Top Outdoor Yard Games for 2025: Get Active!

As the warm weather of 2025 beckons us outdoors, there's no better way to enjoy the sunshine than with some engaging lawn games. Whether you're looking to relive childhood memories or try something new, the variety of yard games available can cater to every taste and yard size. Here's a rundown of some of the best yard games to consider for your outdoor fun this year.

TL;DR – These are the Best Yard Games of 2025

• Cornhole
• PutterBall
• Spikeball
• Giant Jenga
• Kan Jam
• Ladder Toss
• Croquet
• Bocce Ball
• Badminton
• Yard Pong
• Horseshoes
• Pickleball
• Giant Chess

Choosing the right yard game involves considering the size of your space and the number of players. Below, you'll find detailed insights into each game, helping you pick the perfect one for your spring gatherings.

Cornhole

GoSports Classic Cornhole Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Official Cornhole Rules

Cornhole is a timeless classic that's easy to set up and play. All you need are two boards with holes and sets of bags. It's perfect for 2 to 4 players, making it versatile for different group sizes. Opt for a wooden set for better gameplay, as they offer less bounce and smoother bag sliding. Collapsible sets are also available for those on the go.

PutterBall

PutterBall Golf Pong Game Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: PutterBall Rules

PutterBall is ideal for smaller spaces like decks or patios. It combines the fun of yard pong with golf putting. Players take turns aiming to fill cups on the opponent's side, making it a relaxed and enjoyable game for gatherings.

Spikeball

Spikeball Standard Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 4
Rules: Official Spikeball Rules

Spikeball brings a dynamic twist to yard games, blending volleyball and foursquare. Two teams of two players each compete to hit a ball into a net, keeping it from touching the ground. The official Spikeball set is recommended for the best experience, though cheaper knock-offs are available.

Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-6
Rules: Official Jenga Rules

Giant Jenga is a fun and engaging game for all ages, requiring minimal space and no athletic prowess. The larger scale adds to the excitement, but be cautious of falling pieces around small children or pets.

Kan Jam

Kan Jam

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 4
Rules: Official KanJam Rules

Kan Jam is perfect for larger spaces, requiring about 50 feet between the two cans. It's a frisbee-based game where players aim to score points by hitting or landing the frisbee in different parts of the cans, making it a lively and interactive choice.

Ladder Toss

GoSports Premium Ladder Toss

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Ladder Golf Official Rules

Ladder Toss, also known as Ladder Golf, is a simple yet engaging game that can be played in teams or one-on-one. The objective is to wrap balls on a string around the ladder rungs, with each rung offering different point values. It's suitable for smaller yards and easy to set up.

Croquet

GoSports Croquet Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-6
Rules: Croquet Official Rules

Croquet offers a leisurely and customizable experience, perfect for family gatherings. Players use mallets to hit balls through hoops, and the game can be adapted to fit any yard size, making it a versatile choice.

Bocce

Amazon Basics Bocce Ball Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-8
Rules: Bocce Official Rules

Bocce is one of the oldest lawn games, simple yet engaging. Players aim to get their larger balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball. It's highly portable and requires no setup, making it ideal for spontaneous play.

Badminton

Franklin Sports Badminton Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Badminton Official Rules

Badminton is a fast-paced game that requires some setup but offers great fun. It's similar to tennis but uses a shuttlecock. The net can also be used for volleyball, adding versatility to your yard game collection.

Yard Pong

Yard Pong

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: House Rules

Yard Pong is a larger version of beer pong, using buckets instead of cups. The rules can be customized to suit your group, making it a fun and flexible option for outdoor gatherings.

Horseshoes

Champion Sports Horseshoe Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Horseshoes Official Rules

Horseshoes is a classic game that can be set up in any backyard. Players aim to ring horseshoes around stakes to score points. Metal sets are recommended for durability, though plastic versions are safer for younger players.

Pickleball Set

Bearwill Portable Pickleball Net

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2-4
Rules: Pickleball Official Rules

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis and ping pong. This portable set allows you to play at home on any hard surface, though paddles must be purchased separately.

Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

See it at Amazon
Number of Players: 2
Rules: Chess Official Rules

For a more cerebral outdoor experience, a giant chess set can transform your yard into a strategic battlefield. The MegaChess set is practical and easy to store, perfect for chess enthusiasts looking to enjoy the game outdoors.

How to Choose the Right Yard Game for You

Selecting the perfect lawn game depends on several factors, including yard size, number of players, and personal preferences. For small yards, games like Giant Jenga, PutterBall, and Yard Pong are ideal due to their minimal space requirements. For beach outings, Spikeball, badminton, and Kan Jam are great choices, though wind conditions should be considered. Larger yards offer more flexibility, allowing for games like badminton, Kan Jam, Bocce, and Croquet to be played across expansive areas.

If you're looking for games without equipment, consider classics like capture the flag, hide and seek, sardines, or tag, which require only space and imagination.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that your yard games in 2025 are not only fun but also perfectly suited to your outdoor space and the people you enjoy spending time with.