As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, there’s no better way to enjoy quality family time than by stepping outside and playing some fun yard games. Whether you have a sprawling lawn or a cozy patch of grass, outdoor games are a fantastic way to keep everyone entertained, active, and off their screens. The best part? You don’t need a lot of space to have a blast! From classic games that have stood the test of time to creative new twists, there’s something here for everyone, no matter the size of your yard.
In this blog, we’re sharing the top 11 family outdoor games for any yard size. These games are simple to set up, easy to learn, and guaranteed to bring out the competitive spirit in kids and adults alike. So, grab your favorite snacks, sunscreen, and some good vibes—because it’s time to make some unforgettable memories right in your own backyard!
First, let's look into my favorite games for smaller yards. Don't worry, we won't need a map to navigate these spaces! Get ready for outdoor family games that will have your kids outdoors and engaged for hours!
Cornhole
The equipment needed to play includes a cornhole board and bean bags. Typical gameplay consists of either individuals or teams taking turns throwing the bean bags toward the boards. If a bag lands on the board it counts as one point, and three points if a bag goes through the hole in the board. Usually the game ends when one player or team exceeds twenty-one points. When I play I like to include punishments for missing the board altogether and advantages for knocking off your opponent's bag - like having to balance on one leg for the next throw or closing one eye. This is a great game for a family member, adult or kid of any age or skill level.
Giant Jenga
For Jenga the equipment is simple, all you need is Jenga blocks which are typically made of wood. Obviously for this yard version, those blocks need to be giant. Gameplay for Giant Jenga is super simple. The game is played with two or more players. There are typically fifty-four blocks that are then stacked in a tower with each row consisting of three blocks alternating direction for each row. Each participant will take turns removing blocks for the lower portion of the tower and stack them on the top of the tower. The game ends when a player makes the tower collapse. House Rules: Before playing, decide how far up the tower you can pull blocks from - every group has their own preferences.
Kubb
Like Jenga, Kubb is fun game also made out of wood. Supposedly originating from the vikings, it's one of my favorite outdoor activities. To play all you need is ten Kubb blocks, one king block, and six batons. Players will set up their Kubb and king blocks in any configuration they choose within the boundary markers which can be determined by those playing the game. Players will take turns throwing their batons trying to knock down all kubb blocks. Once all kubb blocks are down, they can throw at the king. The player to do this successfully wins. If the king is knocked down before all kubbs then that player also loses. For an added challenge to the game my friends and I like to add difficulties if you miss a block. Some of the difficulties we've done in the past are having to jump rope before you throw, throw backwards, or use a pool noodle or water balloon as a baton.
Bonus Game: Bocce Ball
Bocce ball is a classic yard game that's fun for all ages. To play, you’ll need eight large balls and one small target ball, called the "pallino." Start by tossing the pallino onto the lawn. Then, each player or team takes turns rolling their bocce balls, aiming to get them as close to the pallino as possible. You can also knock your opponent’s balls away to improve your position. After all the balls are thrown, the closest ball to the pallino scores points. The game continues until a player or team reaches a predetermined score, usually 12 or 16 points.
Kubb, Giant Jenga, Bocce ball, and Cornhole are all great backyard games for small yards!
Why did the lawn gnome move to a medium yard? Because he wanted just the right amount of space to garden and still have room for his favorite fun outdoor game! Next up are my top five games to play in medium yards.
9 Square
9 Square is the perfect game for any large group - all you need is a 9 Square game set and a rubber ball. The game is played with nine or more players, each standing in one of the squares within the grid. The objective is to advance to and maintain the center square by strategically hitting the ball into other players' squares without them deflecting the ball. The fun game begins with the ball being served from the center square. Players then hit the ball with an open hand, aiming to send it into any of the other eight squares. If the ball lands outside the grid, that player is out and must leave the game. The remaining players then rotate to fill the empty squares, with a new player entering the lowest-numbered square. The best part is you can play for as short or long as you’d like as there are no specific rules that end the game. My favorite way to play 9 Square is to add water balloons instead of a soft ball on a hot summer day. The added element of potentially getting wet with each hit brings an extra layer of fun, making the game even more refreshing and enjoyable for all players involved.
Kickball
All you need is a kickball and bases. These bases can be anything from cones to markers or even just designated spots on the ground. The game is played with two teams. After you divide players up, each team takes turns kicking the ball and running the bases, similar to baseball. The game begins with one team in the field and the other team kicking. The pitcher rolls the ball towards the kicker, who tries to kick it into the field. Fielding players try to catch the ball or throw it to the bases to get runners out. The team with the most runs at the end of the designated number of innings wins. When the weather gets hot, the best way to play kickball is to add water! Turn the bases into kiddie pools filled with water and in between the bases put slip n’ slides covered in dish soap. It's a very messy and very fun alternative making this backyard game one of my favorites!
