Classic yard games can be a fun way to entertain friends and family in your own backyard. Whether you are celebrating a special event, gathering for a patriotic holiday, or just looking for an outdoor game to play, yard games are always sure to keep your guests happy. These classic backyard games may be enjoyed by kids of all ages, and most can be played with minimal equipment. Let's explore 33 fun classic yard games for your next gathering.
1. Giant Checkers
Checkers is one of my favorite games to play with my family. Not only is checkers a classic game, but it is also a classic lawn game! The best part is that you don't need to learn any new rules! It's all the same game, just bigger!
Learn more: Yard Games
2. Outdoor Scrabble
Outdoor Scrabble is a game you can create yourself and play in your own backyard. Scrabble is a fun game that can become pretty competitive with kids and adults alike. This game is great for all skill levels and will be fun to play with family and friends.
Learn more: Outdoor Scrabble
3. DIY Ring Toss
One way to enjoy outdoor time with friends and family is to play ring toss. This is a game that kids can be included in as well as adults. It is easy to put together yourself and does not require much clean-up when you are finished.
Learn more: HGTV
4. Twister
Twister is a classic childhood game. The awesome part of setting up this game in the backyard is that it only takes a few cans of non-toxic paint! You also need a bit of space to spread out all the dots. Your children will love this DIY yard game.
Learn more: Eucharisteo
5. Bean Bag Toss
Bean Bag Toss is a classic old-fashioned yard game. This is an excellent game for kids whether you are celebrating a special birthday or just hanging out with neighbors.
Learn more: Gets Bored Easily
6. Plinko
This Plinko game is mostly made out of cardboard and cups! This is an all-around awesome game that can be played by people of all ages. This is one of my favorite classic party games.
Learn more: 35 Best Kiddie Party Games to Keep Kids Entertained
7. Frisbee Golf
Frisbee golf is one of my favorite games for kids. You can set this up using tomato cages, inexpensive laundry baskets, and an open playing field. Frisbee golf is an excellent way to get exercise and have fun with the whole family.
Learn more: Chas Crazy Creations
8. Red Light Green Light
Red Light Green Light is a retro game that has been played for generations. The reason why this game has been around for so long is because of its fun factor. Who knew traffic lights could be so fun?
Learn more: Kid Pointz
9. Balloon Pop
Balloon pop is played using this homemade balloon dart board. I have seen so many twists on this game and one of the most popular is the outdoor version. It is easy to set up and is one of my favorite casual backyard games.
Learn more: She Knows
10. Water Balloon Toss
This water balloon toss game is a super addictive lawn game. The children will start off close together and toss the water balloon back and forth. The more they catch it, they will end up stepping away from each other further. This is such a fun classic summer yard game.
Learn more: Party Games 4 Kids
11. Football & Baseball Toss
This football and baseball game toss is a fantastic way to incorporate a sports theme into any backyard shindig. This game comes with everything you need to make your next outdoor party a success.
Learn more: Amazon
12. Classic Cornhole
Have you ever wanted to make your own classic cornhole set? Now you can! This basic cornhole instructional guide teaches you how to put together your own game of cornhole. You can personalize it with your own unique decals and logos. Time to show off your cornhole classic summer skills!
Learn more: Bob Vila
13. Clown Bean Bag Toss
Clown Bean Bag Toss is the perfect game for a children's birthday party. The children will simply try to throw the bean bags into the mouths of the clowns. I would recommend giving out a small prize for the children that successfully complete the game, or just for playing!
Learn more: She Knows
14. Horseshoes
Playing horseshoes reminds me of the carefree times of childhood. Playing professional horseshoes does take athletic skill, but if you are just playing for fun then anyone can give it their best shot. It is definitely a classic of party games.
Learn more: HGTV
15. Ladder Ball
Check out this amazing guide to learn how to build your own backyard ladder ball game. This is another classic backyard game that will provide endless hours of entertainment for your family or your next get-together.
Learn more: Homeowner Answers
16. Bocci Ball
Bocci Ball has been around forever! Bring the backyard family fun to your home with your own DIY bocci ball court. You will have all of your friends and neighbors asking to come to play.
Learn more: Bless 'Er House
17. Giant Pick-up Sticks
The giant pick-up sticks game is a spin on an old party classic. The object of the game is to pick up only your color sticks without touching the other colors. This is a perfect game to play on a weekend camping trip or anywhere with family and friends.
