23 Fun BBQ Games That Are Guaranteed To Be A Hit!
Whether you are hosting a party, planning an event, or just want to enjoy some time outside with your family and friends, it is always great to have a few games on hand. Our list of BBQ games are guaranteed to keep your guests entertained and having fun. They’re also super simple to set up and play. So, whether you are looking for a game to play at home or something to bring along to a picnic, we’ve got you covered.
What games can I play in my backyard?
A backyard BBQ is a great way to catch up with friends and family. It’s also a time for fun, relaxation, and good food.
No matter how many people are coming over, having some BBQ games on hand can make the difference between an okay party and a memorable one.
Here are 23 great backyard games that will keep your guests entertained. They also take next to no time or effort to set up! All you need to do is pick from one of these tried-and-true favorites that will keep everyone entertained – no matter their age or skill level! And best yet? They’re all super easy to set up and play – even for those who aren’t very sporty.
Backyard Tossing Games
Washer Toss
Washer Toss is an easy game for 2-4 players. You’ll need a washer target box and some washers to play with! The boxes are usually placed 20 feet apart, but you can adjust this distance if playing with younger children. You can play this game for hours. Make your own washer toss set or buy one ready made.
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Points are scored based on where the washers land. A washer that lands in the center cup get three points. You also get one point for each washer inside the box. After you throw all eight washers, the points from the entire round are added together. Your goal is to get to 21 points. But beware! Only one team will score points in each round because there is a cancellation scoring system.
This video gives you all the details
Ladder Toss
Ladder toss is another game for 2-4 people. You’ll need two upright ladders with three tiers and three bolas for every team.
Set up the ladders 15 feet apart. Each player throws the bola towards their opponent’s ladder. The idea is to have the bolas land on (and wrap around) the rungs. Points are determined by which rungs your bolas land on. The top rungs are worth 3 points, middle rungs will get you 2 points, and bottom rungs are only worth 1 point. However, you get bonus points if you land all three bolas on the same rung. If your bola gets knocked off the rung, you lose the points.
Download this handy printable with the basic rules and scoring.
Cornhole
Cornhole is one of the most fun BBQ games to play with a crowd. It’s easy, and the rules are simple, so even complete beginners can pick it up quickly! The object is to toss bean bags into holes cut from a game board. Each bag through the hole scores 3 points. Any bags that end up on the platform lose you 1 point. The first person/team to get to 21 wins the game.
Detailed game instructions and rules can be found here.
You can make cornhole boards with a few supplies and tools. Otherwise, you can purchase one ready-made.
Horseshoes
Horseshoes is a lawn game played between two people using four horseshoes and two throwing stakes at either end of the playing area. The objective? To throw the horseshoe, so it lands around the stake.
Each person gets three points for landing their horseshoe over a stake and one point if it lands within six inches of the stake. Before the game begins, decide how many points you need to score. The first person or team to reach that score wins the game.
The official rules state the stakes must be 40 feet apart, but you can move them closer if you don’t have enough space. i found two horseshoes sets from Amazon. The first set is made from rubber and the second is the traditional metal set. The first set is great if you feel a bit nervous about your kids tossing metal horseshoes around.
You can find the rules for playing horseshoes here.
Kubb
Kubb is a lawn game where players try to knock over wooden blocks with wooden sticks. It is played between two teams of 1-6 players.
You play the game on a small rectangular playing ground. Players place five blocks (Kubbs) at either end. A larger wooden block known as the king gets put in the middle. Players race to knock down their opponent’s Kubbs and then the king.
You can make your own Kubb set or buy one ready-made.
This video shows you how to set up the game and play it.
Lawn Darts
Lawn dart is a lawn game for two players or teams. A lawn dart set usually consists of four large darts and two targets. The darts no longer have points. Instead, weighted metal or plastic tips ensure the darts throw well.
The object is to hit the target and score a point. Players toss the darts with an underhand throw so that the weighted end lands first. The target is usually a plastic ring of some kind.
Find detailed instructions about set up and scoring here.
Polish Horseshoes (Bottle Bash)
Bottle Bash is an easy game that uses frisbees and bottles. Place the bottles on posts to play. The object is to throw a frisbee at the bottle and hit it off. To begin the game, place the poles at least 20 feet apart. Depending on the skill level of players, you can space them as far as 40 feet apart. Place the bottles on the tops of the poles and choose your teams.
