cheaper nets, but this mid-tier range is the level we'd recommend if you play reasonably often. Cheaper nets can break really easily during intense gameplay.
$106 at Amazon

Photograph: Amazon
Water World
VIPAMZ Kids Sprinkler
A good sprinkler or kiddie pool is really all you need to entertain younger kids (and many pets) in the heat. Grab a fun and kid-safe one like this model and watch your littles and their pets frolick with joy while cooling off in the yard. This even has a different center nozzle for a different spray pattern, if you get bored with the traditional spinning pattern.
$16 at Amazon
Photograph: Amazon
Water Fight
Nerf Supersoaker XP50-AP Blaster
Personally, it’s hard to be a parent in this day and age and still like guns. On the other hand, Super Soakers bear only the slightest resemblance to actual guns. And nothing delights my kids more than to launch a surprise water war on innocent parents, sitting in chairs across the lawn while trying to enjoy a beer and a chat with other adults. If your kid is under 7 years old, I would recommend only the cheapest of manually-pressurized air water shooters. They’re the simplest for little kids to operate, and you don’t want them to be too powerful or accurate or they might be able to shoot the drink right out of your hand. —Adrienne So
$30 at Amazon

Photograph: Franklin Sports
Play Anywhere
Franklin Sports Bocce Ball Set
Bocce Ball is a fun game to play on grass, sand, dirt, and every surface in between. You throw the larger balls and try to get them as close as possible to the target ball. This set comes with 8 molded balls in different colors, plus a small white target ball. You can get bigger and bigger sets to accommodate the number of folks you plan to wipe the floor (or grass, or dirt) with. It has a carrying case for easy storage and transport.
$30 at Amazon

Parker Hall is a senior editor of product reviews at WIRED. He focuses on audiovisual and entertainment products. Hall is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied jazz percussion. After hours, he remains a professional musician in his hometown of Portland, Oregon.

Writer and Reviewer

TopicsShopping Outdoor Activities buying guides

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