Top Outdoor Yard Games for 2025: Get Playing!

When the sun is out and the yard beckons, there's nothing quite like engaging in fun lawn games to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're revisiting timeless classics or exploring new favorites, there's a perfect yard game for everyone as the weather heats up in 2025. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best yard games that are sure to bring joy and excitement to your outdoor gatherings.

TL;DR – Top Picks for Yard Games in 2025

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

Choosing the right yard game involves considering factors like available space, number of players, and the preferences of your group. Below, I've detailed some of the best options for outdoor fun in 2025.

Cornhole

GoSports Classic Cornhole Set

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

Cornhole is a staple at outdoor events, known for its simplicity and widespread appeal. The game involves tossing bean bags at a slanted board with a hole. It can be played with 2 or 4 players, making it versatile for different group sizes. While wooden sets are pricier, they offer better gameplay due to less bounce and smoother bag sliding. For portability, consider collapsible sets.

PutterBall

PutterBall Golf Pong Game Set

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

Perfect for smaller spaces like decks or patios, PutterBall combines golf and pong. Players use putters to sink balls into cups, making it a great, relaxed game for socializing. It's easy to set up and enjoy in various settings.

Spikeball

Spikeball Standard Set

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

Spikeball blends volleyball and foursquare, offering an energetic and engaging experience. Teams of two hit a ball into a circular net, keeping it in play to score points. The official set is recommended for quality, though cheaper knock-offs exist. For a premium experience, 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 tests dexterity without requiring athletic prowess, Giant Jenga is ideal. Available in various sizes, the standard set reaches over 4 feet tall. It's fun for all ages but be cautious of the inevitable topple, keeping pets and young children at a safe distance.

Kan Jam

Kan Jam

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

Kan Jam is perfect for those who enjoy frisbee and target games. Players score by hitting or throwing a frisbee into a canister, requiring about 50 feet of space. It's an excellent choice for larger yards 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, is a relaxed game similar to horseshoes or cornhole. Players aim to wrap bolas around rungs on a ladder, with different rungs offering varying points. It's suitable for smaller spaces and can be played with different materials, from PVC to wood.

Croquet

GoSports Croquet Set

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

Croquet, with its rich history dating back to 14th-century France, remains a delightful choice. Players use mallets to guide balls through hoops, customizable to fit any yard size. It's a leisurely game perfect for gatherings.

Bocce

Amazon Basics Bocce Ball Set

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

Bocce, one of the oldest lawn games, involves tossing larger balls toward a smaller target ball. It's easy to set up and play, making it ideal for quick and simple outdoor fun.

Badminton

Franklin Sports Badminton Set

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

Badminton, akin to tennis and pickleball, uses a shuttlecock and requires a net. It's an Olympic sport that tests hand-eye coordination. The net can double as a volleyball setup, adding versatility to your yard game collection.

Yard Pong

Yard Pong

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

Yard Pong brings the beloved beer pong to the outdoors with larger buckets. The rules can be customized to suit your group's preferences, ensuring a fun and personalized experience.

Horseshoes

Champion Sports Horseshoe Set

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

Horseshoes, traditionally played in a pit, can be set up in any yard with stakes and horseshoes. Players aim to encircle the stake or land close for points. Metal sets are recommended for durability, though plastic versions are safer for kids.

Pickleball Set

Bearwill Portable Pickleball Net

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

Pickleball, a fast-growing sport in the U.S., combines elements of tennis and ping pong. This portable set includes a net and balls, though paddles are sold separately. It's perfect for any hard surface with enough space.

Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

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

For chess enthusiasts, a giant chess set adds a fun twist to the classic game. The MegaChess set is practical with 12-inch pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, easy to store and set up.

How to Choose the Right Yard Game for You

Selecting the perfect lawn game depends on your yard size, the number of players, and their interests. For small yards, consider games like Giant Jenga, PutterBall, or Yard Pong, which require minimal space. For beach outings, Spikeball, badminton, and Kan Jam are great choices, though weather conditions like wind can affect play. Larger yards offer more options, with games like badminton, Kan Jam, Bocce, and Croquet being particularly enjoyable.

If you're looking for equipment-free fun, consider classic games like capture the flag, hide and seek, sardines, or tag, all of which can be enjoyed with just a bit of space and imagination.

By considering these factors and exploring the diverse range of yard games available, you're sure to find the perfect activity to make the most of the sunny days ahead in 2025.