Last updated: 14th May 2021

Top 10 Garden Games 2024

How we found the Top 10 Garden Games





Dedicated price research
& online reviews analysed


Products tested for
durability, price & quality


Only the best products
are picked by our editors

Top 10 Garden Games

The days are starting to get longer, and the cold rainy weekends of winter are now a distance memory. So, what better way to celebrate the summer than with outdoor activity games. During the colder months we’ve been confined to our homes, and even if we’re just escaping to our back garden for a bit of playtime, it’s very, VERY welcome. And over the last few years the whole world of outdoor games has opened up into a vast and varied array of games and sports. No longer are you limited to kicking a semi-deflated ball around with friends, instead you can now take part in host of wild and weird games that’ll keep everyone busy for hours at a time.

And don’t assume that playing in your garden is just for the kids, as there’s a whole world outside waiting to be enjoyed for everyone, since it’s not just a great way to keep younglings off their computer screens, but also a perfect way to get grownups off the couch. From boosting your vitamin D intake, to socialising with buddies, venturing out into the back garden or park with a host of games is a fantastic way to spend the summer days.

But where do you start? And how you decide what’s right? Do you choose something for the whole family, or instead opt for an activity that keeps the kids busy while you sneak inside to start cooking?


The Verdicts

1

Big Game Hunters 517 Jumbo 4 in a Row


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: 20 x 84 x 75 centimetres

Recommended age: 3 and up

 

Who doesn’t love a competitive game of connect 4 in the sun?

 

4 in a row has always been a great family game to enjoy sat around the table on rainy days, but now you can enjoy it on a giant scale in the sun! Standing 75cm high, it really makes an impact, and although there are larger sizes out there, we found this one to be just the right height for all ages, allowing for smaller family members to easily slot the discs into the spaces at the top, so no one is ever left on the side lines waiting to be lifted up for their turn. The bright and rich golden yellow and traffic light Red solid plastic counters are 9cm diameter and come in a well-made nylon canvas storage bag for keeping them safe when not being used. Over the time that we had it, we experienced no issues, and on playing on the final day it still looked brand new.

 

A perfect game for all the family, indoors or outside.

 

Features

  • Once you’re finished, the high-quality wooden frame packs down flat making it easier to store

 

Pros

+ easy learning curve and once you’ve played one game you understand the rules

+ well-made frame and discs

 

Cons

– a bit pricy compared to other models, but the quality is there


2

DoStyle Outdoor Youth Recurve Bow and Arrow


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: 44x11in

Recommended age: 8 and up (adult supervision)

 

Whether you’re a budding Robin Hood, or want to try your hand at a new hobby, this offering from DoStyle will make sure your aim is true 

 

No one in our office has ever shown any interest in archery, but by the end of our trial with this well-designed kit we all wanted to take it up professionally and fly off to the Olympics.

 

Understandably many parents may be put off by the idea of firing a sharp object at a target, but if you have the space outside then it’s a great game that keep everyone busy for days. Easy to set up and extremely portable, it’s surprisingly addictive and had most of our group standing around watching people aim for the bullseye. Designed with younger teens in mind, the bow is well-made, and held up well under the pressure of being pulled back.

 

Admittedly, it felt a bit small to hold for our over 6ft players, but they were still able to fire off their shots, and we wouldn’t advise allowing your children to play unsupervised. The arrows are dull to touch, and can’t do any damage in a child’s hand, but can pick up a lot of speed when fired (though don’t expect to go into battle with this item, it’s still a toy and on the rare occasions we did miss the board our wooden fence was fine).