The first team to play has one player throw the frisbee to try and knock the bottle to the ground. The defending team must try and catch the frisbee or the bottle before they hit the ground. Two points are awarded if you hit a bottle to the ground. You get one point if your frisbee lands. The winner is the first person/team to reach 21 points.
You can make your own set or buy one ready-made.
Download a handy printable that explains how to play the game .
Ring Toss
Ring toss is an outdoor game that has several variations. You can play it on any level ground. Everyone from kids to grandparents can play the game, including people of all fitness levels.
In the game ring toss, players take turns tossing rings at a target with upright pegs. Set up the target on a patch of level ground and create a designated line for players to stand behind. This line can be 10-20 feet from the target, depending on the age of the players. Very young children can stand close.
Players or teams are trying to be the first to score 21 points. When a ring is tossed over the peg, it is known as a ringer. Ringers are worth three points each. A double ringer occurs when a player gets two rings on the same peg. This one scores you six points.
The target boards and rings are quite easy to make. You can find instructions here. You can also buy ready-made ring toss games.
Download a printable that explains how to play the game.
Other BBQ Games to Play on the Lawn
Backyard Croquet
Croquet is a game where players hit a ball with a croquet mallet through a series of hoops. The object is to be the first to get the ball through all the hoops in a certain order. An early version of croquet was played in France around the 11th century. The sport has evolved and grown in popularity since then and is perfect for a friendly gathering.
Croquet is an easy-to-learn, simple-to-play great for all ages. All you need is a croquet set and a flat grassy area.
Click here for an overview of our favorite Croquet sets. We’ll also tell you how to play the game and set up the hoops.
Backyard Bocce Ball
Bocce is one of the most widely played games in the world. It has been around since ancient times and is particularly popular in Europe. It is great fun for friends who want a little competition but don’t want to play anything too strenuous.
All you need is a stretch of level ground and a Bocce set.
You play with two teams of an even number- usually 2-4 players. A Bocce set consists of eight large balls and one smaller target or object ball. There are four balls per team, and the two sets will be different colors to distinguish them from each other. To win the game, you must throw your bocce ball closer to the target ball than your opponent.
Download a handy printable that explains how to set up and play.
Lawn Twister
Lawn Twister is bound to be a huge hit for all age groups! After all, who doesn’t love Twister? What fun to take the game onto the lawn. The best part? Making your outdoor mat is easy. All you need are a few cans of spray paint, and you’re on your way to making one of the most popular BBQ games ever. It is easy to make! You will need:
- Circle template (cut a circle from a piece of cardboard)
- Contractor marking spray paint (that washes off) in four colors
- String
- Spinner from a Twister game
Place the circle template on top of your grass and start spraying. Use the indoor mat as a guide. You want to reproduce it exactly on the grass. Use the string as a guideline to help keep the circles in a straight line. Now it’s time to ramp up the fun! Just play the game as you normally do.
Giant Jenga
Who loves playing Jenga? It is a game that needs a steady hand and a little bit of strategy. Giant Jenga takes it to another level! All you need is a Giant Jenga set and a level surface.
To play this game, build a Jenga tower by stacking rows of blocks (laying them in alternating rows). Each player in turn must carefully remove one block without causing the tower to collapse.
There are lots of tutorials for making a giant Jenga set. Here is one
If you are not sure of your woodworking skills, you can buy a game ready-made.
Giant Yahtzee
Most BBQ games are typically high energy, but you can slow it down a bit with Giant Yahtzee. The game is essentially the same as regular Yahtzee except that it’s played with giant dice. Instead of rolling the dice on an ordinary table, players roll them in a large bucket and toss them onto the ground (or another designated area).
Yahtzee uses both strategy and luck. The object of the game is to score points by rolling certain combinations as specified on a scorecard. The game ends when all players fill in their scorecards.
This video explains the rules and scoring system
Why playing with giant dice makes Yahtzee so much more fun is a mystery. But it does. You can make your giant dice or simply buy a set to use.
Giant Checkers
A favorite BBQ party game is giant checkers. This game has been around for years, but it’s even more fun on a life-sized board! It is perfect for guests that prefer games of strategy over running around.
The game is for two players. The objective of the game is to move your checkers across the board and try to remove your opponent’s pieces by jumping over them. Of course, your opponent has the same goal, so you must be careful not to get caught!
Download a copy of the rules of checkers here.
How do you keep kids entertained at a BBQ?
