As the sun shines brighter and the weather warms up in 2025, it's the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy some fun lawn games with friends and family. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy patio, there's a game out there to suit every space and group size. Here are my top picks for the best yard games of 2025, designed to bring joy and laughter to your outdoor gatherings.
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
When choosing the perfect yard game for your spring and summer fun, consider the size of your space and the number of players. Below, I'll dive into the details of each game, helping you decide which one will be the best fit for your outdoor adventures.
Cornhole
GoSports Classic Cornhole Set
See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Official Cornhole Rules
Cornhole is a timeless classic that you'll find at nearly every outdoor gathering. The game is straightforward: you need two boards with holes and a set of bags. You can play with two players, one on each side, or four players, with two on each side. For the best experience, opt for wooden cornhole sets over plastic ones. Wooden sets are more expensive but provide less bounce and better sliding for the bags. If you're on the go, consider collapsible sets for easy travel.
PutterBall
PutterBall Golf Pong Game Set
See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: PutterBall Rules
PutterBall is ideal for smaller spaces like decks or patios. This game combines the fun of yard pong with the precision of putting. Each team takes turns trying to sink balls into the opponent's cups. It's a slow-paced, enjoyable hangout game that you can set up almost anywhere.
Spikeball
Spikeball Standard Set
See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 4
Rules: Official Spikeball Rules
Spikeball is a newer addition to the yard game scene, blending elements of volleyball and foursquare. Two teams of two players each hit a ball into a net, trying to keep it in play. It's an energetic game that will get everyone sweating. The official Spikeball set includes the net, balls, a carrying case, and rulebook. For a more durable option, consider the Spikeball Pro Kit.
Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga
See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-6
Rules: Official Jenga Rules
For a fun test of dexterity that doesn't require much athletic prowess, Giant Jenga is perfect. While regular Jenga can be played in your backyard, the giant version adds an extra layer of excitement. Choose from various sizes, with the standard reaching over 4 feet. Just ensure small children and pets are safely away when the tower tumbles.
Kan Jam
Kan Jam
See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 4
Rules: Official KanJam Rules
Kan Jam is perfect for those who enjoy throwing frisbees. Set up two cans 50 feet apart and aim to score points by hitting or getting the frisbee into different holes. It's a great choice for larger backyards or a beach day, offering a fun and engaging experience.
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 or Ladder Ball, is easy to learn and play. Toss bolas (two balls connected by a string) to wrap around the rungs of a ladder, each worth different points. It's a relaxed game suitable for all ages and doesn't require much space. Both wooden and PVC versions are fun and functional.
Croquet
GoSports Croquet Set
See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-6
Rules: Croquet Official Rules
Croquet, dating back to 14th century France, offers a delightful and leisurely experience. Players hit balls through hoops with mallets, and you can customize the course. It's perfect for up to six players and doesn't need much space, making it ideal for family gatherings.
Bocce Ball
Amazon Basics Bocce Ball Set
See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-8
Rules: Bocce Official Rules
Bocce is one of the oldest lawn games, tracing back to 5200 B.C. The goal is to throw larger balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball. It's simple, portable, and requires no setup, making it perfect for quick and easy fun.
Badminton
Franklin Sports Badminton Set
See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Badminton Official Rules
Badminton is similar to tennis and pickleball but uses a shuttlecock. It's simple yet requires good hand-eye coordination. Setting up the net is the main challenge, but once up, it can also serve as a volleyball net. Note that both badminton and volleyball can be played virtually on the Nintendo Switch Sports.
Yard Pong
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 instead of cups. The rules can be customized to suit your group, but remember to keep it family-friendly.
Horseshoes
Champion Sports Horseshoe Set
See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Horseshoes Official Rules
Horseshoes can be played with just stakes and shoes, though a pit enhances the experience. Aim to ring the stake or get close to score points. Metal sets are recommended, but 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, blending tennis and ping pong, is a popular recreational sport. With a portable net, you can play on any hard surface. The set includes the net, balls, and a carrying case, though you'll need to buy paddles 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 is a unique addition to your yard game collection. The MegaChess set, with 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, is practical and easy to store. It's the same classic game, just larger and more engaging.
How to Choose the Right Yard Game for You
Choosing the perfect lawn game depends on various factors like your yard space, the number of players, and their interests. For small yards, consider games like Giant Jenga, PutterBall, or Yard Pong that require minimal space. For larger yards, badminton or Kan Jam can make great use of the space. And if you're heading to the beach, Spikeball, badminton, and Kan Jam are excellent choices, though be mindful of wind conditions.
For those looking to enjoy outdoor games without equipment, classic games like capture the flag, hide and seek, sardines, or tag can provide endless entertainment.
By considering these factors and exploring the variety of games available, you're sure to find the perfect yard game to make your outdoor gatherings in 2025 unforgettable.