 

Features

  • Ambidextrous reinforced handle, soft-touch grip for excellent handling, both right and left-handed

 

Pros

+ This an ideal starter bow

+ arrows well-made and aeronautic

 

Cons

– targets included but you’ll need something to pin them to


3

Original American Cornhole Tossing Game


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: 90 x 60 x 15 cm; 10.18 Kilograms

Recommended age: 3 and up

 

 An American classic that still holds up in today’s busy market

 

Cornhole is lawn game in which players take turns throwing 16-ounce bags of corn kernels at a raised board with a hole in the far end. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the board scores 1 point. Play continues until a team or player reaches or exceeds the score of 21 (though there are tons of variations of the game). It sounds simple, and in a way that’s what makes it so much fun.

 

Of all the games we played, we assumed this would be the one we would get bored of quickest, but boy were we wrong. There are hundreds of cornhole sets available online, but the sturdy wooden frame was the one that struck us as the best design, plus it comes with a carry case and can easily be packed away from travel to a local park or beach. This set comes in an array of colours and patterns and is made from scratch resistance wood, so don’t expect it to show damage after the first few plays.

 

Features

  • Beanbags are weighted perfectly compared to some other brands that felt floaty

 

Pros

+ perfect game for a grown-up party

+ lots of variations of games to play

 

Cons

– there are more travel-friendly options around


4

Spikeball 3 Ball Game Set


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: 56.5 x 19 x 10 cm; 1.62 Kilograms

Recommended age: 8 and up

 

A competitive game of modern volleyball will have you wanting to play again and again

 

Like us when this arrived on our doorstep, you may find yourself asking the big question – what on earth is Spikeball? Think of it like a 360 degrees version of volleyball in which two teams of two battle it out to win points by hitting the ball onto the circular device until one team misses it. Spikeball may only be a decade old but it has definitely caught on, with leagues popping up all over the U.S and it’s easy to see why. It’s a fun and competitive game that’s super easy to learn and creates quite the workout.

 

We were impressed with how much stuff came for £45.99, and how easy it was to ensemble, and it’s a nice-looking bit of kit that held up very well over the time we used it. That being said, don’t think that you could play this indoors; it may look small, but the game forces you to run all over the place so isn’t ideal for a quick game in the living room.

 

Features

  • Foldable legs mean easy storage, quicker set-up time, and tougher product.

 

Pros

+ fantastic for active recovery, staying loose during down time, and training hand eye

+ strong black and yellow design

 

Cons

– Not ideal from younger kids as it takes a bit of hand/eye coordination


5

Kan Jam Set


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: 9 x 11.88 x 20 cm

Recommended age: 8 and up

 

 A new game that’s come out of the American beach scene, which is a hit with teens and adults alike

 

We can’t think of a more American sport than this. A frisbee based game where you compete against another team by getting your frisbee to either hit the bucket, go in through the top compartment, or through the letterbox for maximum points. The focus of the game is for the two players to help each other reach the ultimate score of 21 points. It needs a fair bit of space with the kans working best at about 50m apart and is perfect for an activity at the park or beach.

 

The Kan Jam set is easy to assemble as it comes with an instructional manual, hence suitable even for beginners and we had no problem understanding the rules and jumping straight into a game.

 

All the equipment is portable and waterproof, though we did find that the cans didn’t have that much weight to them, so we put something inside to hold them in place. If you’re looking for a competitive game to play at a BBQ or workday out, then this is perfect.

 

Features

  • There are different versions of the game, with one coming with a glow in the dark frisbee

 

Pros

+ easy set-up

+ doesn’t require many skills to play

 

Cons

– outdoor use only


6

Big Game Hunters Croquet Set


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: 107.01 x 31.5 x 19.51 cm

Recommended age: 14 and up

 

 A beautiful and classic looking set that brings the traditional game into your back garden

 

Like many of you, our only real experience of croquet is from the cult classic 80s film Heathers. Croquet can be played by two, four or six players and the object of the game is to hit your ball(s) through the course of six hoops in the right sequence in each direction and finish by hitting them against the centre peg. It’s a bit like golf and polo played with the most olden day looking equipment you could possibly imagine. Relaxing and slow placed, the game is the sort of activity you bring out while having some ice-cream and Pimm’s, and is suitable for all age groups, though because of the fantastic quality of this set, kids younger than 14 might find it far to hold the mallets (which have an impressive weight to them). The price tag may look steep for a garden game, but we couldn’t get over how good the quality was of this set and is clearly something that will last a very long time.

