Top Outdoor Yard Games for 2025: Get Active! - News

When the sun's out and the yard beckons, nothing beats the joy of engaging in fun lawn games to bring friends and family together. As the weather warms up in 2025, choosing the right outdoor games can transform your backyard into a hub of excitement. Here's a curated list of the best yard games of 2025 that cater to various preferences and spaces, ensuring everyone has a blast outdoors.

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 your space limitations and the number of players. Here's a detailed look at each game to help you make the best choice for your spring gatherings.

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 any backyard gathering. The simplicity of the game—just boards with holes and sets of bags—makes it accessible for all ages. Whether it's a 2-player or 4-player match, the wooden sets offer a premium feel with less bounce and smoother bag sliding. For those on the move, collapsible sets are a convenient option.

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 pong outdoors. Players take turns putting balls into cups on the opponent's side, aiming to fill all six. Its slow pace makes it a great social game, easily set up anywhere.

Spikeball

Spikeball Standard Set

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

Spikeball, a newer addition to the yard game scene, combines elements of volleyball and foursquare. Teams of two compete to spike a ball into a net, keeping it in play to prevent it from hitting the ground. The official Spikeball set is recommended for its quality, though more affordable knock-offs exist. For enthusiasts, the Spikeball Pro Kit offers enhanced features.

Giant Jenga

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

Giant Jenga brings the beloved dexterity game to a larger scale, perfect for outdoor fun. Available in various sizes, the standard set reaches over 4 feet, making for a thrilling experience. Just ensure the area is clear of small children and pets to avoid accidents when the tower tumbles.

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. Set up 50 feet apart, players aim to score points by hitting or getting the frisbee into cans. 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

Also known as Ladder Golf or Ladder Ball, this game is simple yet engaging. Players aim to wrap balls on strings around rungs of different point values. It's easy to set up and doesn't require much space, making it versatile for various settings.

Croquet

GoSports Croquet Set

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

With roots tracing back to 14th-century France, Croquet offers a delightful, leisurely game. Players navigate balls through hoops using mallets on a customizable course. It's perfect for family gatherings and requires minimal space.

Bocce

Amazon Basics Bocce Ball Set

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

One of the oldest games on the list, Bocce dates back to 5200 B.C. Players aim to get their larger balls as close as possible to a smaller ball. It's simple, portable, and requires no setup, making it ideal for quick, casual play.

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. It's an Olympic sport requiring hand-eye coordination, but the setup can double as a volleyball net. For virtual play, consider Nintendo Switch Sports.

Yard Pong

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

Yard Pong brings the classic beer pong game outdoors with buckets. Rules can be customized, but remember to keep it alcohol-free for a family-friendly experience.

Horseshoes

Champion Sports Horseshoe Set

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

Horseshoes, typically played in a pit, can be set up with stakes and shoes in any backyard. Metal sets are recommended for durability, while plastic ones are safer for 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, combines elements of tennis and ping pong. A portable net allows for easy setup on any hard surface, though paddles are sold separately.

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 brings the game outdoors. The MegaChess set, with 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, is practical and storable. Traditional indoor sets are also available for more conventional play.

How to Choose the Right Yard Game for You

Selecting the perfect lawn game depends on several factors, including yard space, number of players, and their preferences. For small yards, games like Giant Jenga, PutterBall, and Yard Pong are ideal due to their minimal space requirements. For beach outings, Spikeball, badminton, and Kan Jam are great choices, though weather conditions should be considered.

For larger yards, games like badminton, Kan Jam, Bocce, and Croquet can fully utilize the space. If you're looking for games without equipment, consider classics like capture the flag, hide and seek, sardines, or tag.

Ultimately, the best yard game is one that you and your friends and family will enjoy playing together.