15 Fun Activities for Outdoor Gatherings

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There’s nothing like a day outside with family and friends, especially when you add classic lawn games! These outdoor activities are a great way to break the ice, start some friendly competition, and entertain everyone. Imagine the laughter echoing as friends compete in a spirited game of cornhole or the excitement of a three-legged race that has everyone in stitches. So, grab your gear, invite some friends, and enjoy a day of outdoor fun with these must-try activities

Cornhole

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Cornhole is a backyard classic for a reason. Two wooden boards and bean bags are all you need for hours of fun. The goal is to toss your bean bags through the hole on the opposite board. Cornhole boards are portable, easy to set up, and you can personalize it with your favorite team’s colors

Spikeball

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This fast-paced game that combines elements of volleyball and four-square is perfect for the beach or park. It’s compact enough to fit in your bag. Played with a small round net placed at ankle height, teams of two take turns hitting a ball onto the net so that it bounces back toward the opposing team.

Giant Jenga

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Who doesn’t love a good Jenga game? Giant Jenga takes the familiar tabletop game and brings it to life in your backyard. Players stack the oversized wooden blocks, then take turns pulling one out without causing the whole tower to crash. The suspense builds with each turn and creates excitement and laughter.

KanJam

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Fast-paced and full of surprises, KanJam is a high-energy game that mixes frisbee with target practice. Teams take turns trying to toss their frisbee into a large, open-topped can. But there’s a twist: your teammate can smack the frisbee mid-air to help guide it. The game comes with two cans and a frisbee.

Bocce Ball

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Bocce Ball is for you if you’re looking for a timeless lawn game. It’s a game of strategy and finesse. You can take turns rolling your balls as close as possible to the smaller target ball, called the pallino. It’s fun for all ages and can be enjoyed on various surfaces, from grass to gravel. 

Kubb

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Once you get into the game, you will be hooked! Sometimes called “Viki”g Chess,” Kub” involves players trying to knock over wooden blocks (kubbs) with batons, all while protecting their own “king” block. A mix of strategy and skill, Kubb is perfect for groups and an excellent option for a longer outdoor game.

Ring Toss

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A perfect game for younger kids, Ring Toss is simple yet offers endless fun. Players try to toss rings onto pegs from a distance while aiming for the highest score possible. It helps kids develop hand-eye coordination and is adult-friendly. Usually made of wood or plastic, it is lightweight and easy to set up outdoors.

Capture the Flag

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Capture the flag is the ultimate team game for outdoor fun, especially for larger groups. The objective is simple: grab the other team’s flag and get it back to your base without being tagged. It’s active and competitive, and it always leads to tons of laughs and wild chases. You can play with a simple set of flags.

Croquet

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Perfect for an afternoon tea party vibe with a competitive edge, Croquet is a timeless lawn game that brings charm and challenge to your gatherings. Using mallets, players hit balls through a series of hoops embedded in the grass. It’s a slow-paced, strategic game that is great for all ages.

Tug of War

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Tug of War is the simplest of games but never fails to bring out the competitive spirit! All you need is a sturdy rope and some willing participants. Teams pull on either end of the rope while trying to drag the other team across a line. It’s ideal for group events and family reunions.

Frisbee Golf

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Combining the love of frisbee with the structure of golf, Frisbee Golf, or Disc Golf involves players aiming to get their discs into multiple baskets with the least throws. While complete courses exist, you can easily create your own at a park or in your backyard with portable baskets.

Three-Legged Race

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Get ready for some silly fun with three-legged races! All you need is some rope or fabric strips and willing participants prepared for action. Participants tie their adjacent legs together and race against others toward the finish line, trying not to fall over. This hilarious game requires teamwork and coordination.

Sack Race

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The Sack Race is a timeless outdoor game sure to deliver joy and thrills at any event. The rules are simple: Participants hop to the finish line with their legs inside a burlap sack. It’s trickier than it looks, and the sight of people bouncing around often leads to hilarious tumbles!

Lawn Tic-Tac-Toe

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Bring Lawn tic-tac-toe to your next BBQ or picnic for some quick entertainment! Using a large grid made of rope or chalk on the grass, players take turns placing oversized Xs and Os on the board while aiming to get three in a row. You can easily make it with a bit of DIY creativity.

Twister

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The rules of Twister are simple but lead to tons of laughs: a spinner tells players where to place their hands and feet on a mat covered with large, colorful circles. As the game progresses, players end up tangled together in hilarious positions, with the last one standing (or balancing!) winning the game.