Ultimate Outdoor Games Guide: Fun-filled Activities Await

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Young Disabled Man Resting After Playing Basketball

WELCOME TO OUTDOOR GAMES GUIDE​

Don’t you just love playing fun games outside? The fresh air. Not indoors but outdoors. You can stretch out outside better than inside and really get your body moving around more pleasantly. Playing outside is the best way to thoroughly enjoy games of most every kind and description.

Keep reading this outdoor games guide to get to know more about outdoor games. OutdoorGoodness.com is your guide to everything about outdoor games. Join us! Shall you?

Our guide linked companion articles are meant to be read giving you even more indepth knowledge of outdoor games. 

We have lists that are appropriate by age groups. Outdoor games articles that are appropriate for each age category, including kindergartners and adults. That way you can narrow down outdoor game choices for your specific crew by age

We also have a category for families and that group is focused more toward including everyone, especially if you include friends and co-workers as part of your extended family.

The family group is all inclusive: Close family, friends, volunteer groups that you belong to and everyone else that you can include everyone’s children, everyone’s senior family and everyone in between. We try to make the family category as all inclusive as possible in our outdoor games guide.

We will also be listing outdoor games, not only by age and family, but by large groups, by seasons, by holidays and for any other occasion that comes to mind.

TOP 21 BEST OUTDOOR GAMES GUIDE FOR YOUR BACKYARD FUN (GREAT EXAMPLES)

Cornhole

Cornhole is a outdoor game that is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, tailgates, and more. The game is played with two teams of two players each. It made it to the top of our outdoor games guide.

The distance between the two opposing cornhole boards is normally 27 feet but you can set your own distance through house rules. Kids may need the boards to be closer and you can certainly challenge yourself by going wider than 27 feet.

Cornhole is a great way to get outdoors and have some fun with friends and family in your own backyard. All you need is a set of cornhole boards and bean bags. You can purchase a Cornhole Game Set on Amazon.com.

The objective of the game is to toss bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in the middle. Each team gets four bean bags, and points are scored when a bag goes through the hole or lands on the platform. The first team to reach 21 points wins the game but you can set house rules to vary even for points or for the number needed to win. Have fun!

Frisbee

Frisbee is a great outdoor game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The basic goal of the game is to throw the Frisbee back and forth between players, trying to keep it in the air for as long as possible. A park is a great place to play Frisbee but your front or backyard is another great choice.

To play the game, you will need a Frisbee and at least one other person. Amazon sells a variety of different Frisbees, so you can find one that fits your budget and preferences.

Once you have your equipment, simply stand opposite each other and begin throwing the Frisbee back and forth. The game is won by either team when one player fails to catch the Frisbee or throws it out of bounds. You can keep score but Frisbee is traditionally a freeform game. So, get some friends together, head outdoors, and give Frisbee a try!

Horseshoes

Horseshoes is a classic outdoor game that anyone can play and in almost any weather. The basic premise of the game is to toss metal horseshoes at a metal stake in the ground, with the goal of encircling the stake or getting the horseshoe closest to the stake. The game can be played with two players or teams of four players.

To play the game, you will need four metal horseshoes and two metal stakes. You can purchase a complete set of horseshoes and stakes from Amazon.

Once you have your equipment, you will need to find a level spot of ground that is free of obstacles. Each player should stand at opposite ends of the playing area, with the stakes placed approximately 40 feet apart.

To start the game, one player will toss a horseshoe at the stake, trying to encircle it or get as close as possible. If the horseshoe encircles the stake, this is called a “ringer” and is worth three points. If the horseshoe lands within six inches of the stake, this is called a “leaner” and is worth one point. If neither a ringer nor a leaner is achieved, then no points are scored. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game.

So, if you’re looking for a fun outdoor game to play with friends or family, be sure to give horseshoes a try! Again, you can purchase all the necessary equipment from Amazon. Enjoy!

Ladder Toss

Ladder Toss is a game that can be played outdoors with two or more people. The object of the game is to throw bolas (two balls connected by a cord) at a ladder-shaped target and score points by wrapping the bolas around one of the rungs. The game is typically played with teams of two, but can also be played with singles or larger teams.

To play ladder golf, you will need a ladder golf set which includes a target, bolas, and scoring markers. You can purchase a ladder golf set on Amazon. Ladder golf can be played on any outdoor surface such as grass, sand, or pavement.

To score points, wrap the bolas around any rung of the ladder. The team who reaches 21 points first wins the game. Ladder golf is a great game for outdoor parties and gatherings. It is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Croquet

Croquet is one of the most classic outdoor games there is. It’s perfect for picnics, lawn parties, and any other outdoor gathering. And, it’s actually a lot of fun to play! Croquet is typically played with six wooden balls, a set of wickets, and two mallets. You can purchase a set by checking out or 11 top croquet sets or check out this article for this croquet equipment on Amazon.

