7 Best Backyard Games for the Whole Family

We've got the ultimate guide to the best backyard games for the family. Setting up each one takes less than five minutes, so the games begin ASAP.

Bounce around on trampolines, set up backyard pizza night and then go to town playing in your outdoor space. These backyard games are guaranteed winners for memorable family fun.

What to look for in the best backyard games

Before we hibernate indoors, we’re in some serious need of quality family time outdoors. The best way to spend time together? Grab a game—more specifically, a backyard game.

From giant lawn bowling to lawn checkers, these picks are fun to play. We love the weather-resistant construction, oversized pieces and hours of family fun.

Best backyard games to buy now

From giant lawn bowling to lawn checkers, these picks are fun to play. We love the weather-resistant construction, oversized pieces and inevitable hours of family fun.

Best overall

Backyard Lawn Bowling

This giant lawn bowling set includes 10 wooden pins and two balls so you’ll all feel like pro bowlers in no time.

The mesh carrying case makes it one of the most practical and portable family lawn games of all. You’re a strike away from peak friends and family bonding.

Pros

• Easy to set up and clean
• Made for indoor and outdoor spaces
• Carrying bag included

Cons

• The pins might not lay flat on your lawn

Best for kids

Arcade Basketball Game Set

Shooting some hoops just got easier. When your kids feel restless on the weekends, set up a basketball court. Get your kids dressed in their best sports gear and hit slam dunk after slam dunk from the comfort of their backyard. This set is ultra-portable and can easily be used indoors, too.

Pros

• Portable
• Clear instructions on how to set up
• Great for kids to play solo outdoor games as well

Cons

• Not wind-friendly

Best for adults

Classic Cornhole Set

Put the kids to bed and bring out a classic, low-stakes game to relax outside. We love this classic cornhole set. With simple instructions and a dose of hand-eye coordination, you’ll feel less stressed in no time.

The bean bags are made for all weather conditions—perfect for year-round yard games and backyard barbecues.

Pros

• Minimal set-up
• All-weather bean bags
• Boards come in a variety of patterns

Cons

• Prone to molding if left outside

Best for toddlers

3-in-1 Carnival Game Set

Bright and colorful, you can officially bring these beloved carnival games into your backyard. Designed as the ideal size for toddlers, they’ll easily keep their mind stimulated with this multi-purpose game set.

Each kid-friendly bean bag toss game encourages hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.

Pros

• Mix of bean bags and rings to toss
• Fun colored accessories excite tots

Cons

• Some items are made of plastic, easy to break and/or dent

Best luxury

Four in a Row

Peak outdoor play is the name of the game with this giant Connect 4 set. Famously known as a board game, the gaming experience is effortlessly elevated with this sleek, modern life-size version. This all-ages game requires minimal skills and a ton of team spirit. The entire family will cheer to crown the champion—team red or blue?

Have more space in your yard? Try adding giant Jenga, bocce ball set and tic-tac-toe sets to score points with the kids.

Pros

• Collapsible design makes it easy to set up and store
• Wind-friendly

Cons

• Best for a small number of players (2)

Best for large groups

Yard Pong

Yard pong can be brought out in broad daylight or for a nighttime party. It also enhances engagement and active play in bigger families.

Pros

• Includes glow-in-the-dark buckets and balls
• Booze-free take on beer pong's classic toss game system
• Fun for many players or few
• Flexible rules

Cons

• Glow-in-the-dark features are not guaranteed to last