12 Backyard Games to Play All Summer Long

The sun is shining, you’ve got hours of free time stretching out before you, and the backyard is beckoning. From supersize Scrabble to yard Yahtzee and disc golf, make the most of your summer weekends (or staycation) with one or more of these play-for-hours outdoor games.
1. Bean bag toss. This game is a backyard classic for a reason: It’s quick and easy to get started, works for all ages and doesn’t take up a lot of space. Folding cornhole sets can be stowed away when not in use — and keeping them out of bad weather will help your set last longer. If you plan to leave the game outdoors, choose a spot on gravel or concrete rather than grass to protect your lawn, and bring the set under cover before storms.
2. Yard Yahtzee. How does a game of yard Yahtzee sound? Use the scorecards from your regular-size Yahtzee set, but instead of tiny dice, use giant wood blocks. You can purchase a set of giant dice or make it a DIY project by using wood blocks, permanent marker (or paint) and a circle stencil for making dots.
Tip: Use a bucket to roll the dice!
3. Tabletop tic-tac-toe. While the sleek set shown here is undeniably elegant, you can make your own outdoor tic-tac-toe set by painting the top of a table — or even a tree stump — with the basic game board grid. Draw X’s and O’s onto river stones using permanent marker, and your all-weather board will be waiting for you the next time you get the urge to play.

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.

Shake Up Your Style With Scrabble-Inspired Decor

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.

6. Putting green. For a golfing enthusiast, having a home putting green is a great way to fit in more practice — but even those who wouldn’t normally go golfing can be tempted to pick up a putter. Work with a landscaping pro to design a putting green that fits in with the size and style of your home and yard. In the space shown here, night lighting was added so the homeowners can enjoy one last round as the sun goes down.

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.

8. Disc golf. Disc golf is played a lot like traditional golf, in that the goal is to complete each hole in the fewest number of tries. But instead of using golf clubs and balls, disc golf uses a disc or Frisbee, which is thrown to a target (like the elevated metal basket shown here). If you’re a disc golf fanatic, having a place to practice at home is a great way to have fun and hone your skills when you can’t get to a full course. If you have a large yard with some natural terrain, you could even install several targets to create your own mini course.
9. Games for furry friends. Why should the humans have all the fun? If you have an active dog, consider adding an agility course for your furry friend to use. Whether or not you choose to take your pet to competitions, training on equipment like an A-frame, shown here, weave poles and jumps can be a fun and enriching experience for dog and human alike.
10. Croquet. If you’re looking for a backyard game that doesn’t need permanent dedicated space, croquet could be just the ticket — an entire croquet set can fit in a single (albeit heavy) bag. The game, which likely originated in the mid-1800s in the British Isles, is played by hitting a ball with a wooden mallet, aiming for a series of metal wickets. You will need a lawn to use as the playing field, and it works best if the grass is freshly mown.
11. Volleyball or badminton. For active fun in the sun, consider adding a net. A similar setup can be used for volleyball and badminton — the height of a badminton net is lower, so if you are hoping to play both games with a single net, opt for one with an adjustable height. And with plenty of portable nets available, you don’t have to commit to a permanent setup to be able to play.

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.

Nice extra: Scoreboard. Whichever backyard games you prefer, consider making a scoreboard part of your yard design. A large chalkboard is a versatile option — it can be used to keep score of any sort of yard game and do double duty as a message board or kids’ art space between games.
The sun is shining, you’ve got hours of free time stretching out before you, and the backyard is beckoning. From supersize Scrabble to yard Yahtzee and disc golf, make the most of your summer weekends (or staycation) with one or more of these play-for-hours outdoor games. (cited)