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If you’re looking to turn a plain patch of grass into a social magnet, lawn games are the fastest, cheapest, and most fun route. They’re the backyard equivalent of a good playlist — they get people moving, laughing, and competing in the best possible way. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a neighborhood block party, or a chill afternoon with friends, a few well-chosen games transform any yard into a mini festival. And the best part? Most lawn games take up only a few square feet and pack down light enough to toss in the trunk for an impromptu park date.
There’s a reason cornhole shows up at nearly every tailgate: it’s simple, addictive, and easy for all ages. But the lawn game world is huge, and picking a handful of classics gives you maximum variety without cluttering your storage closet. Think of these as your backyard starter kit.
Cornhole is the poster child of American lawn games — two board platforms, a hole, and a handful of sacks. The boards usually sit about 27 inches high at the back and are placed 27 feet apart for competitive play, but you can shorten that distance for kids or casual matches. Look for weather-resistant plywood or composite boards and bean bags that weigh a few ounces each, so they fly true without wrecking windows.
Giant Jenga stacks wooden blocks into a tower that grows taller and wobblier with each turn. A full set often reaches 3 to 4 feet high when stacked, and the drama only ramps up from there. Solid pine or cedar blocks — around 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 7 1/2 inches for scaled-up versions — play nicer outdoors and stand up to knocks better than soft wood.
Ladder toss features bolas — two balls linked by a short cord — thrown at a three-rung ladder. The ladders often stand about 3 feet tall, and the thrill comes from hitting different rungs for varying points. Choose sets with 18 to 24-inch long bolas and sturdy PVC or metal ladders for easy setup and long life.
Bocce is a low-effort, high-satisfaction game for players of all ages. Sets typically include eight to ten balls around 3 inches in diameter and a smaller target ball called a pallino. Play works well on grass, sand, or a dedicated bocce court; a standard backyard lane might be 13 to 15 feet long and a few feet wide.
Croquet is both a strategy game and a picnic-friendly pastime. Sturdy mallets that are around 30 to 34 inches long and durable wood or composite balls help the game survive soggy grass and rough play. Croquet kits are great for mixed-age groups because they combine coordination with tactical thinking.
Ring toss is an excellent go-to for kids’ parties. Throw plastic or rope rings at stakes set a few yards away. It’s a sloppy, joyful cousin of some of the more serious lawn games, and it’s forgiving for toddlers and adults alike. Look for rings about 8 to 12 inches in diameter for easy handling.
Kubb blends skill, tactics, and a little bit of history into a lawn-side strategic duel. Wooden blocks called kubbs are placed across the field and knocked down with batons roughly 15 to 18 inches long. A typical playing field is about 8 to 16 feet wide, and the game scales to fit the size of your yard.
Shopping for lawn games is a pleasure because there’s no single “best” store — it depends on whether you want budget-friendly, premium, pre-assembled, or customizable gear. Several reliable retailers make it easy to compare styles, prices, and shipping options.
Walmart carries a broad range of lawn games from budget sets to mid-range brands, including toddler-focused kits like the Funphix FP-TDLR-1 Tiny Tots set. If you want a quick grab-and-go cornhole board or a kid-friendly ring toss, Walmart’s selection and low prices make it a smart starting point. Look for in-store pickup if you want to avoid shipping waits.
Target blends style with affordability, making it a go-to for families who want games that look good on the patio and won’t break the bank. Their seasonal aisle usually features cornhole, ladder toss, and kids’ outdoor sets. Target’s exclusive bundles often include colorful, coordinated sets that brighten up summer gatherings.
Amazon shines on variety. From handcrafted wooden cornhole boards to portable ladder toss kits, you’ll find virtually every lawn game there. The real benefit is user reviews — hundreds of buyer experiences can guide you to a sturdy brand or a flimsy knockoff. Keep an eye on dimensions in the listing so you don’t buy a mini version when you meant to get regulation size.
Dick’s tends to stock durable, higher-performance sets geared toward serious backyard athletes. If you want a tournament-grade cornhole board or heavy-duty bocce balls that can take the rough stuff, this is a solid option. Their staff can help with sizing, giving you a hands-on feel that online photos can’t match.
Academy focuses on outdoor recreation and often offers good deals on family-friendly lawn games. Their inventory includes classic sets and seasonal items that are priced competitively, and they frequently bundle accessories like extra bean bags or carrying cases.
Home improvement stores carry rugged outdoor sets that emphasize weather resistance and durability. You’ll find heavy-duty wooden or composite cornhole boards, outdoor storage boxes, and sometimes DIY kits if you feel handy. These are good picks for homeowners who want something built to last a few seasons or more.
Not every game fits every yard. Take stock of your space, the typical group size, and who will play most often. A tiny balcony might handle a ring toss or a compact bocce set, while a two-car-wide lawn shines with cornhole and giant Jenga.
If you’ve got less than 10 feet between the fence and the grill, choose compact games. Tabletop cornhole, mini bocce sets, and ring toss play well in tight spots. Measure out 6 to 10 feet to be safe; cramped players mean less fun.
Most medium yards can host one or two full-size games like cornhole or ladder toss. With 20 feet of depth you can comfortably set a cornhole board and still have room for a picnic table or chairs. Think of your yard as a living room where you move the furniture for a party.
Got 30 feet or more? You’re in party mode. Set up cornhole, giant Jenga, bocce lanes, and even a croquet course. Multiple games keep groups rotating and prevent boredom — it’s like creating a tiny amusement park in grass form.
Safety and simplicity matter with kids. Look for rounded edges, lighter equipment, and bright colors to keep play engaging and safe. For toddlers, handheld, soft-piece sets are perfect; older kids can handle heavier, more strategic games.
You don’t need a big rulebook for toddler fun. The Funphix Tiny Tots toddler set is an example of a toddler-oriented option sold at retailers like Walmart that focuses on bright, safe pieces sized for small hands. Soft components and low stacking heights reduce the chance of bumped heads or pinched fingers.
Tweens and teens crave a bit of challenge. Ladder toss and regulation cornhole keep the competitive juices flowing, and the slightly heavier equipment helps build skill. Look for sets with replaceable parts so you can swap out worn ropes, straps, or bean bags instead of buying an entirely new kit.
Outdoor gear takes a beating from sun, rain, and careless players. Wooden sets look great but need sealing; composite materials shrug off moisture and last longer while weighing a bit more. Metal frames can rust unless powder-coated, and fabric components should be UV-treated where possible.
Wood offers a classic feel and sound, but plan to reseal every season or two if you leave it outside. Plastic is lightweight and inexpensive but can warp in intense sun. Composite blends give you the best of both worlds — the look of wood with low maintenance, often at a slightly higher price.
Consider how much you’ll move the game. A portable cornhole set might weigh 20 to 30 pounds combined, while a premium wooden set can be 40 to 60 pounds. Lightweight PVC ladders and inflatable or soft-play toddler sets frequently drop under 10 pounds, making them perfect for the park or beach.
Good lawn games fit every budget. Decide whether you want a no-frills set for casual play or a premium kit that will last for years. Sales spike around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, so timing purchases can save you 20 to 40 percent. Don’t forget coupon codes and club membership discounts at sporting goods stores.
Buying used is a smart way to snag high-quality gear without the new price tag. Check local marketplaces for lightly used cornhole boards, bolos, and bocce sets. If you’re handy, a DIY cornhole or Jenga set is not only cheaper but also customizable — you can stain wood, paint logos, or carve handles for easy transport.
A little care extends the life of your games. Wipe boards after play, store sets in a dry shed or garage, and keep fabric bags in a sealed container to prevent mildew. For wooden gear, a coat of outdoor sealant once a year usually does the trick.
After each use: brush off grass and dirt, let items air dry, and pack them into a storage bag if available. Seasonal deep care includes sanding and resealing wood, tightening screws on ladders, and replacing rope or cords that show fraying. Think of maintenance as car upkeep — a small, regular investment prevents costly replacements.
Want to get crafty? You can build a regulation cornhole board with a few sheets of plywood and some 1x4s, or assemble a giant Jenga tower from scrap 2x4s cut to 7 1/2 inches each. Painted crates make for easy ring toss targets, and old ropes can be braided into bolas for ladder toss. DIY projects are a great weekend afternoon task and make your games feel extra personal.
When you plan a game night, mix up the game types: one skill game (cornhole), one strategy game (bocce or kubb), and one silly game (ring toss or a toddler set). Provide shaded seating, a cooler with drinks, and small prizes to keep the vibe playful. Rotate teams and keep rounds short so everyone gets a turn — think of your event like a friendly mini-tournament.
Lawn games are one of the simplest ways to upgrade gatherings, get people outdoors, and build memories without breaking the bank. From toddler-friendly kits to tournament-grade cornhole boards, retailers across the US — including Walmart, Target, Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and home-improvement stores — offer options for every budget and yard size. With a little planning, basic maintenance, and the right mix of games, your backyard will become the town’s favorite weekend destination. So grab a set, call your friends, and let the games begin.
| Lawn Games | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Yardgames Giant Tumbling Timbers Natural Pine Wood Stacking Game 2 Pack | $ 177,99 | |
| Funphix Fp-tdlr-1 Tiny Tots Toddler Set | $ 227,43 |
