The 4th of July is the perfect holiday to gather with friends and family and have fun in the sun. This year, make your celebration extra memorable by bringing everyone together games in the park or backyard. From classic favorites to newer challenges, here’s a few of the best lawn games to entertain guests of all ages during your Independence Day activities.
1. Cornhole
A staple at many outdoor gatherings, cornhole involves players taking turns throwing bags filled with dried corn, beans, or uncooked rice at an slanted platform with a hole at the far end. This game of skill and precision can often spark friendly competition among friends and family members.
2. Croquet
Set up a croquet court in your backyard for a touch of old-fashioned charm. This mallet sport has players hitting wooden balls through hoops embedded in a grass course. It’s perfect for families of all ages and provides a slower-paced, tactical game that can be surprisingly competitive.
3. Horseshoes or Ring Toss
Horseshoes is another traditional lawn game that involves throwing horseshoes at stakes in the ground, aiming to hook them or land them as close to the stake as possible. Instead of horseshoes, you could also set up a ring toss set. Both games are simple to set up and can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels.
4. Badminton
For a more active game, set up a badminton net and enjoy rallying the birdie back and forth. It’s great for improving hand-eye coordination and can be played casually or competitively.
5. Ladder Toss
Also known as ladder ball or ladder golf, this game involves throwing bolas (two balls connected by a string) onto a ladder structure for points. The goal is to get the bolas to hang from the rungs of the ladder, with different rungs worth varying points.
6. Oversized Jenga
Take the classic table game to new heights with an oversized Jenga set. Players take turns removing a block from the tower and balancing it on top, hoping not to be the one who makes it topple.
7. Spikeball®
A newer addition to backyard games, Spikeball® involves teams of two and features a hula hoop-sized round net placed at ankle level between the teams. Players spike a ball onto the net so it bounces up toward their opponents, who then have three hits between them to control it and bounce it back. It’s fast-paced and perfect for those looking for a more vigorous, energetic game.
8. Bocce Ball
Bocce ball is a classic European lawn game that involves throwing a small ball down the court and then taking turns tossing larger weighted balls as close as possible. Bocce can be played on most flat surfaces such as grass, sand, or dirt, making it versatile for nearly any backyard setup.
Make your backyard the heart of the celebration this 4th of July by including these fun and exciting backyard games. These games are sure to add laughter and competitive spirit to your Independence Day!