10 Best Backyard Games for Summer Parties
Alright, every backyard party eventually hits that moment.
The burgers are done, people are holding drinks, and everyone’s just kind of standing around looking for something to do.
That’s where backyard games come in.
A good yard game gets people laughing, moving around, and suddenly the whole party loosens up. Over the years we’ve tried a bunch of them in our yard, and a few stand out as absolute winners.
Here are my top picks.
#10 – Horseshoes
What it is:
Classic lawn game where players toss horseshoes toward metal stakes in the ground.
Why it's great for parties:
Simple, nostalgic, and surprisingly competitive once people get into it.
Skill level: Easy to learn
Approximate cost: $30–$60
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, or sporting goods stores
#9 – Ladder Toss
What it is:
Players toss bolas (two balls connected by a string) at a ladder-style target.
Why it's great for parties:
Fast rounds and easy scoring make it perfect for rotating groups.
Skill level: Beginner-friendly
Approximate cost: $40–$80
Where to buy: GoSports.net, Amazon, Walmart
#8 – Giant Jenga
What it is:
Oversized wooden blocks stacked into a tower that players pull from without knocking it over.
Why it's great for parties:
Everyone gathers around waiting for the tower to collapse.
Skill level: Easy
Approximate cost: $60–$120
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Triumph Sports
#7 – Bocce Ball
What it is:
Players toss balls trying to land closest to a smaller target ball called the pallino.
Why it's great for parties:
Relaxed pace and great for mixed-age groups.
Skill level: Easy to moderate
Approximate cost: $40–$90
Where to buy: Franklin Sports, Amazon, Walmart
#6 – Flickin’ Chicken
What it is:
Players toss rubber chickens trying to land near a target disc.
Why it's great for parties:
It's ridiculous and hilarious — exactly what you want at a cookout.
Skill level: Very easy
Approximate cost: $20–$30
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart
#5 – Giant Connect 4
What it is:
Oversized outdoor version of the classic connect-four game.
Why it's great for parties:
Easy for kids and adults to play together.
Skill level: Easy
Approximate cost: $80–$150
Where to buy: GoSports.net, Amazon
#4 – KanJam
What it is:
Teams throw a flying disc toward a goal container trying to deflect or sink it.
Why it's great for parties:
Fast-paced and perfect for team play.
Skill level: Moderate
Approximate cost: $40–$70
Where to buy: KanJam.com, Amazon, Walmart
#3 – Cornhole
What it is:
Players toss bean bags toward a raised board with a hole in it.
Why it's great for parties:
Probably the most popular backyard game in America for a reason.
Skill level: Easy to moderate
Approximate cost: $60–$200
Where to buy: GoSports.net, Amazon, Walmart
#2 – Spikeball
What it is:
Fast-paced 2-on-2 game where players spike a ball off a small round net.
Why it's great for parties:
It turns the yard into a mini sports arena.
Skill level: Moderate
Approximate cost: $60–$90
Where to buy: Spikeball.com, Amazon, Walmart
#1 – Bucket Ball
What it is:
Outdoor version of beer pong using large buckets and a volleyball.
Why it's great for parties:
Huge crowd energy and easy to understand instantly.
Skill level: Easy
Approximate cost: $40–$80
Where to buy: Amazon, GoSports.net
Travis’s Top Pick
If I had to pick one backyard game that works at almost every party, it’s cornhole.
It’s simple, everyone already knows how to play, and people can jump in or out without messing up the flow of the game.
Plus you can play it with one hand while holding a drink in the other, which honestly might be the real secret to why it’s so popular.
Set up a couple boards, throw on some music, and the backyard party basically runs itself.