7 of the Best Outdoor Party Games (That Aren't Cornhole)
Pool parties, backyard BBQs, tailgates, family reunions, birthday parties — there are plenty of reasons you might be planning an outdoor shindig sometime soon.
And while you could just put out the old tried-and-true cornhole set, you could also take your gathering to the next level with these awesome yard games*.
Photo via @tossoceo on Instagram.
1. BucketBall
BucketBall has hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon for a reason: It's essentially a giant version of beer pong! But instead of drinking beer from the buckets directly, if you make the shot, your opponent drinks from their own cup, bottle, or can.
The game comes with 12 ultra-durable buckets (six orange and six blue), two hybrid balls, and a tote bag that you can pack it all up inside. It's portable and convenient, and altogether weighs less than seven pounds—so it's easy to bring along wherever you go.
Bonus: You can also get inflatable racks that allow you to play BucketBall in water. Your pool party just got upgraded.
Photo via @slateny on Instagram.
2. Giant Tumbling Timbers
Chances are that you've played this kind of "Giant Jenga" game on the patio of one of your favorite bars or breweries. So why not get one to keep at home, too?
This set even comes with an extra-strength nylon carrying case so you can easily bring the game along to all the wild parties you get invited to this season.
For extra fun, you can write dares on each of the 56 timbers included in the game. A few of our favorites: "Give out 10 push-ups." "Drink for five seconds." "Rock, paper, scissors. Loser drinks."
Order Giant Tumbling Timbers here >>
Photo via @yardgamesdotcom on Instagram.
3. Ladder Toss
Be warned: Though its premise is simple, this is one of those games that gets exponentially more difficult the more that you drink.
Your ladders should be five paces or about 15 feet from one another, and each team will get three "bolas" (or small balls connected by a vinyl cord). You'll toss your bolas at the opposing ladder, hoping to wrap it around the top rung (for three points), the middle rung (for two points), or the bottom rung (for one point). First to 21 points — without going over! — wins. Easy enough, right?
Good luck with that math (or with, uh, aiming for the rungs) after a few drinks, though!
Photo via @kanjamllc on Instagram.
4. Kan Jam
Speaking of hand-eye coordination, you'll need plenty of it in order to win Kam Jam.
Not only is this game fun and competitive (in a friendly way), but it's durable, easy to transport, and even easier to set up. It doesn't take up much space and it's weather-proof, so you can bring it along to your outdoor festivities no matter where you're headed.
If you're having trouble deciding between the original version and the illuminate version, and you're at ALL considering playing this game near dusk or at nighttime, go for the illuminate. It takes the game play to a whole new level and adds an extra fun challenge!
Photo via @bulzibucket on Instagram.
5. BULZiBUCKET
Pronounced "Bullseye Bucket," this game was actually invented by Charlottean and Providence High School graduate Chris Allen.
The game comes with three "hack-it bags" (or hacky sacks) per team, or six total. You can play one of three ways. First, you can throw your hack-it sacks directly into the bucket to score. Second, you can assist your partner by hacking overthrown bags into the bucket. Or third, you can play by receving a throw from your partner and hacking the bag twice before taking a scoring shot into the bucket.
Trust me, it sounds more complicated than it actually is. You can play with folks of all ages, and you catch on pretty quickly!
Photo via @spikeball on Instagram.
6. Spikeball
You guys, people are OBSESSED with Spikeball. There have been Spikeball weddings, prom-posals, tattoos... You name it, someone's incorporated Spikeball into it.
The game (as seen on Shark Tank) is super easy to learn, and you can play it anywhere. All you need are four people and an open space. And you should expect to sweat — this game gets you moving! It's as competitive as you want it to be, so be sure to choose your opponents carefully.
Whether you play casually or for keeps, you can expect to be addicted by the end of your first game.
7. Kubb
Kubb, pronounced "KOOB," is a Swedish lawn game that is rumored to have been in play since the age of the Vikings. Whether or not that's true, it's still a highly addictive game involving both strategy and skill.
Toss your dowels (read: wooden cylinders) underhand to knock over your opponents' blocks. Once you've knocked over all of their blocks, topple their king, and you'll be crowned the winner.
Usually, Kubb is best played on grass — but you could also play on the beach or on dirt. Pavement is not ideal for Kubb, but you can certainly try! The set is made of "rubber wood," which is shock absorbent, so it won't chip or splinter. Plus, you can pack it up into the nylon carrying case to bring it along wherever the warm weather takes you.
*A quick note: as Amazon Affiliates, we want to let you know that if you follow one of the links below and order something, Work For Your Beer may get a kickback as the result of your purchase.
Whether that makes you not want to order them or makes you want to buy them more since you'll be getting something cool AND doing us a solid? That's up to you!