Planning a barbecue can be tricky, especially if you want to keep the kids entertained and having fun.
A great way to get your party started is by providing lots of outdoor activities for the kids. This will help make sure they have something to do while also helping them stay out of trouble!
Plan and provide plenty of kid-friendly BBQ games and activities. Here are some simple ideas that won’t break the bank! They are easy to set up and parents will probably join in the fun.
BBQ Games For Kids
Tin Can Toss Game
Tin cans are the perfect material for making a simple tossing game for younger kids. First, decorate your cans, and then you are ready to play.
The setup is easy. All you need is a small table and at least 6 cans. Invite the kids to stack the cans up in a pyramid. Then mark a stand behind a line with a stick or jump rope. The distance can vary depending on the age of the children.
Each player in turn tosses a ball or beanbag at the cans. The winner is the one who knocks down the most cans.
Cup Races
Cup races are a BBQ games favorite and a great way to get kids running around. All you need are some cheap plastic cups, some water, and a bucket. Get ready for a fun-filled game of water wars!
Put a bucket of water at the starting line and place an empty one for each team at the finish line. Each player takes turns filling up their cup, then running to the finish line and dumping their water into the empty bucket!
This continues until the first bucket is empty. The winner is the team with the most water in their bucket.
Want to make things even more fun? Poke small holes into the bottom of each cup and have the players run with the cup held over their heads!
Keep it Up Balloon Game
We all know that BBQs are where we can let loose and have some laughs, right? Well, the keep it up balloon game is one of my favorites.
Gather everyone in a circle and have them hold hands. When you are ready, throw a balloon into the circle. Players must work together to keep the balloon up in the air while still holding hands. You can use any part of your body (provided you’re still holding hands with other players).
If you have a large crowd, divide into two teams, and see which team can keep the balloon up in the air for the longest amount of time!
Sprinkler Fun
This one is easy. Just put on a bunch of sprinklers and let the kids run through them. It never fails to entertain! Add in some sponge bombs, water soakers, and water balloons to keep kids happy for hours.
Sponge Bombs and Sponge toss game
Playing the sponge toss water game is an awesome way to cool off during the hot summer months. It’s important to note that all these games are just as much about soaking others as they are about getting wet, so be prepared to get drenched.
The sponge bombs are easy to make, and you can find the instructions here .
All you have to do is soak them in water, and then you are ready to play. Use them to play catch, toss into targets or even have a sponge bomb fight. Just be prepared for a lot of wet fun!
Elephant Walk
The elephant walk game is one of the most fun-filled BBQ games going. So next time you are looking for a game to play outside, this one should be on your list of options.
You will need some pantyhose, a tennis ball, and some plastic bottles. Lay a pair of pantyhose down on the ground. Place a tennis ball in one leg of the hose. This is the trunk!
Players put the pantyhose on their heads and swing their “trunk” from side to side to knock over as many water bottles as possible.
Your kids will want to do this over and over again. Have fun!
Water Balloon Toss
One of our favorite games for kids is the Water Balloon Toss! It can be played with as few or as many people as you want, and it doesn’t require any equipment other than water balloons.
Just divide everyone into pairs and give one water balloon to each couple. Stand about 1 foot apart from your partner. Take turns tossing the balloon back and forth. Each time a player catches the balloon, they take a step back until someone misses their catch.
BBQ Games That Do Not Need Special Equipment
A lot of the games we have featured in this post require special equipment. This can get costly. It is worth watching your local buy and sell groups to see if you can buy them at a fraction of the cost. Still it is nice to have games that require minimal equipment. Here is a great list of outdoor games that can be played on the fly with no equipment.
Get Creative With BBQ Games
If all else fails, get creative! Some of the best games I ever played were those I made up with my friends and brothers. When you think about it, every game in this post was invented by someone. They used what they had on hand and created a game. You can put out a pile of backyard toys and games equipment. Then invite guests to make a game from them. These might include
- Balls
- Hula hoops
- Jump ropes
- frisbee
- Bocce balls
- Balloons
- Bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks
- Pool noodles
You can also take an idea and use what you have on hand.
- Don’t have a bottle bash set? Use plastic bottles on top of bar stools.
- Want to play washer toss? Use a small bucket and pennies.
- Thinking that Kubbs sounds fun, but you don’t have a set? Try tall beer cans and sticks. You may need to put some gravel in the bottom of the cans.
Give it a try and see what happens. You might be amazed at how fun it is.