Yahoo Movies 12 Backyard Games for the Whole Family (Because Everyone Loves a Little Friendly Competition)
With the weather getting nicer by the day, we’re thrilled to get outside and enjoy the sun. And while we have some great family vacations lined up, from group tours to Disney, we're also hosting friends and family at home. So here's to a little friendly competition in our own yard, firing up the barbecue and creating an inaugural backyard Olympics with these 12 outdoor games that the whole family can enjoy.
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1. Hathaway Games 6 Player Croquet Set
It's not summer unless someone slices an amazing shot through a wicket to win the game. This version of the perennial lawn game includes colorful mallets, balls, wickets and a carrying case, so that you can be your family's own croquet shark.
2. Bigtree Yard Pong Bucket Toss
Twelve buckets and a pair of balls can be arranged in various formations to challenge all ages, and this comes with a carrying case so you can play at the beach and in parks.
3. Franklin Sports Badminton & Volleyball Set
Two games in one convenient kit? Yes, please. This set includes everything you need for a four-player game of badminton or multi-player volleyball.
4. Beyond Outdoors Bocce Set
You don’t need much for this game, aside from a flat, grassy space and these resin Bocce balls. It includes a convenient storage case to safely hold and transport the game, a sets of 90 mm balls, one 40 mm pallino and a measuring tape to keep everyone honest.
5. MegaChess Large Premium Chess Set
This oversized backyard set comes with 12-inch-tall pieces made of durable polyethylene that can be left outside for extended periods, plus a lightweight vinyl mat. So you can leave your position before your next move, and it's a cool-looking lawn ornament.
6. GoSports Giant Horseshoes with Case
6. GoSports Giant Horseshoes with Case
The Encyclopedia Britannica notes that the game of horseshoes dates back as early as the first century, when Roman officers played it during the Roman occupation of Britain. Luckily, things have been modernized a bit since then, so heavy metal horseshoes are no longer a requirement. This set includes oversized pieces that have a throwing arch all their own—so even horseshoe pros will be trying something new.
7. GSE Games Ladder Ball with Carrying Case
This ladderball set not only assembles quickly, but it also folds into a compact unit for storing once it’s built. Not sure how to play? Space the ladders 15 feet apart and toss the ropes called "bolas," trying to wrap them around each rung. The top rung is worth three points, the middle is worth two and the bottom is worth one. The first team to 21 wins!
8. Kan Jam Original Disc Game
Bring your favorite beach game to the backyard for hours of entertainment. Divide into teams and then take turns trying to toss (or deflect) the Kan Jam Disc into the goal. The first team to get to 21 points wins.
9. ECR4Kids Jumbo 4-To-Score Giant Board Game
Sure, Connect 4 can be played anywhere there’s a board. But this brightly colored set is made from weather-resistant plastic and a lightweight frame that can be easily transported from the basement to the yard and back again. It takes just two people to play but you could also tap into your competitive side with a kids vs. parents duel.
10. Splinter Woodworking Shop Yardzee & Yardkle Giant Games Set
These dice are 150 times the size of those used in the vintage board games Yahtzee and Farkle, which makes it extra fun for backyard play. They’re made from lightweight wood that can handle rain or shine and feature rounded edges for safety. Plus, for every game purchased, a tree is planted.
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11. Jenga GIANT JS7 Hardwood Game
Don’t have a ton of space? This giant Jenga game stacks vertically, so it can be played almost anywhere—even in the living room.
12. Beyond Outdoors Wooden Bean Bag Toss
Cornhole is a staple at any BBQ. This sturdy wooden set includes double-sided beanbags with one sticky side that stays put upon landing, and one smooth side meant to slide when it hits the board.
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