The Best Yard Games to Get You Playing Outdoors in 2025

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer in 2025, there's no better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a fun lawn game. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a way to bring friends and family together, there's a yard game for every occasion. From timeless classics to modern favorites, here's a roundup of the best yard games to elevate your outdoor gatherings this spring.

TL;DR – These are the Best Yard Games of 2025

• Cornhole
• PutterBall
• Spikeball
• Giant Jenga
• Kan Jam
• Ladder Toss
• Croquet
• Bocce Ball
• Badminton
• Yard Pong
• Horseshoes
• Pickleball
• Giant Chess

When selecting the perfect yard game, consider factors like your available space, the number of players, and the overall vibe you want to create. Below, I delve into each of these top picks for 2025, providing insights to help you make the best choice for your outdoor fun.

Cornhole

GoSports Classic Cornhole Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Official Cornhole Rules

Cornhole remains a beloved classic, perfect for all ages. This game involves tossing bags at a board with a hole, aiming to score points. Whether you're playing one-on-one or in teams of two, the simplicity and portability of cornhole make it a staple at outdoor events. Opt for a wooden set for a more authentic feel and better gameplay, as they offer less bounce and smoother bag sliding. Collapsible sets are also available for those on the go.

PutterBall

PutterBall Golf Pong Game Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: PutterBall Rules

Ideal for smaller spaces like decks or patios, PutterBall brings the fun of golf to your backyard. This game combines the precision of putting with the excitement of pong, where players aim to sink balls into cups using putters. It's a fantastic option for a relaxed, social gathering, requiring minimal setup and space.

Spikeball

Spikeball Standard Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 4
Rules: Official Spikeball Rules

Spikeball offers a dynamic mix of volleyball and foursquare, perfect for those looking for an active game. Teams of two hit a ball back and forth over a circular net, testing agility and teamwork. The official Spikeball set is recommended for its quality and complete package, including the net, balls, and rulebook. For a more durable option, consider the Spikeball Pro Kit.

Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-6
Rules: Official Jenga Rules

For a game that's all about balance and strategy, Giant Jenga is a must-have. This larger-than-life version of the classic game adds an extra thrill to pulling and stacking blocks. It's perfect for players of all ages, though be sure to keep the area clear of small children and pets for safety when the tower inevitably tumbles.

Kan Jam

Kan Jam

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 4
Rules: Official KanJam Rules

Kan Jam transforms the simple act of throwing a frisbee into a competitive and engaging game. Players aim to score points by hitting or getting the frisbee into holes on the cans. It's perfect for larger spaces, making it ideal for spacious backyards or beach outings.

Ladder Toss

GoSports Premium Ladder Toss

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Ladder Golf Official Rules

Ladder Toss, also known as Ladder Golf, offers a relaxed yet competitive experience. Players aim to wrap balls connected by a string around the rungs of a ladder, each scoring different points. It's easy to set up and doesn't require much space, making it versatile for various yard sizes.

Croquet

GoSports Croquet Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-6
Rules: Croquet Official Rules

Croquet, with its roots tracing back to 14th-century France, brings a touch of elegance to your backyard. Players navigate their balls through hoops using mallets, offering a customizable and leisurely game suitable for gatherings of all sizes.

Bocce

Amazon Basics Bocce Ball Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-8
Rules: Bocce Official Rules

Bocce, one of the oldest games on this list, is perfect for those seeking simplicity and fun. Players aim to get their larger balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball, making it highly portable and easy to play without any setup.

Badminton

Franklin Sports Badminton Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Badminton Official Rules

Badminton, an Olympic sport, adds a competitive edge to your backyard with its fast-paced gameplay. While it requires setting up a net, it's versatile enough to double as a volleyball net. For a digital twist, you can also play badminton virtually with Nintendo Switch Sports.

Yard Pong

Yard Pong

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: House Rules

Yard Pong brings the beloved beer pong game outdoors, using buckets instead of cups. While the rules can vary, the goal remains to sink balls into buckets. It's a fun, customizable game perfect for casual gatherings, but remember to keep it alcohol-free.

Horseshoes

Champion Sports Horseshoe Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Horseshoes Official Rules

Horseshoes is a classic game that's easy to set up and play. Players aim to ring horseshoes around a stake, scoring points for proximity or leaning against the stake. Opt for metal sets for durability, or choose plastic versions for safety with younger players.

Pickleball Set

Bearwill Portable Pickleball Net

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Pickleball Official Rules

Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport, blends elements of tennis and ping pong. This portable set includes a net, balls, and a carrying case, perfect for playing on any hard surface. Remember to purchase paddles separately to complete your set.

Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2
Rules: Chess Official Rules

For those who enjoy strategy games, a Giant Chess Set brings the classic game to life outdoors. The MegaChess set offers a practical size for storage while maintaining the fun of larger-than-life chess pieces. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy a cerebral challenge in the fresh air.

How to Choose the Right Yard Game for You

Selecting the perfect lawn game depends on several factors, including your yard space, the number of players, and the desired level of activity. For small yards, games like Giant Jenga, PutterBall, and Yard Pong are ideal as they require minimal space. For beach outings, Spikeball, badminton, and Kan Jam are great choices, though be mindful of wind conditions. Larger yards open up possibilities like badminton, Kan Jam, Bocce, and Croquet, allowing for more expansive play.

If you're looking for equipment-free games, consider classics like capture the flag, hide and seek, sardines, or tag, which require only space and enthusiasm.

By choosing the right yard game, you can ensure hours of fun and memorable moments with friends and family, making the most of the beautiful outdoor weather in 2025.