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Looking to level up your next summer gathering? Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, birthday party, or casual outdoor get-together, these fun and easy backyard games are sure to keep guests entertained. From lawn classics to creative new favorites, these outdoor party games will bring the sunshine vibes, spark laughter, and help everyone make lasting memories.
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Backyard Bash Must-Haves: Top 10 Outdoor Party Games
hese fun, easy-to-set-up backyard games are guaranteed to bring energy, laughter, and a little friendly competition to any summer celebration. From water balloon tosses to glow-in-the-dark showdowns, here are 10 crowd-pleasers your guests will love.
Cornhole
A backyard staple, cornhole is one of the most popular outdoor games for parties—and for good reason. Not only is iteasy to learn, but it’s also fun for all ages and doesn’t require a ton of space. All you need is a cornhole board set and some bean bags.
Party tip: To take things up a notch, create a mini cornhole tournament with team names, brackets, and small prizes. This simple twist ramps up the competition and gets everyone involved.
BUY IT!Giant Jenga
Add some towering tension to your backyard bash with Giant Jenga. This oversized version of the classic tabletop game challenges players to carefully remove blocks and stack them higher—all without toppling the tower.
Why it works: Not only is it low-effort, but it’s also high-impact entertainment. Additionally, it’s ideal for both kids and adults. Best of all, it’s a perfect fit for the more relaxed areas of your party, giving guests a fun way to mingle and compete without too much pressure.
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Water Balloon Toss
For a fun and refreshing backyard game—especially during summer parties—look no further than the classic water balloon toss. It’s a simple way to cool down while keeping guests entertained.
How to play: Guests partner up and toss a balloon back and forth, taking a step back with each successful catch. Eventually, the last team standing with an unbroken balloon wins!
Pro tip: Be sure to have extras on hand—because before you know it, a full-on balloon fight might break out (and that’s half the fun!).
BUY IT!Lawn Twister
Turn your yard into a giant game board with Lawn Twister. Simply spray paint circles in classic Twister-style colors on the grass and bring out the spinner for instant fun.
Why guests love it: Not only is it silly and colorful, but it’s also guaranteed to break the ice. Moreover, it’s perfect for all ages and works especially well for themed parties or family reunions. As a result, it’s a playful way to get everyone laughing and mingling.
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Ring Toss
Simple to set up and endlessly entertaining, ring toss is one of the best backyard games for younger guests or anyone looking for some low-key fun.
Custom tip: For added flair, use glow sticks for nighttime play. Alternatively, create a themed version using wine bottles, cones, or mason jars for a Pinterest-worthy setup. Either way, it’s a charming addition to any backyard bash.
BUY IT!Sack Races
Add a dose of nostalgia to your next outdoor party with good old-fashioned sack races. This timeless classic brings out everyone’s competitive (and goofy) side.
How to play: First, line everyone up at the starting line with burlap sacks or pillowcases. Then, race to the finish with big, bouncy hops.
Great for: Birthday parties, family BBQs, and picnic-style gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to get guests moving and laughing—especially the kids!
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Capture the Flag
For larger groups looking for high-energy outdoor games, Capture the Flag is a classic that never fails.
Here’s how it works: First, divide guests into two teams and hide the flags. Then, get strategic and start the chase!
This game is ideal for team-building, teen parties, and even adults who want to run around and have fun. Ultimately, it’s a fantastic way to energize your backyard bash and get everyone involved.
BUY IT!Backyard Bingo
Make mingling easy and interactive with Backyard Bingo.
To play: Start by creating bingo cards featuring party-specific items like “someone wearing red,” “drinks lemonade,” or “wins a game.” Then, players mingle around to mark off their squares.
Bonus: Not only is it a great icebreaker, but it also works perfectly for backyard bridal showers, birthdays, or casual BBQs. As a result, it helps guests connect and have fun from the moment they arrive.
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KanJam
If your guests love frisbee, KanJam is the ultimate backyard challenge.
Here’s how it works: Players try to hit, deflect, or “jam” a frisbee into a large can.
Why it rocks: Not only is it fast-paced and easy to learn, but it also works well in both small and large yards. Therefore, it’s one of the best outdoor party games for adults looking to add a bit of competition and excitement to the fun.
BUY IT!Glow-in-the-Dark Games
When the sun goes down, glow-in-the-dark backyard games keep the party going strong.
Some fun ideas include glow stick ring toss, glow cornhole, flashlight tag, and glow necklace scavenger hunts.
To set the vibe, add string lights, lanterns, or glowing decor to transform your space into a magical nighttime playground. With these touches, your party will stay lively well after dark!
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No matter the occasion, the right mix of backyard games can turn any summer gathering into a celebration to remember. Whether you’re tossing bean bags, racing in sacks, or glowing in the dark, these games bring people together and keep the energy high. So grab your sunscreen, fire up the grill, and let the games begin—your best backyard party yet is just a few laughs away.
Mary Lawyer
Mary Lawyer is the content manager at Sass Magazine with a passion for storytelling and creativity. When she's not crafting engaging content, you can find her lifting weights, getting her hands dirty in the garden, or hunting for hidden gems while thrifting.
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