 

Features

  • Thick Canvas Bag with Shoulder Strap with plastic grip for comfort and grab handles to make transporting your set simple. Rubber feet prevent the bottom of the bag from wearing

Pros

+ Regulation full size equipment

+ high quality

 

Cons

– high price tag


7

Mookie’s Swingball All Surface


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: up to 1.6m in height

Recommended age: 3 year and up

 

Enjoy fast and furious fun without having to knock on your neighbour’s door to ask for your ball back with Classic Swingball

 

Featuring a ball and tether attached to the spiral head of a solid base pole, the aim is to get the tether to the top or bottom, depending on the player, of the spiral. There are two options available; one in which you hammer it into a grass surface, and the other is an all-surface base that can be placed anyway (though maybe not too close to your expensive glassware indoors).

 

Everyone here loves Swingball, and quickly jumped into winner stays on battles. Both versions come with the same equipment, though the All-Surface versions stand turns into a portable carry case that we thought was a really neat idea. Overall, this is a fantastic game that keeps everyone busy for hours, whether you’re playing to win, or just to knock it about for fun.

 

Features

  • Swingball includes 2 lightweight, yet durable, checker bats and is weather resistant for a long life

 

Pros

+ easy to play and you don’t have to follow the rules

+ can play on your own

 

Cons

– can show damage over time


8

Pro All Surface SwingBall


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: 55.9 x 51.6 x 43.9 cm

Recommended age: 5 and up

 

Pro All Surface Swingball is perfect for older children and adults who want to take Swingball a bit more seriously

 

If you’re looking for a Swingball set that you can really get to grips with then jump straight up to the Pro All Surface. Better made, and far sturdier than the original, the teal and lime green version is specifically made for teens and up and allows for games to get VERY competitive. The all-surface base works similarly well on grass and sand, and it’s remarkably portable as you just need to empty the water in the base and that’s your carry case.

 

So, if you’re an adult looking to get into a more aggressive game with a friend or have teenagers that are known to be destructive then this is the more suitable Swingball version for you.

 

Features

  • All components pack away into the base for storage, supplied in frustration free eco packaging

 

Pros

+ stand can be set to 5’10 – perfect for adults

+ bold colours


9

Tactic Mölkky


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: 9.7 x 22.5 x 22.5

Recommended age: 4 and up

 

A tactical-based award-winning Finnish game that cleverly adapts skittles into something new

 

Finland isn’t just known for Moomin and their amazing pastries – they also have invented one of the best garden games around. With 12 numbered wooden pins and one molkky throwing skittle, the first to reach 50 points is the winner. Each pin is worth the number on top (lowest 1, highest 12), but when it comes to actually playing you can invent any rules that come to mind.

 

We enjoyed saying a number, and then hitting the pins to reach that total. It’s a great way of incorporating in maths into your play time. More a game for family time as opposed to grownup, we found that kids really enjoyed the mix of sums and aiming.

 

Features

You get a lot in here, with a carry case made of carton and an easy plastic handle, throwing pin, 12 number skittles

 

Pros

+ perfect for young children

+ great picnic game for the family

 

Cons

– skittles are a bit on the small size


10

Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens: Extreme Outdoor Edition


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Our Verdict

 

Item Dimensions: 7.62 x 26.67 x 25.4 cm

Recommended age: 7 and up

 

 From the creators of Exploding Kittens, Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Outdoor Edition is the world’s first dodgeball card game!

 

Full disclosure – we love the original table-top version of this game, so when we saw the extreme outdoor version of this was being sent to us, we couldn’t wait! Part card collecting game, part burrito-style dodgeball it’s a fantastic game that keeps everyone focused, even when they’re being hit in the head with an inflatable burrito.