The object of the game is to hit your ball through a series of hoops, called wickets, and then get it to finish at the end post. To keep ahead of your competitors, you must hit your ball through each wicket in order, and then finish at the end post before everyone else does. The first player to reach the end post after successfully moving their way through the wickets wins the game.

This game is so easy to learn and easy to play plus it keeps people busy for just the right amount of time. So what are you waiting for? Get outside and enjoy a game of croquet!

Kan Jam

Kan Jam is an outdoor game that is perfect for parties or picnics. The object of the game is to throw or deflect a Frisbee into a trash can, or “kan”. The game can be played with two or four players.

To start, each team sets up a Kan at opposite ends of the playing field. You can purchase a Kan Jam set on Amazon.com. The set includes two Kans and one Frisbee but might include special items depending on manufacturer.

One player from each team throws the Frisbee towards the other team’s Kan. The opposing team can either catch the Frisbee or deflect it away with their bodies. If the Frisbee goes into the Kan, it counts as one point. If the Frisbee is caught by the opposing team, it counts as two points. The first team to reach 21 points wins the game. 

Get yourself a Kan Jam set and get your crew up and moving playing this fun and exciting backyard game.

Spikeball

One outdoor game that has become increasingly popular in recent years is spikeball. Spikeball is played with two teams of two players each, and the aim of the game is to hit the ball off the net so that it bounces in the opponents’ half of the court.

Spikeball can be played on any surface, making it a great outdoor game for all seasons. You can purchase your Spikeball game set from Amazon.

To start, the ball can be hit off the net with any part of the body, and a point is scored when the opponents are unable to return the ball before it hits the ground. The team that scores the most points in a set wins the game.

Giant Yahtzee

Giant Yahtzee is a great outdoor game for family gatherings or parties with friends. It’s easy to set up and play, and it’s a lot of fun. The object of the game is to score points by rolling five giant sized dice and getting certain combinations. You match the combinations against a score card and then mark your score on the score card. The person with the most points at the end of the game wins.

You can buy one Giant Yahtzee game set for 5 players from Amazon that includes Yardzee, Farkle & 20+ Games and also includes Giant Yard Dice Set (All Weather) with Wooden Bucket, 5 Big Laminated Score Cards, and Dry Erase Marker. With this purchase you’ll have five dice, a scorecard, and a pencil for each player. The game is best played with two to four players, but you can have more if you want.

To start playing, each player rolls all five dice. The player with the highest total starts the game. On each turn, the player rolls the dice and then sets aside any that they want to keep. They can then roll the remaining dice again and set aside any they want to keep. This continues until the player either decides to stop rolling or they roll a Yahtzee (five of a kind). If the player stops rolling before they get a Yahtzee, they score their hand according to the combinations they’ve rolled. If they roll a Yahtzee, they automatically score 50 points. After the player has scored their hand, it’s the next player’s turn.

The game ends when all players have had their turn and filled in their scorecard. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins!

Giant Connect 4

Looking for a fun outdoor game that the whole family can enjoy? Giant connect 4 is a great option! This classic game can be played with two to four players, and it’s easy to learn – all you need is a little strategy.

Try to be the first player and then drop your first piece down the very center column. If your opponent doesn’t drop their first piece into the middle column then make sure you do it.

You can purchase a giant connect 4 game set from Amazon and after that setting up the game in your backyard is simple.

The goal of giant connect 4 is to be the first player to get four of your pieces in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Then, take turns dropping your pieces into the slots until someone has won.

If you’re looking for a great outdoor game that everyone will enjoy, pick up giant connect 4 today!

Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga is a lawn game that requires both skill and luck. The object of the game is to remove one block at a time from the tower, without making the whole structure collapse. The player who removes the last block without causing the tower to fall is the winner.

You can purchase an Official Giant Jenga game set on Amazon. Your best value is purchasing outdoor games from Amazon.

Giant Jenga can be played with two or more people. To set up the game, first select a level, flat surface on which to play. Then, arrange the blocks in a vertical stack, with each successive row offset from the previous row.

Once the tower is built, players take turns removing one block at a time from anywhere below the height of their opponent’s block removal. Blocks can only be removed using one hand; players cannot use both hands, support the tower with their other hand, or touch any other part of the tower while removing a block. If a player causes the tower to collapse, they lose the game.

The game can be played indoors or outdoors, and players of all ages can enjoy it. Giant Jenga is a great way to get everyone moving and laughing at your next party or family gathering. Amazon has a wide variety of outdoor games available for purchase. With Amazon’s convenient shipping options, you can have your new outdoor game delivered right to your doorstep.