Capture the Flag
To play Capture the Flag you need two flags and boundary markers. These flags can be anything easily visible, and boundary markers can be cones, sidewalk chalk lines, or natural landmarks. For some team building, you can do some diy projects and have teams create their own flags for more fun outdoor play. The game is played with two teams. Each team has its own territory, within which their flag is hidden. The goal is to capture the opponent's flag and return it to your own territory without being tagged. The game begins with each team hiding their flag within their territory. Players then try to infiltrate the opposing team's territory, locate the flag, and bring it back to their side without being tagged and going to jail. My favorite way to play is to add an obstacle course to this lawn game which helps make this the best outdoor game.
Kan Jam
For Kan Jam all you need are two goals and a frisbee. The game is played with four players, divided into two teams. Each team has one goal and the objective is to score points by throwing the frisbee towards the goal and having your teammate deflect it in. The game begins with one player from the throwing team tossing the frisbee towards their team's goal. The teammate standing near the goal can deflect the frisbee to hit the goal or get it into the slot for maximum points. Teams alternate throwing the frisbee until one team reaches exactly 21 points, at which point they win the game. My favorite way to play Kan Jam is to set up the goals at different distances for each round, increasing the challenge and requiring more skill and strategy with each throw. This backyard game is a whole tier above a classic outdoor game like ring toss or ladder toss.
Gaga Ball
To play Gaga Ball all you need is a gaga ball pit and a soft ball. The game is played with multiple players who stand inside the enclosed pit. The objective is to hit the ball at or below the knees of the other players to eliminate them from the game. The game begins with all players standing inside the pit. One player serves the ball by tossing it into the center, and the ball must bounce three times before it can be hit. Players then use their hands to hit the ball, aiming to strike other players below the knees. If a player is hit at or below the knees, they are out and must leave the pit. Players can only hit the ball once before it touches another player or the wall of the pit. Be the last one in the pit to win! My favorite way to play Gaga Ball is to add multiple balls into the pit at once. This increases the chaos and excitement, as players must keep track of several balls and avoid getting hit. I find this to be the best yard game for younger kids to get in some physical activity and stay busy.
Why did the scarecrow love living in a large yard? Because he always had plenty of space to be outstanding while playing his favorite yard games! Next will be my top three backyard games to play in large yards.
Ultimate Frisbee
All you need for Ultimate Frisbee is a frisbee and a field with two end zones. This lawn game is played with two teams, each consisting of seven players. The objective is to score points by catching the frisbee in the opposing team's end zone, like football. The classic game begins when one team throws the frisbee to the other team from their end zone. Players then pass the frisbee among their teammates, attempting to advance it down the field. Players cannot run while holding the frisbee. If the frisbee is dropped, intercepted, or goes out of bounds, possession changes to the other team. After a point is scored, teams switch ends and keep playing until your groups pre decided points for the win. I like to add a teleportation twist. I use multiple sets of the same colored hula hoops. You can place an additional frisbee inside a hula hoop and if you and a teammate are both in the same color hula hoop you can teleport the frisbee to them and set yours down as they pick theirs up.
Volleyball
For volleyball all you need is a volleyball and a net. The game is played with two teams of six players. The objective is to score points by grounding the ball on the opposing team's side of the court. The game begins with a serve, where one player from the serving team hits the ball over the net to the opposing team. Each team is allowed up to three touches to return the ball over the net. If none of the players on the opposing team hit the ball from a serve that is called an ACE. Players rotate positions in a clockwise direction each time they win a point and regain the serve. The game continues until one team reaches the predetermined number of points, usually 25, and leads by at least two points. A fun twist we like to play with at Castle Sports is any time a team serves an ACE, the opposing team must play the next volley backwards!
Pickleball
To play pickleball all you need is a pickleball paddle, pickleball, and net. The game is played with either singles or doubles. The objective is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent's court in such a way that they are unable to return it. Players hit the ball back and forth, aiming to land it within the opponent's court or force an error. Points are scored only by the serving team and occur when the opposing team fails to return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or commits a fault, such as stepping into the non-volley zone. Games are typically played to 11 points, with a team needing to win by at least two points. My favorite way to play pickleball is to introduce power plays, where each team gets one chance per game to earn double points on a rally of their choice. This adds an extra layer of excitement encouraging teams to think carefully about when to use their power play.
Though these are my favorite outdoor games, you should go try out and see what yard games you enjoy. Some other games you can try are: ladder golf, yard yahtzee, bocce ball, ring game, lawn bowling, and disc golf. Go out and experiment with any party game and see what works best for your yard. With so many fantastic options for family outdoor games, there’s something for every yard size and every occasion. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy garden, these 11 backyard games offer opportunities for great fun, team building, and quality time with loved ones. From classic games like kickball and volleyball to engaging options for large groups and older kids, each yard game brings its own unique excitement and challenge. By integrating these games into your backyard barbecue, birthday party, or any outdoor gathering, you'll not only create lasting memories but also foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among players of all ages. Embrace the fun and make the most of your outdoor space with these versatile and enjoyable activities!