 

The outdoor version of the game comes with over-sized cards which means that you can play it at more of a distance, and two giant inflatable burritos. They do take a bit of time to inflate, but once you have them fully inflated, they look great. The rules are easy to understand, and you can play outdoors or inside, though we suggest putting away your valuables first.

 

Overall, it’s a great addition to the outdoor game market, and the use of cards adds a thinking element that few other garden games have.

 

Features

  • Includes super durable, water-resistant cards, nearly indestructible instructions, waterproof tokens, and two 3-foot-tall inflatable Burritos

 

Pros

+ easy to set up

+ the whole family can play

 

Cons

– takes a bit of effort to blow up the burritos



Image Product Name Our Rating Our Verdict Check Price
Big Game Hunters 517 Jumbo 4 in a Row

 

Item Dimensions: 20 x 84 x 75 centimetres

Recommended age: 3 and up

 

Who doesn’t love a competitive game of connect 4 in the sun?

 

4 in a row has always been a great family game to enjoy sat around the table on rainy days, but now you can enjoy it on a giant scale in the sun! Standing 75cm high, it really makes an impact, and although there are larger sizes out there, we found this one to be just the right height for all ages, allowing for smaller family members to easily slot the discs into the spaces at the top, so no one is ever left on the side lines waiting to be lifted up for their turn. The bright and rich golden yellow and traffic light Red solid plastic counters are 9cm diameter and come in a well-made nylon canvas storage bag for keeping them safe when not being used. Over the time that we had it, we experienced no issues, and on playing on the final day it still looked brand new.

 

A perfect game for all the family, indoors or outside.

 

Features

  • Once you’re finished, the high-quality wooden frame packs down flat making it easier to store

 

Pros

+ easy learning curve and once you’ve played one game you understand the rules

+ well-made frame and discs

 

Cons

– a bit pricy compared to other models, but the quality is there

CHECK PRICE
DoStyle Outdoor Youth Recurve Bow and Arrow

 

Item Dimensions: 44x11in

Recommended age: 8 and up (adult supervision)

 

Whether you’re a budding Robin Hood, or want to try your hand at a new hobby, this offering from DoStyle will make sure your aim is true 

 

No one in our office has ever shown any interest in archery, but by the end of our trial with this well-designed kit we all wanted to take it up professionally and fly off to the Olympics.

 

Understandably many parents may be put off by the idea of firing a sharp object at a target, but if you have the space outside then it’s a great game that keep everyone busy for days. Easy to set up and extremely portable, it’s surprisingly addictive and had most of our group standing around watching people aim for the bullseye. Designed with younger teens in mind, the bow is well-made, and held up well under the pressure of being pulled back.

 

Admittedly, it felt a bit small to hold for our over 6ft players, but they were still able to fire off their shots, and we wouldn’t advise allowing your children to play unsupervised. The arrows are dull to touch, and can’t do any damage in a child’s hand, but can pick up a lot of speed when fired (though don’t expect to go into battle with this item, it’s still a toy and on the rare occasions we did miss the board our wooden fence was fine).

 

Features

  • Ambidextrous reinforced handle, soft-touch grip for excellent handling, both right and left-handed

 

Pros

+ This an ideal starter bow

+ arrows well-made and aeronautic

 

Cons

– targets included but you’ll need something to pin them to

CHECK PRICE
Original American Cornhole Tossing Game

 

Item Dimensions: 90 x 60 x 15 cm; 10.18 Kilograms

Recommended age: 3 and up

 

 An American classic that still holds up in today’s busy market

 

Cornhole is lawn game in which players take turns throwing 16-ounce bags of corn kernels at a raised board with a hole in the far end. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the board scores 1 point. Play continues until a team or player reaches or exceeds the score of 21 (though there are tons of variations of the game). It sounds simple, and in a way that’s what makes it so much fun.