Giant Pickup Sticks

Giant pickup sticks is an outdoor game that is great for kids and adults alike. The object of the game is to remove sticks from the pile without disturbing any of the other sticks. The player who removes the most sticks wins the game. 

To play giant pickup sticks, you will need a set of giant pickup sticks and a surface on which to play. Buy your giant pickup sticks on Amazon.

Once you have your equipment, set up the giant pickup sticks in a pile on the playing surface. Each player takes turns removing a stick from the pile. If, during their turn, a player disturbs any of the other sticks, their turn ends and they must put the stick back in the pile. The game continues until all of the sticks have been removed from the pile. The player with the most sticks at the end of the game is the winner! 

So there you have it! A brief overview of giant pickup sticks and how to play the game. I hope you give it a try!

Giant Ring Toss

Check out giant ring toss! This game is similar to the classic carnival game, but on a much larger scale.

You can purchase a giant ring toss game set on Amazon and they offer great shipping options.

To play, simply set up the included target posts in a wide open space. Then, take turns throwing the giant rings at the target. The object of the game is to score points by getting the ring around one of the target posts. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game!

Bocce Ball

Bocce ball is a fun outdoor game that can be played almost anywhere. The game is played with eight large balls and one small ball, called the pallino.

Amazon has a great selection of bocce ball sets that are perfect for any event.

The object of the game is to throw your balls as close as possible to the pallino while also trying to knock your opponents’ balls out of play possibly using a raffa shot. To score points, you must throw your balls closer to the pallino than any of your opponents. The first player to reach 16 points wins the game.

Mölkky

Mölkky is a outdoor game that is typically played with family and friends. It is a lot like bowling, but instead of using a ball you use wooden skittles.

You can buy Mölkky equipment on Amazon. The set includes 12 skittles, 1 mölkky, and a storage bag.

The object of the game is to knock over as many skittles as possible with the wooden pin, or mölkky. The game is scored by counting the number of skittles that are knocked over with each throw of the mölkky. The first player to reach 50 points wins the game. 

Kubb

Kubb is a outdoor game that has been around for centuries. The object of the game is to knock over all of the kubbs, which are wooden blocks, with batons.

To play Kubb, you will need a few pieces of equipment. First, you will need a set of kubbs and batons. You can purchase a Kubb game set online from Amazon. You will also need a measuring tape or some other way to measure the playing field. Finally, you will need something to mark the boundaries of the playing field, such as cones or flags. 

The game is played on a rectangular field, with two teams of six players each. Each team starts with five kubbs, which are placed at one end of the field. The other team throws their batons at the kubbs, trying to knock them over. If they succeed, they can then throw the kubbs at their opponent’s kubbs. The first team to knock over all of their opponent’s kubbs wins the game. 

Playing Kubb is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. It’s easy to learn and can be played by people of all ages. So next time you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, give Kubb a try!

Bottle Bash

Bottle bash is an outdoor game that is perfect for parties, BBQs, and family gatherings. It is a fun and easy way to enjoy some outdoor competition with your friends and family. The object of the game is to knock over all of the opposing team’s bottles with your own bottle.

To play, you will need two teams of two people each. Each team will need two 12-ounce bottles and one 16-ounce bottle. The 16-ounce bottle is placed in the middle of the playing area, and the two 12-ounce bottles are placed on either side of it. You can purchase a Bottle Bash game set on Amazon.com.

To start the game, each team member tries to knock over the other team’s bottles by throwing their own bottle at them. The first team to knock over all of the opposing team’s bottles wins the game.

Four Square Volleyball

Volleyball is a great outdoor game for all ages. Four square volleyball is a variation of the game that can be played with as few as two people but it’s at its best with four players. The four square court is divided into four quadrants, with a maximum of 4 players occupying their own quadrant.

Equipment-wise, all you need is a Four Square Volleyball set. You can purchase a full Four Square Volleyball game set from Amazon. Thanks for choosing Amazon by the way as outdoorgoodness.com receives a small commission from Amazon at no additional cost to you!

The object of Four Square Volleyball is very similar to normal volleyball with the exceptions of four quadrants instead of just two and normally volleyball is played with points. You can play with a points system that you create or if suggested by the manufacturer.

To begin, you will want to hit the ball into another player’s quadrant, forcing them to return the ball. If the ball hits the ground in another player’s quadrant, they are out and must leave the court. The last player remaining wins the game. Fast elimination of players is normal and you if you have a large number of people who want to play, you can swap players in after each match.

