Backyard Bonanza: The Ultimate Guide to America's Favorite Lawn Games

Cornhole reigns as the king of backyard games, combining skill and strategy with just the right amount of casual fun. Originating in the Midwest, players take turns tossing bean bags at a slanted board with a hole in it. Points are scored based on where the bag lands, with a perfect shot through the hole earning the coveted "cornhole."

Image: Jon Tyson

Once banned for safety concerns, modern lawn darts have undergone a safety makeover, now often sporting darts with plastic tips. Players take turns throwing darts toward a target ring on the ground, with the age-old game focusing on accuracy and a steady hand, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a real challenge.

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Hailing from ancient Rome but finding a home in American yards, bocce ball involves tossing larger balls towards a smaller target ball, or pallino. Similar to curling and other such games, the goal is to get your ball closest to the pallino, all while strategically blocking opponents' shots. It's a game of finesse and strategy, often accompanied by good-natured banter - and what good lawn game isn’t?

Image: Braedon McLeod

Dating back to ancient Greece (through a similar game called "quoits," where iron hoops are thrown instead), horseshoes remain a staple in American backyard culture. Players aim to toss horseshoes around a metal stake, scoring points based on proximity. This game combines skill and luck, with each ringer celebrated as a triumph of accuracy and expertise.

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With origins in 19th-century England, croquet has become a refined addition to American backyard gatherings. Players use mallets to hit balls through a series of wickets arranged on the lawn, blending the gentle pace and strategic gameplay to make croquet a favorite among those who enjoy a more leisurely but still competitive game.

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Also known as ladder golf, this game involves tossing bolas (two balls connected by a string) onto a ladder-shaped structure. Points are earned based on where the bolas land—the top rung yielding the most points and the bottom the least. It's easy to learn but challenging to master, keeping players engaged for hours.

Image: Meritt Thomas

Jenga, upsized to giant proportions, adds a nerve-wracking twist to backyard game nights. Players take turns removing wooden blocks from a tower and placing them on top without causing it to collapse. With each move potentially deciding the tower's fate, just like its smaller counterpart, Giant Jenga is a game that demands steady hands and clear strategic foresight.

Image: Meritt Thomas

A test of sheer strength and teamwork, tug of war pits two teams against each other in a battle of brute force. Using a sturdy rope, teams pull in opposite directions, aiming to drag the other team over a designated line. A game as ancient as rope itself, it's a primal display of competitiveness and camaraderie that never fails to energize a crowd.

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Bringing back memories of school field days, the potato sack race is a lighthearted sprint that requires nothing more than a burlap sack and some open space. Participants hop their way to the finish line, competing for the thrill of the race and the joy of friendly competition. It's simple, silly, and undeniably fun—a perfect way to wrap up a day of outdoor festivities.

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A recent phenomenon, spikeball is a competitive lawn game that has surged in popularity, offering a fast-paced twist on traditional volleyball. Played with a small trampoline-like net placed at ankle level, teams of two hit a small ball off the net, aiming to bounce it in such a way that the opposing team cannot return. It's athletic, energetic, and ideal for satisfying competitive spirits on sunny afternoons.

Image: Spikeball