Ladder toss
A fun and engaging game that tests accuracy and aim, perfect for tailgates, camping, or backyard barbecues.
Outdoors & Adventure
Lawn games
6 kinds worth knowing, 7 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Lawn games suit the people who host: the friend with the big backyard, the family that heads to the cottage every summer, or the dad who's always at the barbecue. The ones that get used are quick to set up and easy to explain, and they let people play with a drink in one hand. When you choose, think about where the game will be played and who will be playing. A ladder golf game fits almost any patch of grass. Other outdoor games for adults, like bocce or roundnet, work better for groups that want a little more strategy or movement. A game that packs up neatly usually gets brought out more often.
Kind 1 of 6
Ladder golf, the backyard classic
In ladder golf, players throw bolas (two balls joined by a cord) at a frame with three rungs. Each rung is worth different points, and a bola that wraps around a rung scores. Anyone can pick it up in a minute, so it works for mixed ages and for guests who don't usually play games. Before you buy, look at the frame material, how the pieces fit together, and whether the ladder stays put on uneven grass. A set with two ladders and bolas in two colours lets teams play right away.
Kind 2 of 6
Ladder toss for camping and cottage trips
Ladder toss is the same game under another name, and a lot of sets are made to travel. It suits families who camp, tailgate or spend weekends at the lake. Check how small the set folds and whether it comes with a carry bag, and see whether the frame can be put together without tools. If the game will live in a trunk or a shed, sturdy joints and strong cords matter more than looks. Some sets also include a scoreboard on the frame, which saves arguments.
Kind 3 of 6
Games for grown-ups who like to compete
Some adults want more than a slow toss game. Roundnet is quick and athletic, and it suits friends who play sports or like to move around. Bean bag toss is calmer and very social, so it's a good fit for parties and long summer evenings. Think about how active the person really is before you choose. Check whether the set includes everything needed to play, how quickly it goes up, and whether the boards or net hold up well outside.
Active roundnet game set
This dynamic and fast-paced game offers an energetic challenge for athletic individuals and groups seeking active outdoor fun.
Classic bean bag toss game
This popular game provides hours of competitive fun for families and friends at backyard gatherings or picnics.
Kind 4 of 6
Slower games with a bit of strategy
Croquet and bocce are relaxed games that reward planning, and they have been around for generations. They suit parents, grandparents and anyone who likes a friendly contest that doesn't wear them out. Bocce plays well on grass, gravel or sand, while croquet needs a fairly flat, open lawn. Look at how heavy the balls are, what the mallets are made of, and whether a carrying case is included so every piece stays together between games.
Classic outdoor croquet game
This elegant game provides a leisurely yet competitive activity for groups looking for a refined outdoor pastime.
Traditional bocce ball game
This timeless Italian game offers a relaxing yet strategic activity for all ages to enjoy on various outdoor surfaces.
Kind 5 of 6
Simple games the whole family can play
Small, simple lawn games are good gifts for families with young kids or for households that host a range of ages. A ring toss set gets out of the way quickly and can be played on a small lawn, a deck or a beach. Check that the rings are easy for small hands to throw, that the base stays upright, and that the pieces store together. These games are easy to add to a bigger family gift.
Simple ring toss set
An accessible and entertaining game for younger players and adults, promoting hand-eye coordination in a relaxed setting.
Kind 6 of 6
Golf-style games for the yard
Golf lawn games borrow the scoring and the aim of golf, but you don't need a course to play. A portable disc golf target suits people who already throw a frisbee, or anyone curious about disc golf who wants to practise at home or at the park. Check how easily the target folds, how steady it stands, and whether discs come with it. A target that packs down small is more likely to leave the garage.
Portable disc golf target
Perfect for disc enthusiasts, this target allows players to practice their throws or set up a casual course in any open space.
How to choose lawn games as a gift
- Think about the space the person actually has. A small yard, a cottage dock or a campsite each suits a different game.
- Choose sets that come with a carry bag or case, since games with missing pieces rarely get played.
- Match the game to the group: active games for sporty friends, slower strategy games for relaxed family gatherings.
- Look for sets that are made to be left out in the weather if the game will be stored in a shed or garage.
- Pick a game that's easy to learn so guests of any age can join in without a long explanation.
Usually safe to skip
- Oversized or giant novelty versions often take up too much room to store and end up used once a summer.
- Sets with lots of fiddly parts or complicated assembly tend to stay in the box after the first try.
- Very active games given to someone who prefers relaxed gatherings usually miss the mark, however fun they look.
Questions people ask about lawn games
- What's the difference between ladder golf and ladder toss?
- They're the same game with different names. Players throw bolas (two balls joined by a cord) at a ladder-shaped frame and score points by wrapping them around the rungs. Some sets are labelled ladder ball, but the rules and setup are basically the same.
- Are lawn games a good Christmas gift if it's winter?
- Yes, especially for people who look forward to summer, cottage season or camping trips. A lawn game gives them something to plan around. Some games, like bean bag toss, can also be played indoors in a basement or garage over the winter.
- Which lawn game works best for a mix of kids and adults?
- Ladder toss, bean bag toss and ring toss are easy to pick up at any age, and players can stand closer or farther away to even things out. Bocce also works well across generations because it depends more on touch than on strength.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All lawn games picks
Showing 1–7 of 7