Lawn Darts

Lawn darts is a fun outdoor game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The object of the game is to throw darts at a target, and points are awarded for each dart that hits the target. The game can be played with two or more players, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

To play lawn darts, you will need a set of darts and a target. You can purchase a set of lawn darts on Amazon. The game can be played on any type of outdoor surface, such as grass, sand, or concrete. When playing on grass, it is best to use a mat or towel to protect the grass from damage.

To set up the game, each player throws one dart at the target to determine who goes first. The player who scores the highest number goes first. On each turn, a player throws three darts at the target. Points are awarded for each dart that hits the target, and extra points are awarded if all three darts hit the target. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game.

Lawn darts is an entertaining outdoor game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple pieces of equipment, you can set up the game and start playing. So gather your friends and family, and start playing today!

Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the outdoor games that does not require too much equipment. All you need is a racquet, a ball, and a net. Amazon offers a wide variety of pickleball equipment for both beginners and experienced players.

The game is played on a court with boundaries similar to those of a tennis court, but the net is lower. The game can be played singles or doubles.

To win the game, you must score more points than your opponent(s). Points are scored by serving the ball over the net and into your opponent’s court. If your opponent is unable to return the ball, you score a point. The game is played until one player or team reaches 11 points. If the score is tied at 10-10, then the first player or team to reach two points ahead wins the game.

Pickleball can be played as a casual game or as a competitive sport.

Flag Football

Flag football is a fantastic outdoor game that is perfect for any season. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun with friends or family.

To play flag football, all you need is a flat playing surface, some flags (or belt loops), and two teams of equal size. Amazon has a great selection of flag football belts and flags to get you started.

The basic premise of Flag Football is simple: each team tries to score touchdowns by advancing the ball down the field and into the end zone. To do this, players must avoid being tackled by members of the opposing team. Instead of tackling, players pull flags off of their opponents’ belts to indicate a tackle. Once a player has been tackled, that player’s team can’t advance the ball further. The ball is down at the spot of the tackle (really the location of the ball). The team that scores the most touchdowns in a given time period is the winner.

Badminton

One outdoor game that is super fun is badminton. So, how do you play badminton? Well, you need a racket and a shuttlecock or birdie or a full badminton set. The shuttlecock is made of plastic and has 16 feathers attached to the bottom. The feathers make the shuttlecock spin when hit by the racket.

You can purchase a great badminton set on Amazon! They offer a large selection and fantastic delivery options.

The object of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net into your opponent’s side of the court. When they miss, you score a point. To win the game, you must score 21 points before your opponent does.

Kickball

Kickball is a outdoor game fan favorite and can be played in your own backyard or it’s best played on a baseball field. The game is much like baseball or softball but instead of hitting the ball with a baseball bat, you’re hitting a larger sized ball with your feet.

To play, you will need a ball, and four bases. You can purchase kickball games sets on Amazon.

It is relatively simple to learn and can be played with just a few people or in large groups. The basic premise of the game is to kick the ball and then run to the bases before the other team gets you out. The team that scores the most runs in a set amount of time wins the game. So get out there and enjoy some outdoor fun with a game of kickball!

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OUTDOOR GAMES MAKE YOU THINK AND DO

All games are a subset of activities. In other words, outdoor activities is a broad subject that includes things like walking, hiking, crafts, etc. as well as outdoor games. Every activity is meant to stimulate your senses and potentially get you up and moving.

With some outdoor activities the object might be just to relax. But outdoor games have rules and regulations. Outdoor games are meant to go a step further in the activities experiential realm. That’s what sets an outdoor game apart from a typical outdoor activity.

Games takes activities to a whole other level. With any game you’re having to think in a specific way and normally you think that you must overcome your opponent and win. You’re having to use a part of your brain that wants to win…sometimes unfortunately at any cost.

Outdoor games are an amazing way of doing things with family and friends in the great outdoors. They are the part of an outdoor event that people remember the most. It’s not the food that is the most important factor, it’s playing outdoor games that makes outdoors fun.

So choose an outdoor game that you can get involved with and then think and do.

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MOST SEARCHED OUTDOOR BACKYARD GAME BY STATE

Most Searched Backyard Game Every State

We thought this was pretty cool because you can see at a glance if your state matches this list.

CHARACTERISTICS OF OUTDOOR GAMES

Roger Caillois in his book “Games and Men” in the year 1961 wrote that a game is an activity that has these certain characteristics:

  • fun: the activity is chosen for its light-hearted character
  • separate: it is circumscribed in time and place
  • uncertain: the outcome of the activity is unforeseeable
  • non-productive: participation does not accomplish anything useful
  • governed by rules: the activity has rules that are different from everyday life
  • fictitious: it is accompanied by the awareness of a different reality