You’ve got friends coming over, the grill is fired up, and someone suggests playing a game. But not just any game—you need backyard games for adults that are actually fun, not the same tired activities you played at summer camp twenty years ago. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a birthday party, or just a lazy weekend hangout, the right outdoor game turns a good time into a great one.
Here’s the quick answer: Cornhole, Spikeball, and bocce ball are the three most universally loved backyard games for adults. They’re easy to learn, work for all skill levels, and keep people engaged without requiring athletic ability. But there are 17 more worth knowing about—read on for the full list.
The Best Backyard Games for Adults (Full List)
We’ve organized these into categories so you can find exactly what fits your crowd and your space. In my experience hosting backyard gatherings, having at least two or three games set up at once gives guests options and keeps the energy flowing.
Toss and Target Games
These are the bread and butter of outdoor entertainment. They require minimal space, almost no athletic ability, and let players hold a drink in one hand while playing with the other.
1. Cornhole
The undisputed king of backyard games. Two boards, eight bean bags, and a scoring system simple enough to explain in 30 seconds. According to the American Cornhole League (ACL), the sport has grown to over 30 million regular players in the United States alone. Official regulation boards are placed 27 feet apart, but for casual backyard play, you can adjust the distance to whatever feels right for your group.
Why adults love it: You can play while socializing, the learning curve is gentle, and the skill ceiling is surprisingly high. Tournaments between couples or teams add a competitive edge that keeps people coming back.
2. Bocce Ball
Bocce is one of the oldest games in human history, dating back to ancient Rome. Players take turns tossing heavy balls toward a small target ball (the pallino), trying to land closest. It’s strategic, surprisingly tense, and works on grass, sand, or even gravel.
Why adults love it: It’s calm enough for conversation but competitive enough to spark friendly rivalries. No running required—perfect for groups where fitness levels vary widely.
3. Ladder Toss (Ladder Golf)
Swing two balls connected by a string (called a bola) at a three-rung ladder. Top rung scores 3, middle scores 2, bottom scores 1. First to 21 wins. The throwing motion feels satisfying once you get the hang of it, and the unpredictable way bolas wrap around the rungs adds excitement.
4. Horseshoes
A true classic that’s been a backyard staple for generations. Toss metal horseshoes at a stake in the ground—ringers score 3 points, leaners score 2, and closest shoe scores 1. The satisfying clang of a ringer never gets old. You’ll need a bit more setup space (standard stakes are 40 feet apart), but it’s worth it for the nostalgic factor.
5. Kan Jam
Two teams of two throw a frisbee at a large can. Your partner can deflect the disc into or onto the can for bonus points. An instant slot (throwing it directly into the front slot) wins the game immediately. It’s fast-paced, encourages teamwork, and produces those incredible highlight-reel moments that everyone talks about afterward.
Active and Athletic Games
For groups that want to break a sweat—or at least move around more than their arm.
6. Spikeball
If you haven’t tried Spikeball yet, you’re missing out. Two teams of two bounce a small ball off a round net placed at ankle level. It plays like a mix of volleyball and foursquare, and rallies can get incredibly intense. The game exploded in popularity after appearing on Shark Tank and is now played competitively worldwide.
Why adults love it: It’s fast, athletic, and creates spectacular diving plays. The compact net makes it easy to set up anywhere.
7. Badminton
Don’t dismiss badminton as a kids’ game. With a proper net and decent rackets, adult badminton gets surprisingly competitive. The shuttlecock can travel over 200 mph in professional play—you won’t hit those speeds in your backyard, but rallies are still quick and engaging. A full-size court is 44 feet long, but casual play works in much smaller spaces.
8. Volleyball (or 9-Man)
A portable net turns any flat patch of grass into a volleyball court. For smaller groups, try 2-on-2 or 3-on-3. If you have a bigger crowd, look into “9-man” volleyball—a fast, chaotic variant played in a smaller space that’s become popular at tailgates and cookouts.
9. Kickball
Yes, the playground classic. But with adults, it becomes a hilariously competitive affair. All you need is a rubber ball and some bases (frisbees work in a pinch). The rules are intuitive since most people played as kids, so there’s zero learning curve. It’s especially great for larger groups of 10 or more.
10. Capture the Flag
This works best at dusk with glow sticks. Divide your yard (or a nearby park) into two halves, hide a flag on each side, and let the chaos unfold. The adult version tends to involve more strategy and less pure sprinting than the childhood version, which makes it even more fun.
Lawn Games and Classics
Refined, social, and perfect for gatherings where you want activity without intensity.
11. Croquet
Croquet has an old-money reputation, but it’s genuinely entertaining for any group. Players hit wooden balls through wire hoops (wickets) using a mallet, following a set course. The strategic element of blocking opponents and the satisfying thwack of the mallet make it more engaging than it looks. A standard 6-wicket course fits comfortably in most backyards.
12. Giant Jenga
Take the classic tabletop game and scale it up to 3+ feet tall. Giant Jenga sets use oversized wooden blocks, and as the tower grows taller and wobblier, the tension becomes almost unbearable. The crash when it finally topples is deeply satisfying (unless you’re the one who caused it). This is the perfect game to play alongside other activities—people drift over when it’s their turn.
