7 Outdoor Games for Loving That Warm Spring Weather

Spring weather has already popped up this year, and it’s only going to get better as April and May arrive with warm, inviting weather that begs us to go out and play. Though it won’t take much persuading to bust out of our winter cocoons, having fun activities for hanging in the yard makes it all the more enticing.

These are the types of games that get us up and moving a bit, some requiring a little more activity than others. In other words, we aren’t talking giant Jenga or Connect Four here. Rather, these are true outdoor games and are special for enjoying the weather while the barbecue pit is doing its thing.

While they all require some equipment, the idea is that they are transportable, i.e. perfect for parks or taking to the neighbors, and they are meant to be played on lawns, perhaps with a drink in hand or one nearby. It’s time to party.

1. Horseshoes

Source: Triple S Games/Youtube

One of the more seasoned outdoor games, horseshoes is still great fun for those who love to toss stuff at other stuff. It’s easy to play, requires very little to set up, and can be adjusted (distances and such) to fit the players and the pitch.

A cheap horseshoe set can cost as little as $25, with more substantial ones closer to $40 or $50 dollars. Officially, there should be a 3’ x 4’ pit around each stake, but casual games don’t need this.

2. Cornhole

Source: American Cornhole Association/Youtube

Cornhole has quickly become a classic tailgating game because beanbags are a more crowd-friendly item to throw than heavy horseshoes. The equipment needed is two sets of four beanbags and two cornhole boxes.

It’s possible to buy a nice, regulation cornhole set-up for about $100 online, or they are an easy knock-up for hobbyist carpenters using scrap lumber. Even the beanbags can be a DIY project using old Jeans and feed corn.

3. Beach Paddle Ball

Source: James Lavery/Youtube

A personal favorite for the beach, paddle ball works at the park or in the yard just as well, even better actually because the sand isn’t slowing you down. All that’s necessary to play is a couple of wooden paddles and a rubber ball. It can be played by singles or doubles. It’s as easy as facing each other with a paddle and keeping the ball in the air.

A Smashball or beach paddle ball set can run in the $10-$20 range which usually includes two paddles and a few balls (for when they get lost). For those who like racket sports, this is a great game. It can also be the right fit for those who like cooperative games, working together to keep the ball up as long as possible.

4. Croquet

Source: Gather Together Games/Youtube

When a large group of people is looking to participate in outdoor games, croquet is a great choice. Six players can play at a time. It does require a croquet set, a lawn large enough to set up the court, and grass that’s mown low enough for the balls to move.

Despite quite a few pieces, an average croquet set only runs about $50. There are also several versions of this game, i.e. different ways to set up the court, to accommodate smaller spaces.

5. Frisbee (Kan Jam)

Source: KanJam/Youtube

Tossing the frisbee back and forth can provide hours of entertainment, and it’s easy to add extra people by simply widening the space. However, for those the like to be competitive, Kan Jam is a popular frisbee game that, unlike frisbee golf, works in the backyard.

The original Kan Jam setup only costs about $25, coming with the two Kans and a frisbee. It’s a four-person game and can move pretty quickly, making for a great tournament.

6. Bocce Ball

Source: Major League Bocce/Youtube

A popular game in Europe, bocce ball, aka petanque or boules, is a simple game that can be played by several players with nothing more than the bocce ball set and a relatively flat piece of earth. A small ball is tossed out to be the target, and the team with the closest ball wins the points for the round.

An attractive bocce ball set with quality pieces can cost somewhere in the $25-50 range. Bocce balls tend to be wooden while petanque sets are often metal.

7. Spikeball

Source: Spikeball/Youtube

When being very physically active is part of the fun, spikeball might win out. It’s a simple game that involves a trampoline-like net in the center of four players, two teams of two. One team works together to get the ball to bounce off the net within three hits, and the other team fields it and does the same.

A Spikeball set can be found for under $50. This game is a lot of fun, but unlike the others, it does require a noteworthy amount of athleticism to get much out of it. It isn’t a drinking and chilling type of event.

With a few games to choose from and the weather starting to cooperate again, it’s time to fire up the barbecue pit or the pizza oven and host an outdoor party. Doesn’t that sound lovely after a long winter?

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