



4. Supersize Scrabble. Can’t get enough of the word lover’s classic board game? Bring it outdoors for summer with a supersize game board. A patio pro can help create and install a permanent setup like the mosaic tile design shown here. You can purchase the racks and letters, have them custom-made by a woodworker or re-create them yourself if you have carpentry experience.

5. Classic or magnetic darts. Darts don’t have to be relegated to bars and garages — set up a dart zone outside and you’ll have built-in entertainment for your next barbecue. Be sure to use a large dart backboard to protect your wall, and choose a location for the dart game away from grills, fire pits and walkways.
Still concerned about those sharp points damaging your walls (or guests)? Opt for a magnetic dart board — they are safe enough for young children to join in the game.


7. Pingpong. Table tennis is easy to learn but difficult to get really good at, which makes it a game that can be played and enjoyed by a wide range of ages and ability levels. Keep your pingpong table on hardscaping like a concrete or stone patio — if kept on grass, you’ll soon have a big rectangular dead spot in your lawn!
Pingpong tables can also get damaged by weather extremes, so consider having your table put on casters to make it easier to roll into a garage or storage area to protect it when not in use.





12. Bocce or pétanque. Since these two European ball games have a similar look, they can be easily confused. Bocce originated in Italy and involves rolling balls down a smooth, flat court like the one shown here. Bocce is more widely known in the U.S. than pétanque, so you might find more friends who already know how to play. However, since the balls are rolled, you’ll need a really smooth, level court — and that can get expensive.
Originally from France, pétanque uses slightly smaller balls than those used in bocce, and the balls are tossed down the court. Because the balls are tossed rather than rolled, the smoothness of the court is not as important, making pétanque a better option if you’re trying to rein in the budget — you can even use a lawn.
