The Best Lawn Games to Amp Up the Fun This Summer

Whether you're playing on grass, sand or water, stock up for summer with these 15 guaranteed-to-entertain outdoor games.

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June 08, 2022

Bring on the warm weather, the sunshine and the games. With the sun setting later and kids out of school, it's time to embrace every outside moment we can. Lawn games are the perfect way to get everyone away from screens and into the great outdoors, enjoying fun with friends and family.

When it comes to the best outdoor games, it's easy to find something for everyone. Whether it's favorite indoor games that have been supersized or classic ones that have stood the test of time, we've gathered a list of the best lawn games to entertain everyone this season.

Best Outdoor Game for Families

$189.99

A childhood favorite now comes giant-sized for outdoor play. In teams or one-on-one, get four in a row to win. My family bought this years ago and pulls it out for lazy summer days, as well as parties. It's easy to assemble, and everyone, from the youngest cousins to grandparents, gets a kick out of it.

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Best Classic Outdoor Game

$67.04 $43.78

Pull out your best Bridgerton impersonation. On the show, the siblings have a not-so-friendly competition of pall-mall (a precursor to croquet) and now you can take on the traditional lawn game. This wood set for six has everything you need for a day outdoors.

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Best Outdoor Game for Kids

$39.98

Supersized balls and wickets take traditional croquet to the next level and also make it easier for little ones to join in on the game. Make the course as easy or as hard as you want by adjusting the spacing.

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Best Outdoor Game for the Beach

$64.99

Spikeball is a blast anywhere, but particularly on the beach, where sand makes for a softer landing when your competitive side comes out. The two-on-two sport is easy to learn and play anywhere. The foldable legs make it easy to tote to the shore and store away when done.

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Best Beach-to-Lawn Outdoor Game

$268

This is our family-favorite game that we take to the beach with us every year, but it also makes for a great backyard game. This beautiful set from Terrain has eight elegantly designed resin balls, one resin jack ball and a chic pine carrying case.

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Best One-on-One Outdoor Game

$54.99 $42.26

Take on your opponent with a classic game of tetherball. Easy to assemble and oh-so fun, this set has a steel pole, durable cotton-core rope and vinyl tetherball. Simply twist the pole into your lawn or on the beach for hours of fun.

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Best Outdoor Game for Groups

$49.99 $38.78

With multiple game variations, Yard Pong is the ultimate in outdoor recreation. The included travel bag makes it easy to tote anywhere you venture this summer. Simply weigh the buckets down with water, sand or bean bags, and challenge your group to a toss-off.

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Best Outdoor Game for the Pool

$25

A childhood favorite is made all the more fun in this jumbo, inflatable version of tic-tac-toe for the pool. The game comes with a game board that can be reversed to show either blue or orange as well as five Xs and five Os. Not only is this set great for land or water play, but it also serves as ultra-fun entertainment for every generation.

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Best Days-of-Yore Outdoor Game

$148

Old fashion doesn't have to mean "past its prime." Horseshoes are fun for young and old. It sets up in seconds and can be made as challenging or easy as you want it to be. This heirloom-quality set would make a great hostess gift for a summer barbecue.

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Best Outdoor Game for Tailgating

$159.99

Whether you're hanging out before the big game, gathering in your backyard or spending the day on the beach, cornhole is easy to take along to any outdoor space. These vintage-inspired regulation boards are paired with all-weather bean bags and have a carry case for on-the-go fun.

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Best Jumbo Outdoor Game

$39.98

Seize the chance to make a game bigger and better when you take it outdoors. Bring the entertainment of the alley to your backyard with this inflatable bowling set that both young and old will enjoy. No need to stick to the typical bowling rules — roll, kick or throw your way to a strike.

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Best Outdoor Game of Suspense

$79.99 $76

Try not to be the one that pulls the crashing block! Made from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine, the 56 wooden blocks stack up to 19 levels high and can grow to more than five feet tall while playing. The whole set packs up easily in a zippered tote.

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Best Versatile Outdoor Game

$64.99 $49.99

With everything you need to play more than 20 dice games, this all-in-one collection will never get old. Polished and sealed, the dice are weather- and water-resistant so you can cart them to the lake, beach, park or backyard.

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Best Table-to-Yard Outdoor Game

$88 $69.95

Whether you love a game of Chickenfoot, Mexican Train, Spinner or traditional Dominoes, this large-scale set brings the tabletop game outdoors. The solid wood dominoes have a rich natural finish and allow you to play out in the sunshine rather than cooped up inside.

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Best Outdoor Game for a Challenge

$38.95

Designed to be safe and durable, this ladder ball set is made from reinforced high-impact plastic so that it can handle hours of outdoor play. Additionally, the rubber bolas have the look of golf balls but are softer so that no one gets hurt.

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