19 fun outdoor games to enjoy this spring and summer

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  • Outdoor games are a great way to gather in your backyard for some fun.
  • We rounded up the best outdoor games for all ages to play.
  • Check out Insider Reviews for more spring and summertime ideas.

As we approach the warmer months, there’s no better time to get outside. Whether it’s your own backyard and pool or a day trip to the beach, we’ve rounded up 19 of the best outdoor games — from volleyball and bocce to mini-golf and giant Jenga.

Here are the best outdoor games of 2021

When you have a wide grass field or yards of sand for an outdoor game, put up a portable net for an impromptu game of volleyball. If you don’t like to bump and serve with your hands, badminton offers a similar experience with a lightweight racket and birdie.

Bocce is one of the more engaging and team-focused outdoor games. It’s not as commonly played as some others in this guide, but once you get started, you’ll want to play all day.

Cornhole is a classic outdoor game that only requires a board and bean bags to toss. Test your aim and try to get the bean bags on the board — it makes for a perfect activity to bring to the beach or to a tailgate.

KanJam is a great game to bring to the beach and play on the sand. Simply gather a team outside and try to get the frisbee into the cans. You’ll soon have many people wanting to join in on the fun.

These large-sized versions of popular board games bring the fun from the coffee table to the backyard. Some also make great conversation pieces during outdoor parties.

Better known as a frisbee, it’s a great toy for playing catch with your dog or to toss around with others. If throwing a disc around seems tame, challenge some friends to a competitive game of Ultimate.

I used to jump for hours on my driveway when I was young, and it’s a great way to double-dutch and hop along — all while getting exercise in. I love beaded ones because they are typically longer and the beads make you know when to jump as they hit the pavement, but braided wired ones work just as well. 

Fun to play with kids, this hopscotch ring set lets you set up a game anywhere — no chalk needed.

When you tire of volleyball, give spikeball a try, especially for beach trips. Instead of hitting a ball over a net, this game revolves around a miniature netted trampoline that you hit a ball into.

Tossing games seem basic, but they’re fun and usually small and travel-friendly to store in a reusable bag or backpack.

Also known as bucket ball, the game comes with three balls of different weights for beginners and pros alike. It’s like beer pong, except more family appropriate. Plus: The buckets can also be used to build sandcastles.

Yes, you can order potato sacks for racing outdoors, just like back in summer camp. Expect endless laughs — and some stumbles — with this simple family activity.

Bubbles are less of a game and more of something to do outside but, nevertheless, they are great for all ages.

This game immediately brings back memories of cruise ship days, except this one is played on a driveway. All you need are the two cue sticks, pucks, and sidewalk chalk. Think of it as outdoor hockey, but with a twist.

You don’t see much of ladder ball these days, but when it’s at a backyard party, it’s always the star of the show. It’s similar to the aim-and-toss cornhole method but is more difficult, as you’re throwing a weighted ball on a string. 

On days where the sun is out and on full blast, water gun battles are a fun way to cool down. However, if there are kids around, be very mindful as some water guns can be strong enough to cause pain or injury.

Capture the flag is a game you probably haven’t played since middle school, but it’s a low-impact, football-like activity you can play with kids and adults.

Strikes, spares, and turkeys aren’t limited to bowling alleys. Outdoor bowling sets are available for your next backyard get-together and are typically built from weather-resistant materials, too, so they’ll last for spring and summertime.

If you want the mini-golf experience in the comfort of your own home, PutterBall is the way to go. The felt-lined mat, along with two puters, two golf balls, and 12 turf hole covers, make it a game that’s also portable to bring to a friend’s backyard or a nearby park.

If you’d rather go to a driving range, check out our guides to the best golf clubs for all skill levels, golf balls, and golf gloves.

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