Learn more: 30 Camping Games The Whole Family Will Enjoy!
18. Outdoor Jenga
Jenga is an all-time favorite game for my family. You can create your own DIY backyard Jenga game with this how-to guide. This game is not just for kids and is one that adults can enjoy too.
Learn more: Creative Green Living
19. Washer Toss
Washer toss is an awesome game that is popular among those that love the outdoors. This resource is helpful in learning how to create your own game. Time to host your own washer toss championship game! Who will take home the grand prize?
Learn more: Cabin Life
20. Lawn Darts
Lawn darts is a beloved game among children. This set is portable and comes with a carrying case so you can travel with it and bring it to wherever the fun is! Children can challenge each other to see how far they can throw. Who will beat your high score?
Learn more: Target
21. Kick the Can
Kick the can is a very minimalist game that only involves - you guessed it- a can! this is a very basic game that can be played anywhere and anytime! There are educational benefits to playing this game such as practicing gross motor skills and problem-solving strategies.
Learn more: Party Games 4 Kids
22. Tic Tac Toe
This outdoor tic tac toe game is made out of natural materials, stones, and wood! It looks so fancy like it could be a part of your outdoor home decor too. If your little ones enjoy painting river rocks, they can join in on the fun with this project.
Learn more: Ideas for the Home by Kenarry
23. Backyard Slingshot
Watch out! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's a backyard slingshot! Backyard slingshot is sure to be a blast. Anyone can play this game, under adult supervision of course. You can launch almost anything such as water balloons, bouncy balls, confetti, and more.
Learn more: Rogue Engineer
24. Outdoor Dominoes
Outdoor Dominoes is a fun family game. This Outdoor Dominoes tutorial is an instructional guide that shows you the steps to create this fun backyard game. I love it because you don't need many materials, and everyone can enjoy it when it's complete.
Learn more: One Dog Woof
25. Glow in the Dark Yard Game
Are you ready for a glow-in-the-dark adventure? I love this game idea, especially around Halloween. You can really get creative with the glow-in-the-dark paint. Playing in the game at night in the dark adds another level of thrill and fun!
Learn more: The Country Chic Cottage
26. Outdoor Boggle
Outdoor boggle is a game that will make you smarter while having fun! If you have an interest in grammar and making words, this game is for you. Boggle is more fun with friends so make sure you invite the neighborhood over for a great time.
Learn more: Infarrantly Creative
27. Backyard Chalkboard Games
This list of backyard chalkboard games includes all the classics! You can play tic tac toe, hangman, Dots, and more using simply a chalkboard and chalk. This is a wonderful activity for a birthday party or event involving kids.
Learn more: Rachel Teodoro
28. Lawn Bowling
Get your bowling gear ready! Lawn Bowling is sure to be a game changer at your next backyard event. Bowling is a classic game that absolutely anyone can enjoy. You can play this game at home, at school, or at the campground.
Learn more: Bob Vila
29. Giant Yardzee
We've all heard of the classic game Yahtzee, but have you heard of Yardzee? You have five huge dice that you place in the bucket to roll. If you get 5 of a kind, you got yardzee! Don't forget to keep score to see who wins and gets yardzee first.
Learn more: Bob Vila
30. Football Toss
Football season is upon us. Grab a few of your favorite people and challenge them to a good old game of football toss. You don't have to be a professional football player to appreciate a fun backyard football game. You can even personalize the wood tailored to your favorite team.
Learn more: Cherished Bliss
31. Classic Croquet
Classic Croquet is a fun game to play at family parties and events. This game is so quick and easy to set up and makes for an enjoyable afternoon. It is a great game for active adults that appreciate a good challenge.
Learn more: Cherished Bliss
32. Outdoor Connect Four
Connect Four is a classic game for the whole family. Outdoor Connect Four is even more fun! Your favorite family game just got a lot bigger! There is nothing wrong with a little friendly competition. Who will be the first person to connect four?
Learn more: Amazon
33. DIY Kan Jam
Kan Jam is a game that you play with a frisbee, the goal is to get the frisbee into the can. You will need a pretty large outdoor space to play this game, so be prepared to visit your local park or a friend's house with several acres of land.
Learn more: DIY Chatroom
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