Kids love nothing more than to play games. It’s a great way to keep them entertained and to spend some time with them. Yard games are even better. They’re basically just giant versions of classic games that kids love, and as they’re played outdoors, you don’t have to worry about cramped spaces and broken ornaments.
If you’re hosting a party with multiple children in attendance, these games can be a lifesaver. Their attention will be fixed on the games and not on causing mischief. It’ll also wear them out, putting all that energy to good use without placing your furniture in the line of fire.
Giant Jenga
As the name suggests, Giant Jenga is a supersized version of the classic block game. The rules are simple, and everyone can play—just remove a block, add it to the top of the stack, and try not to knock it down.
As with the original game, Giant Jenga contains 54 blocks. The only difference is the size, as the starting tower is 26 inches tall, and it typically expands to over 5 feet. It makes for an exciting and dramatic game. After all, 5 feet is taller than most young children and when that tower falls, it’s hard to ignore!
Jenga has a rather interesting history. It was developed by Leslie Scott, who co-founded Oxford Games Ltd. It was based on a game that was very popular within her family, one that used wooden blocks they had purchased from a sawmill in West Africa. In fact, the name “Jenga” actually comes from the Swahili word for “build”, as the investor spoke both English and Swahili.
Although it was initially produced and popularized in the United Kingdom, the game eventually made its way Stateside and became one of the most popular family games in the US. It’s a game that most families own, and most kids have played, so it’s the perfect addition to a backyard party!
Giant Connect 4
Connect 4 dates to the mid-1970s and while there have been numerous versions over the years, the classic one remains the best.
Giant Connect 4 is played in a large plastic set with 42 spaces and lots of blue and yellow pieces to drop inside. Just like Giant Jenga, it’s a game that most kids have played already and one that is very quick and easy to learn.
The mistake that people make with Connect 4 is assuming that it’s overly simple and that there are only a few different outcomes. In fact, there are billions upon billions of possible combinations. You could play this game every day for the rest of your life and never encounter the same exact combinations twice.
Tic Tac Toe
Tic Tac Toe is at simple as it gets. Like Connect 4, it requires players to position a few markers in a square, simultaneously connecting 3 of the same markers while blocking their opponents from doing the same.
You can make your own games of Tic Tac Toe. It’s something that can be played anywhere—from sandpits using sticks to lawns using pieces of wood or plastic. If that sounds like too much trouble, you can buy a giant Tic Tac Toe set from Amazon. It’s not as cheap as making it yourself, but it’ll save you a lot of hassle.
Some games are made from wood, others from plastic. Some are small, others are huge. One company, Splinter Woodworking, makes Giant Tic Tac Toe games using wood and rope and even plants a tree every time someone orders their game.
Flarts
Flarts is a great game with a great name. Your kid might sneer at the idea of playing Jenga or Tic Tac Toe but ask them if they want to play “Flarts” and their little faces will light up.
Although it sounds like your child’s favorite word, it’s a portmanteau of “floor” and “darts”, which should tell you all that you need to know.
Each Flarts set comes with a dartboard target that you lie on the lawn and a set of darts that you throw at them. But these aren’t the pointed darts that you’ll find in pubs and college dorm rooms. They look more like skittles and they’re also inflatable, so they’re perfectly harmless.
Simply throw the darts at the mat and try to score as many points as you can. Unlike real darts, there are no spaces for “doubles” and “triples”, and the highest-scoring section is the bullseye. The closer you get to the big red target in the middle, the more points you will score.
There are many ways to play Flarts. You can opt for a simple countdown, whereby everyone starts on a set number and then must work their way down to 0, or you can mix things up by calling specific numbers, reducing the number of darts, and adding other variations.
Spikeball
Spikeball has been taking the country by storm in the last few years. It is this generation’s version of tetherball and just like the famous ball-on-a-pole, it’s a game that can be enjoyed by all ages and one that will get the heart pumping.
You can pick up a basic Spikeball set for less than $100. It comes with a soft ball and a small trampoline, as well as a carrying case. The rules of the game are simple: Just hit the ball against the trampoline and send it to your opponent. Your opponent will then do the same to return the ball and the game will continue in this manner until it’s not returned.
It’s a little like tennis or squash, only you’re not using a racquet. Spikeball can be played in teams and it’s best reserved for outdoor gatherings when you have at least half a dozen players. The great thing about Spikeball is that it’s just as fun to watch as it is to play. It means non-participating guests won’t be bored out of their minds on the sidelines as they wait for the game to end.
Ring Toss
Ring Toss is a classic carnival game that you can introduce to your backyard.
You will need a few empty wine bottles and some rings. If you don’t have anything suitable, you can buy basic Ring Toss sets online.
The goal of the game is to throw the ring around the bottle, and unlike the games you’ll see at carnivals, it’s possible to beat this one! If you have older kids playing with younger kids, you can handicap them by asking them to move further back before they throw. If any adults are getting involved, they can take several more steps back.
For the real carnival experience, grab some bags of cotton candy or some plushies and give them out to the winner.
Twister
Twister is a great game that both kids and adults can play. There are giant versions that are suitable for up to 6 people at a time but if you have lots of kids attending a party, you can create your own and get everyone involved.
Simply grab some spray paint (preferably something that will wash out) and paint-colored patches on your grass. The bigger the better, so make sure there will be enough room for everyone to play while also condensing it enough, so they get in each other’s way (that’s what Twister is all about!). Once you’ve drawn the board, you just need to grab a dial from a Twister box, wait for everyone to assume their positions, and start spinning!
Bocce Ball
Bocce Ball is quickly becoming one of America’s favorite lawn games. It evolved from lawn bowls, a game commonly played in the United Kingdom, and was very popular in Europe before it spread to the United States. If you’ve ever played lawn bowls or even curling, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect. If not, don’t worry, as the rules are very simple.
Bocce Ball sets come with different colored balls (one color per team) and a small white ball. The white ball is thrown anywhere in the garden (teams usually take turns with this ball) and then players must then get their respective balls as close to the white ball as possible.
Bocce Ball sets are available at Amazon and include measuring devices to help you measure the winning balls. You can choose from solid resin balls, which are a little more traditional; LED balls, which are easier to spot in thick grass and low light, and soft balls, which are more suitable for young children.
Corn Hole
Corn Hole is a classic American lawn game. If you have a big yard and a big family, you should have a corn hole set in your garage or basement. These sets are usually made from a combination of plastic/wooden boards and colored bean bags.
Each team/player throws their respective bags at the board and tries to get it through the hole.
It’s simple, it’s harmless, and it’s very low intensity. But at the same time, it’s great fun and it’s something that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy.