Best lawn games for all ages
As the weather gets warmer, it’s natural for people to want to enjoy games outdoors together. Lawn games provide limitless fun for people of all ages.
But when it comes to finding a game that all ages will enjoy, the age and skill level of the youngest participants should always be a top consideration (a croquet mallet, for instance, can cause a lot of damage in the wrong hands).
Whether intended for children or adults, the best lawn games are easy to learn, a cinch to set up, portable and fun for any occasion. Keep reading to learn which games may be right for your next get-together.
Kid-friendly lawn games
The best lawn games for kids are ones that children of any age and size can participate in — though, of course, a game made for older children will need its rules adjusted somewhat if there are little ones involved. Fortunately, popular lawn games such as horseshoe and lawn bowling have less hazardous versions designed for youngsters that they can play alongside the big kids and grown-ups.
Keep in mind that lawn games designed specifically for children must meet safety standards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires all games designed for children to undergo testing at an accepted laboratory. These companies must submit a Children’s Product Certificate to start production.
Pros of lawn games for kids
If you’re hosting a family event, providing lawn games for the kids will make all of your guests happy. The children won’t get bored, and parents can enjoy conversation while the kids are off having fun, improving their social skills and learning the art of how to win (or lose) gracefully. Children keeping track of points will also get some math practice in.
Cons of lawn games for kids
It’s important to remember some kids have allergies, and lawn games may aggravate these. You’ll also want to consider exposure to any lawn care products, especially if you use pesticides or lawn treatment.
Best lawn games for kids
Hey! Play! Rubber Horseshoe Set: available at Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl’s, and Home Depot
This kid-friendly set of plastic horseshoes comes with rubber stoppers, making it possible to play indoors without harming the floor. The set comes with a tote bag that can hold all the game pieces.
GoSports Portable PVC Cornhole Game: available at Amazon, Wayfair and Home Depot
GoSports created a lightweight and affordable lawn game that everyone will love. The PVC set is easy to assemble and fits into a gym bag. It’s slightly smaller than regulation-style cornhole, making it a bit easier for children to score points.
Costway Jumbo 4-to-Score 4-in-Row: available at Amazon and Overstock
This plays on the popular Hasbro Connect Four game. It’s kid-friendly, has soft round edges and travels easily. Games go quickly, which allows more children to play.
Giant Inflatable Bowling Set by Hey! Play!: available at Wayfair, Bed Bath and Beyond and Buy Buy Baby
A lawn game aimed to help toddlers play outside, this inflatable bowling set is sure to keep your kids occupied. After playing, simply deflate and store away.
Lawn games for adults
Adults have even more options when it comes to lawn games. Darts, badminton, bocce and croquet are traditional outdoor games for adults. At an outdoor gathering, most adults prefer games that are easy to set up and play.
Pros of lawn games for adults
If you’re having a party where not everyone knows each other, lawn games for adults are a great way to help break the ice and provide easy entertainment for your guests. For families, lawn games encourage everyone to get away from their screens and get exercise doing something fun.
Cons of lawn games for adults
Lawn games don’t work for all occasions. For example, a formal event or outdoor wedding may not be ideal for those who want to keep their nice clothes clean. Also, if people try a new game that is too complicated, lawn games can frustrate participants.
Best lawn games for adults
St. PierreSports American Presidential Horseshoe: available at Wayfair and Amazon
This game meets official horseshoe regulation specifications. The horseshoes and stakes are made of steel and come in a retro-style wooden carrying case.
2′ x 4′ Retro Stained Bennett Pyramid Solid Wood by AJJ Cornhole: available at Wayfair
Cornhole is a popular game for all ages. This regulation-sized set is certified by the American Cornhole Association and can withstand full-scale cornhole competition. The legs fold away, making it easier to store or transport.
GoSports Giant 4 in a row: available at Amazon, Overstock and Wayfair
This four-foot-wide game is available in white or brown and comes with a carrying bag. Children ages 12 or older can also play this game.
Backyard Lawn Bowling Game 8-inch: available at Amazon, Bed Bath and Beyond, Wayfair, Overstock and Home Depot
This wooden bowling set has stylish pins that look like early bowling pins from the 1950s. The set comes with a fashionable carry tote bag.
Should you get lawn games for kids or adults?
If you occasionally host parties for families with kids, it’s a good idea to have multiple types of games on hand. If you tend to only throw gatherings for adults, you can find plenty of games for the adults young at heart. The important thing is to keep it simple and make sure everyone plays safely.
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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