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15 Outdoor Games to Play at Summer Parties
Whether you're planning a birthday party for your kids or a backyard barbecue for the neighborhood, no summer party is complete without outdoor games. Enjoy the sun and have some fun out there!
Beanbag Toss Game
This is one of my favorite outdoor party games! Get ready to work on your hand-eye coordination with this cornhole set ($120), because tossing the beanbag into the hole is way harder than it looks.
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Giant Dominoes
Why sit inside and play with regular dominoes when you can bring a life-sized game outdoors? Take this classic to the next level with a colorful, larger-than-life set ($24).
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Badminton Set
If you want to get competitive, you’ll need a net to play badminton. But, my family always just had fun hitting the shuttlecock back and forth! This badminton set ($29) is portable enough to bring anywhere, from picnicking at the park to enjoying a day at beach.
Bocce Ball
Bocce is one of those games that’s great for family gatherings, regardless of whether or not you’ve played before. The rules are easy enough to learn, so anyone can jump right in. This bocce set ($110) is built to last a lifetime.
Tug of War
Do you remember playing this as a kid? Bring back the retro game with this colorful 1.5-inch thick rope. Select the 100-foot rope ($130) to play with as many as eight pullers per team.
Space Squirt Guns
Play the ultimate game of tag with these space-age squirt guns ($11). They’re perfect for cooling down on hot, summer days when it’s too warm to fire up the oven! Serve a refreshing Jell-O salad when you’re ready for a snack.
Spikeball
This four-person team game ($56) will have your entire party cheering. Think volleyball-meets-trampoline, and while it might look intimidating, playing is easier than you think.
Lawn Bowling
Who needs a bowling alley when you can play the game in the great outdoors? This lawn bowling set ($76) comes with a carrying case, so you can bring it with you to any family game night.
Giant Toppling Tower
This game is like the Jenga you played as a kid, except much (much) bigger! The giant tower set ($80) starts at 2.5 feet tall, and it can grow to as tall as 5 feet before toppling over. Choose your pieces wisely…
Giant Connect 4 in a Row
This life-sized version of Connect 4 ($90) is a must for your family’s collection of outdoor games. The board folds down to fit inside the carrying case, and all the game pieces fit inside the zippered pockets. It’s easy to set up when you’re ready to play.
Croquet
Pick up this all-inclusive set ($74) to host a croquet tournament in your backyard. If you’ve never played before, get ready to become addicted to this classic yard game. (It’s all in the wrist.)
Ring Toss
This is the perfect game for kids ($20). The rules are simple and straightforward, and it only takes a few practice rounds to get the hang of it. We also love that it packs up for easy transportation and storage.
Supersized Pong
If you’ve ever played beer pong at a party, you’ll have a blast with this supersized version ($50). The cups are collapsible and the ball inflates, so it’s easy to pack and easier to set up. Since there’s no alcohol in the cups, this version is kid-friendly, too.
Ladder Golf
Test your hand-eye coordination by tossing bolas at your next backyard barbecue. This set ($59) is constructed from wood, so it’s sturdier than the plastic versions.
Rubber Horseshoes
You don’t have to permanently install a horseshoe pit in the backyard to enjoy this classic game. Take this set ($16) with you everywhere you go; there’s even an option for indoor play if your party gets rained out.
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