 

Of all the games we played, we assumed this would be the one we would get bored of quickest, but boy were we wrong. There are hundreds of cornhole sets available online, but the sturdy wooden frame was the one that struck us as the best design, plus it comes with a carry case and can easily be packed away from travel to a local park or beach. This set comes in an array of colours and patterns and is made from scratch resistance wood, so don’t expect it to show damage after the first few plays.

 

Features

  • Beanbags are weighted perfectly compared to some other brands that felt floaty

 

Pros

+ perfect game for a grown-up party

+ lots of variations of games to play

 

Cons

– there are more travel-friendly options around

CHECK PRICE
Spikeball 3 Ball Game Set

 

Item Dimensions: 56.5 x 19 x 10 cm; 1.62 Kilograms

Recommended age: 8 and up

 

A competitive game of modern volleyball will have you wanting to play again and again

 

Like us when this arrived on our doorstep, you may find yourself asking the big question – what on earth is Spikeball? Think of it like a 360 degrees version of volleyball in which two teams of two battle it out to win points by hitting the ball onto the circular device until one team misses it. Spikeball may only be a decade old but it has definitely caught on, with leagues popping up all over the U.S and it’s easy to see why. It’s a fun and competitive game that’s super easy to learn and creates quite the workout.

 

We were impressed with how much stuff came for £45.99, and how easy it was to ensemble, and it’s a nice-looking bit of kit that held up very well over the time we used it. That being said, don’t think that you could play this indoors; it may look small, but the game forces you to run all over the place so isn’t ideal for a quick game in the living room.

 

Features

  • Foldable legs mean easy storage, quicker set-up time, and tougher product.

 

Pros

+ fantastic for active recovery, staying loose during down time, and training hand eye

+ strong black and yellow design

 

Cons

– Not ideal from younger kids as it takes a bit of hand/eye coordination

CHECK PRICE
Kan Jam Set

 

Item Dimensions: 9 x 11.88 x 20 cm

Recommended age: 8 and up

 

 A new game that’s come out of the American beach scene, which is a hit with teens and adults alike

 

We can’t think of a more American sport than this. A frisbee based game where you compete against another team by getting your frisbee to either hit the bucket, go in through the top compartment, or through the letterbox for maximum points. The focus of the game is for the two players to help each other reach the ultimate score of 21 points. It needs a fair bit of space with the kans working best at about 50m apart and is perfect for an activity at the park or beach.

 

The Kan Jam set is easy to assemble as it comes with an instructional manual, hence suitable even for beginners and we had no problem understanding the rules and jumping straight into a game.

 

All the equipment is portable and waterproof, though we did find that the cans didn’t have that much weight to them, so we put something inside to hold them in place. If you’re looking for a competitive game to play at a BBQ or workday out, then this is perfect.

 

Features

  • There are different versions of the game, with one coming with a glow in the dark frisbee

 

Pros

+ easy set-up

+ doesn’t require many skills to play

 

Cons

– outdoor use only

CHECK PRICE
Big Game Hunters Croquet Set

 

Item Dimensions: 107.01 x 31.5 x 19.51 cm

Recommended age: 14 and up

 

 A beautiful and classic looking set that brings the traditional game into your back garden

 

Like many of you, our only real experience of croquet is from the cult classic 80s film Heathers. Croquet can be played by two, four or six players and the object of the game is to hit your ball(s) through the course of six hoops in the right sequence in each direction and finish by hitting them against the centre peg. It’s a bit like golf and polo played with the most olden day looking equipment you could possibly imagine. Relaxing and slow placed, the game is the sort of activity you bring out while having some ice-cream and Pimm’s, and is suitable for all age groups, though because of the fantastic quality of this set, kids younger than 14 might find it far to hold the mallets (which have an impressive weight to them). The price tag may look steep for a garden game, but we couldn’t get over how good the quality was of this set and is clearly something that will last a very long time.