13. Yardzee / Yard Dice
Oversized wooden dice (usually 3.5 inches per side) turn Yahtzee into an outdoor experience. Roll them on the grass, keep score on a big whiteboard, and enjoy the satisfying clatter. It’s familiar enough that everyone knows how to play, with enough luck involved that beginners can beat experienced players.
14. Kubb
This Viking-era throwing game from Sweden is one of the best-kept secrets in outdoor gaming. Two teams toss wooden batons at their opponent’s wooden blocks (kubbs), trying to knock them all down before toppling the king in the center. It’s strategic, social, and uniquely satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why it isn’t more popular.
15. Ring Toss / Hook and Ring
Mount a hook on a tree or post, hang a ring from a string, and try to swing the ring onto the hook. It sounds simple, but it’s wildly addictive. The hook-and-ring version is a bar game staple in the Caribbean and is now gaining traction at backyard parties across the US. Setup takes two minutes, and games can run continuously in the background.
Drinking and Party Games
These games pair naturally with cold beverages. Play responsibly, of course.
16. Beer Pong (Outdoor Edition)
The college classic works just as well outdoors with a folding table and Solo cups. Some companies now sell purpose-built outdoor beer pong sets with weighted cups that won’t blow over. For a cleaner version, use water in the cups and drink separately—it’s more hygienic and just as fun.
17. Flip Cup
Two teams line up across a table, each player drinks and then flips their cup upside down by flicking the rim. First team to finish wins. It’s fast, loud, and generates incredible team energy. The relay-race format means even people who are “bad at games” contribute equally.
18. Stump (Hammerschlagen)
Everyone stands around a tree stump with nails lightly tapped in. Players take turns flipping a hammer and, in one motion, trying to drive their opponents’ nails into the stump. Last nail standing wins. It originated as a German drinking game and has become a cult favorite at outdoor gatherings. Safety note: designate a sober hammer handler if drinks are flowing.
Chill and Strategic Games
For groups that prefer thinking over throwing.
19. Giant Connect Four
A life-sized version of the classic strategy game. The oversized frame and chunky discs make it visually impressive and fun to watch, even for spectators. Games are quick (5–10 minutes), so it works well as a rotating activity at larger parties.
20. PutterBall
Think beer pong meets mini golf. Players putt golf balls across a portable turf board into their opponent’s holes. It combines the skill of putting with the social format of beer pong, and it’s become one of the fastest-growing backyard games on the market. According to the brand, PutterBall has sold over 500,000 sets since its launch. If your group includes golfers, this will be an instant hit.
How to Pick the Right Game for Your Group
Not every game works for every crowd. Here’s a quick guide:
| Situation | Best Games | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed ages (kids + adults) | Cornhole, Giant Jenga, Croquet | Simple rules, no physical demands |
| Athletic group | Spikeball, Volleyball, Kickball | Burns energy, rewards skill |
| Small backyard | Ring Toss, Bocce, Kubb | Compact play area needed |
| Large party (15+) | Kickball, Capture the Flag, Flip Cup | Accommodates many players |
| Couples/double dates | Cornhole, Kan Jam, PutterBall | Natural 2v2 format |
| Casual hangs | Bocce, Yardzee, Horseshoes | Low-key, conversational pace |
Practical Tips for Hosting Backyard Game Nights
- Set up multiple games at once. In my experience, three games running simultaneously is the sweet spot for a group of 10–20 people. It prevents bottlenecks and lets people rotate naturally.
- Create a tournament bracket. For cornhole, Kan Jam, or any 2v2 game, a simple bracket on a whiteboard adds structure and stakes without being overly competitive.
- Light it up after dark. LED cornhole boards, glow-in-the-dark bocce sets, and string lights extend playtime well past sunset.
- Keep score visibly. A big whiteboard or chalkboard near the games keeps spectators engaged and builds excitement.
- Invest in quality equipment. Cheap cornhole bags that split after a season aren’t worth the savings. Look for all-weather, regulation-weight bags and solid wood or composite boards.
- Have a flat playing surface. Most toss games work best on level ground. If your yard slopes, position games along the contour rather than up and down the hill.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only setting up one game. A single cornhole set for 20 people means long waits and bored guests. Always have backup activities.
- Choosing games that are too complex. If people need a 10-minute rules explanation, they’ll lose interest. Stick to games where newcomers can start playing within a minute.
- Ignoring the sun. Position games so players aren’t staring directly into the sun. This sounds obvious but gets overlooked constantly.
- Forgetting about storage. Outdoor game equipment degrades quickly if left in the rain. Invest in a deck box or bring games inside after each use.
- Making it too competitive. The goal is fun, not winning. Keep the tone light, rotate partners frequently, and remember that the best backyard games bring people together.
Wrapping Up
The best backyard games for adults are the ones that match your group’s energy level and your available space. For a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with cornhole—it’s popular for a reason. For something more unique, try Kubb or PutterBall to surprise your guests with something they haven’t played before.
If you enjoy social games and want to bring the fun indoors when the weather turns, check out our guide to the best 8 player board games for large groups, or explore the best strategy board games for something with more depth. And for a trip down memory lane, our roundup of types of board games covers every category from party games to heavy strategy.
Now get out there, set up a few games, and enjoy the weather. Your backyard is waiting.
