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If you want to make the most out of your outdoor space and spend some quality time with your loved ones, yard games are the way to go. Not only are they fun, but they also provide an excellent opportunity for some exercise and friendly competition. Here are some of the best yard games to consider for your outdoor space:
THE CLASSICS
Lawn Darts
You read that right, Lawn Darts. Before you start making jokes and judgements, toy makers have upgraded this game and the Lawn Dart design so that we don't accidentally kill each other with long-spiked pointed darts...or the kids / grandkids. Now you can play without worry!
Badminton
"Watch the birdie" fly over the net and keep it up as long as you can. Did you know that this is a professional sport? If you're not a pro, don't worry they still have at home kits to help you gear up and increase your skills. (P.S. if you are hardcore, we can build a court for you!)
Corn Hole / Bags
Did you know the game was first described in Heyliger de Windt's 1883 patent for "Parlor Quoits" (a type of horseshoes game that could be played indoors) displays most of the features of modern cornhole, but with a square hole instead of a round one. His was the first to use bean bags and a slanted board with a hole as the target. There is also a Professional Cornhole League founded in 2015. However, don't let that scare you from enjoying this fun outdoor game.
Horseshoes
"Not just for horses," dads everywhere say. This game may have derived from the game of "Quoits" played by Roman officers during the Roman occupation of Britain (1st to 5th century). Still a popular game today, you can make it authentic with metal horseshoes or opt for the heavy plastic that won't hurt if it accidentally lands on your foot.
Ring Toss
Similar to the concept of horseshoes, ring toss is what you imagine it to be...tossing rings onto a stick, or multiple sticks to get larger point totals. Either way, this is definitely a fun, relaxing game to play when enjoying the outdoors.
Croquet
Fun fact: In 1868, the first croquet all-comers meet was held at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire and in the same year the All England Croquet Club was formed at Wimbledon, London. There are many variations on how to play, but we all know that the 1951 Alice in Wonderland movie version is still the best one to emulate.
Bocce Ball
Developed into its present form in Italy, Bocce Ball is closely related to British bowls and French pétanque, with a common ancestry from ancient games played in the Roman Empire. This is a game that is enjoyed worldwide and once you play it, you'll understand why. (P.S. We are able to build dedicated Bocce courts for you to play on. Just give us a call and we can make that happen.)
"MODERN" GAMES
Ladder Ball
This game has been around for quite a while but it still feels new when you set it up to play. Throwing roped balls onto a three rung ladder doesn't sound hard but it is quite the challenge when you're playing to win!
Kan Jam
Can you throw a frisbee? Not everyone can, but that's ok. You just need to be able to hit your partner's frisbee into a large black can. Or if you want to show off, just throw the frisbee into the hole in the side and win outright!
Spike Ball / Roundnet
Now this game is newer and has quickly become an extremely popular beach game. With a little trampoline and a bouncy ball, your goal is to spike the ball onto the trampoline and have the opposing team miss hitting the ball back onto the trampoline. This game is definitely for those more active types.
Paddlesmash
Are you into Pickleball? If so, this may be the yard game for you! Combined with the strategy of the game Spike Ball (above), players use paddles instead of their hands to hit a ball into a netted mini trampoline and try to get the opposing players to miss. This is sure to be found on the beaches near you next year!
Kubb
Who knew throwing blocks of wood would be a fun way to beat your competition? This game is said to be originated from Gotland a large island off of Sweden, the objective is to knock over the "kubbs" on the opposing side of the pitch, and then to knock over the "king", before your opponent does. This game could take from five minutes to an hour to play depending on your carnival abilities to toss some wood to knock over other blocks of wood.
Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag
Though this isn't a new game, it comes with a new twist—glow in the dark. Although it doesn't get dark here in Southwest Michigan until close to 10:00 p.m. in the summer, this is still a great game for kids and grandkids to play while the grown ups catch up by the fire pit.
Hook and Ring Toss
This can be a chill and non-competitive activity but a sleek addition to any pergola. While waiting for your burgers to be cooked on your outdoor kitchen or grill, try to get a metal ring to swing just right onto a hook can be addicting and fun.
GIANT GAMES
Jenga
This classic table game has grown in size. It may seem easier to pull larger blocks, but don't be fooled, this game has just as much strategy as its smaller version and gentle hands are still required to win the game.
Connect 4
Same game, same play, but larger! Whether your set comes with foam disks or plastic ones, this outdoor friendly game is easy for just about any age to play.
Sticky Ball Darts
You could always opt for real darts but who doesn't like whipping a ball across the hard and hitting the target with their best pitch? This is great for kids (of all ages including grown men who still want to be pro ball players).
Yard Pong
This large party game requires a lot of skill to get the balls into the cups (beer is not included.)
Large Dice (multiple games)
From Yahtzee to Farkle, and any dice game in between, these beautiful wooden dice make it fun to be outdoors.
We hope this list also gives you some great gift ideas for the holiday season! If you would like to give a unique present, consider purchasing a Creative Landscaping & Design gift certificate. Contact us today.
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