 

Features

  • Thick Canvas Bag with Shoulder Strap with plastic grip for comfort and grab handles to make transporting your set simple. Rubber feet prevent the bottom of the bag from wearing

Pros

+ Regulation full size equipment

+ high quality

 

Cons

– high price tag

CHECK PRICE
Mookie’s Swingball All Surface

 

Item Dimensions: up to 1.6m in height

Recommended age: 3 year and up

 

Enjoy fast and furious fun without having to knock on your neighbour’s door to ask for your ball back with Classic Swingball

 

Featuring a ball and tether attached to the spiral head of a solid base pole, the aim is to get the tether to the top or bottom, depending on the player, of the spiral. There are two options available; one in which you hammer it into a grass surface, and the other is an all-surface base that can be placed anyway (though maybe not too close to your expensive glassware indoors).

 

Everyone here loves Swingball, and quickly jumped into winner stays on battles. Both versions come with the same equipment, though the All-Surface versions stand turns into a portable carry case that we thought was a really neat idea. Overall, this is a fantastic game that keeps everyone busy for hours, whether you’re playing to win, or just to knock it about for fun.

 

Features

  • Swingball includes 2 lightweight, yet durable, checker bats and is weather resistant for a long life

 

Pros

+ easy to play and you don’t have to follow the rules

+ can play on your own

 

Cons

– can show damage over time

CHECK PRICE
Pro All Surface SwingBall

 

Item Dimensions: 55.9 x 51.6 x 43.9 cm

Recommended age: 5 and up

 

Pro All Surface Swingball is perfect for older children and adults who want to take Swingball a bit more seriously

 

If you’re looking for a Swingball set that you can really get to grips with then jump straight up to the Pro All Surface. Better made, and far sturdier than the original, the teal and lime green version is specifically made for teens and up and allows for games to get VERY competitive. The all-surface base works similarly well on grass and sand, and it’s remarkably portable as you just need to empty the water in the base and that’s your carry case.

 

So, if you’re an adult looking to get into a more aggressive game with a friend or have teenagers that are known to be destructive then this is the more suitable Swingball version for you.

 

Features

  • All components pack away into the base for storage, supplied in frustration free eco packaging

 

Pros

+ stand can be set to 5’10 – perfect for adults

+ bold colours

CHECK PRICE
Tactic Mölkky

 

Item Dimensions: 9.7 x 22.5 x 22.5

Recommended age: 4 and up

 

A tactical-based award-winning Finnish game that cleverly adapts skittles into something new

 

Finland isn’t just known for Moomin and their amazing pastries – they also have invented one of the best garden games around. With 12 numbered wooden pins and one molkky throwing skittle, the first to reach 50 points is the winner. Each pin is worth the number on top (lowest 1, highest 12), but when it comes to actually playing you can invent any rules that come to mind.

 

We enjoyed saying a number, and then hitting the pins to reach that total. It’s a great way of incorporating in maths into your play time. More a game for family time as opposed to grownup, we found that kids really enjoyed the mix of sums and aiming.

 

Features

You get a lot in here, with a carry case made of carton and an easy plastic handle, throwing pin, 12 number skittles

 

Pros

+ perfect for young children

+ great picnic game for the family

 

Cons

– skittles are a bit on the small size

CHECK PRICE
Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens: Extreme Outdoor Edition

 

Item Dimensions: 7.62 x 26.67 x 25.4 cm

Recommended age: 7 and up

 

 From the creators of Exploding Kittens, Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Outdoor Edition is the world’s first dodgeball card game!

 

Full disclosure – we love the original table-top version of this game, so when we saw the extreme outdoor version of this was being sent to us, we couldn’t wait! Part card collecting game, part burrito-style dodgeball it’s a fantastic game that keeps everyone focused, even when they’re being hit in the head with an inflatable burrito.

