As the sun shines and the warmth of spring 2025 beckons us outdoors, there's no better way to enjoy the yard than with engaging lawn games. Whether you're a fan of timeless classics or eager to try new experiences, there's a plethora of yard games to choose from. Here, I'll share some of my top picks for the best yard games to elevate your outdoor fun this year.
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
Selecting the perfect yard game involves considering several factors, including your available space and the number of players. Below, you'll find detailed insights into each game to help you make the best choice for your outdoor gatherings.
Cornhole
GoSports Classic Cornhole Set
2See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Official Cornhole Rules
Cornhole remains a beloved classic, perfect for any backyard gathering. The game involves tossing bags at a board with a hole, aiming to score points by landing them in the hole or on the board. It's versatile, accommodating 2 to 4 players, and can be played in various settings. While wooden sets are pricier, they offer a smoother playing experience compared to plastic alternatives. For those on the move, collapsible sets are also available.
PutterBall
PutterBall Golf Pong Game Set
3See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: PutterBall Rules
Ideal for smaller spaces like decks or patios, PutterBall brings the fun of indoor golf outdoors. Players use putters to navigate balls into cups, making it a relaxing yet competitive game. Its simple setup and leisurely pace make it perfect for social gatherings.
Spikeball
Spikeball Standard Set
1See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 4
Rules: Official Spikeball Rules
A newer addition to the yard game scene, Spikeball blends volleyball and foursquare for an energetic experience. Teams of two compete to spike a ball into a circular net, keeping it in play to score points. The official set is recommended for its quality, but there are more affordable alternatives. For an enhanced experience, consider the Spikeball Pro Kit.
Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga
1See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-6
Rules: Official Jenga Rules
For a game that tests dexterity without requiring athletic prowess, Giant Jenga is a fun choice. Available in various sizes, the standard set reaches over 4 feet tall, adding excitement to the classic game. Be cautious of the tower's collapse, especially around children and pets.
Kan Jam
Kan Jam
0See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 4
Rules: Official KanJam Rules
Kan Jam offers a unique twist on frisbee games, involving teamwork to score points by hitting or entering a can with a frisbee. Ideal for larger spaces, it's perfect for expansive backyards or beach outings.
Ladder Toss
GoSports Premium Ladder Toss
0See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Ladder Golf Official Rules
Ladder Toss, also known as Ladder Golf, is a relaxing game suitable for all ages. Players aim to wrap balls on strings around ladder rungs, scoring points based on the rung hit. It's adaptable to smaller yards and available in various materials.
Croquet
GoSports Croquet Set
1See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-6
Rules: Croquet Official Rules
A game with roots in 14th century France, Croquet offers a leisurely yet strategic outdoor experience. Players use mallets to guide balls through hoops, with customizable courses. It's perfect for family gatherings and doesn't require much space.
Bocce
Amazon Basics Bocce Ball Set
1See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-8
Rules: Bocce Official Rules
Bocce, one of the oldest lawn games, is simple yet engaging. Teams aim to get their larger balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball. Its portability and ease of setup make it an excellent choice for spontaneous play.
Badminton
Franklin Sports Badminton Set
1See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Badminton Official Rules
Badminton offers an Olympic-level challenge with a shuttlecock and racket. Though it requires net setup, it's versatile enough to double as a volleyball net. For virtual play, consider Nintendo Switch Sports.
Yard Pong
Yard Pong
0See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: House Rules
Yard Pong brings the fun of beer pong outdoors with larger buckets. The rules can be customized to suit your group, but remember, no actual beer in the buckets!
Horseshoes
Champion Sports Horseshoe Set
2See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Horseshoes Official Rules
Horseshoes is traditionally played in a pit, but it's adaptable to any backyard with stakes and shoes. Real metal sets are recommended, with plastic alternatives available for safety with younger players.
Pickleball Set
Bearwill Portable Pickleball Net
0See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Pickleball Official Rules
As one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., Pickleball offers a fun blend of tennis and ping pong. A portable net set makes it easy to play at home, though paddles are sold separately.
Giant Chess Set
MegaChess Large Chess Set
1See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2
Rules: Chess Official Rules
For strategic minds, a Giant Chess set transforms the classic game into an outdoor spectacle. The MegaChess set is practical and sizable enough for easy storage, maintaining the traditional rules at a larger scale.
How to Choose the Right Yard Game for You
Selecting the ideal lawn game depends on various factors, including your yard's size, the number of players, and their preferences. For smaller yards, games like Giant Jenga, PutterBall, and Yard Pong are great, requiring minimal space. At the beach, Spikeball, badminton, and Kan Jam shine, depending on weather conditions. Larger yards offer more options, such as badminton, Kan Jam, Bocce, and Croquet.
For those looking to enjoy outdoor fun without equipment, consider games like capture the flag, hide and seek, sardines, or tag, which require only space and imagination.