 

The outdoor version of the game comes with over-sized cards which means that you can play it at more of a distance, and two giant inflatable burritos. They do take a bit of time to inflate, but once you have them fully inflated, they look great. The rules are easy to understand, and you can play outdoors or inside, though we suggest putting away your valuables first.

 

Overall, it’s a great addition to the outdoor game market, and the use of cards adds a thinking element that few other garden games have.

 

Features

  • Includes super durable, water-resistant cards, nearly indestructible instructions, waterproof tokens, and two 3-foot-tall inflatable Burritos

 

Pros

+ easy to set up

+ the whole family can play

 

Cons

– takes a bit of effort to blow up the burritos

CHECK PRICE

What outdoor games are best?

 

If you’re a parent or older sibling, you’ll have experience in the fact that younger children are extremely hard to keep focused. They can love something one minute, and then next they’ll lose complete interest in it and instead will now be fully focused on writing on the walls in pen. So, the best garden games are obviously the ones that keep them happy, but how do you know what they’ll be? Easy, as they will also be the ones that keep you entertained. Children love replicating grown-ups, so if they see you enjoying something, chances are they’ll enjoy it too. The best games for the family are the ones that keep everyone focused, not just the youngest.

Before you buy, it’s also useful to think practically. While your back garden may be well suited to a Swingball set, it might not be the best place for a full archery firing range. So be realistic when purchasing.

Below is a list of items our team were happy to get their hands on and play with. We tried to involve as many people as possible across all age groups, but unfortunately over 60s were left out due to government guidelines at the time of testing. All games were first played in our office, and then relocated to a garden area. Several of the games chosen have great travel qualities and can easily be packed up and taken away from a weekend. So, whether you’re looking for an activity to keep the grown-ups busy during a summer night, or one that keeps the little ones occupied summer holidays, we have you covered.

 

Best outdoor game for adults: Cornhole Tossing Game

 

Although there are several outdoor games here that would go down a storm at grown-up parties and BBQs, the one that really struck us as the perfect drinking game was the cornhole boards. There’s just something cool about tossing a bag with a few friends while sharing a couple of drinks and listening to music. It doesn’t take a huge amount of effort, anyone can play it, and it brings a group of people together, even those that are just watching.

Trust us; set this game up in any garden during a party and you won’t even have to explain the rules, people will naturally pick up the bags and start playing.

Best outdoor game for all the family: Big Game Hunters 517 Jumbo 4 in a Row

 

It’s the simplicity of this game that’ll keep the whole family interested. It takes about 10 seconds to explain, and each game lasts a couple of minutes.

It perfect for children who find it hard to focus, and grown-ups who enjoy the hidden depth to the game. And even though it’s only 2 player, it’s one of those great backseat player games – I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has over my shoulder said, “you shouldn’t have done that”. Thanks!

 

Best outdoor game for children: Mölkky

 

Maybe it’s the parental instincts in us talking, but a game that includes education values is perfect for children.

And it’s not just us, as when we played this with two 8-year-olds they couldn’t get enough of seeing who the first person to get exactly 21 would be. Well-made, and expertly explained (though you really don’t have to follow the rules) this is the perfect game to keep the little ones busy during a day out in the park.

Best outdoor competitive game – Spikeball 3 Ball Game Set

 

If you really want to get into a battle of skill and athleticism, then this is the game for you. Whenever I could hear screaming and celebrating from the other room during the testing, I always knew exactly what game they were play.

If you looking for a fun grow activity with a competitive edge to pass the hours by on a long summer day then this is for you; though be warned, when we say competitive we mean competitive

Spikeball is one of the most social games on our list, and really keeps people focused on the activity taking place.

 

Best for relaxation – Big Game Hunters Croquet Set

 

The game that made us feel most like grown-ups living in a period drama. It’s the perfect game for having a conversation about the weather and sipping a few drinks between each round.

Best of all, it’s also surprisingly fun and addictive.

Bottoms up!





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