Fun Backyard Games to Play During BBQs

Chosen theme: Fun Backyard Games to Play During BBQs. Fire up the grill and the laughter with simple setups, clever twists, and friendly competition that turn any backyard into a playful festival. Join in, share your favorites, and subscribe for fresh ideas.

Classic backyard games that always deliver at BBQs

Cornhole with creative twists

Give cornhole a fresh spin with themed boards, quirky scoring like needing exactly eleven, or a final blindfold toss for drama. Last summer, my cousin sank an airmail to win by one. What twist will your crew adopt?

Giant Jenga showdown

Stack cut 2x4s, scribble silly dares on select blocks, and create a safe fall zone to protect toes and snacks. The tower’s gasp-inducing tumble becomes a highlight reel every time. Share your funniest block challenge in the thread.

Ladder toss scoring secrets

Dial in accuracy with bolas and a simple 3-2-1 scoring across the rungs. Try playing to 21 exact; it adds real suspense. On windy days, aim lower and spin less. What’s your ladder toss tiebreaker rule?

Water balloon relay

Set two buckets, form teams, and shuttle balloons carefully with spoons or elbows. Biodegradable balloons keep cleanups sane. Expect shrieks, slippery sprints, and heroic saves. Tag us with your best slow-motion burst and subscribe for more backyard relay ideas.

Potato sack races

Repurpose old pillowcases, draw a chalk start, and let the hopping chaos commence. Add heats for tiny jumpers and taller hoppers. Appoint a whistle referee, and keep the lane clear. Got a photo finish? Tell us who edged it.

Backyard treasure hunt

Hide grill-themed clues—spatula sketches, sauce stickers, or flame icons—leading to a prize like first s’more rights. Parents can pace difficulty by age. Print clues, set boundaries, and celebrate teamwork. Want themed clue templates? Subscribe for upcoming printable packs.

Sporty showdowns for high-energy guests

Position the net on flat grass away from foot traffic and the grill. Two-on-two, bump-set-spike around the rim, and rotate after serves. Most guests learn in minutes. What’s your longest rally record? Post it and challenge the community.

Sporty showdowns for high-energy guests

String a lightweight net, mark improvised boundaries with cones, and embrace gentle serves. Feather shuttles float beautifully on calm evenings. Mix skill levels with doubles to keep everyone engaged. Have a go-to playlist for match points? Share it with us.

Bocce ball on the lawn

Short grass and chalked lanes make bocce easy to follow. Toss the pallino, aim with gentle rolls, and let friendly measuring debates spark laughter. It’s quiet, social, and snack-compatible. Got a favorite target distance? Recommend it for beginners.

Ring toss by the grill

Place pegs safely away from heat, set short and long lines, and rotate throws to keep the pace calm. Kids cheer for clangs; adults perfect their arc. Share your crafty DIY peg ideas and subscribe for build guides.

Kubb: the Viking lawn game

Arrange wooden kubbs, throw batons underhand, and topple the king last for the win. Strategy builds slowly, perfect for post-burger pondering. My uncle staged a comeback with two clutch shots. What’s your kubb comeback story? We want to hear it.

Inclusive, accessible play for every guest

Deal quick cards with sauce styles, regional barbecue trivia, and grill safety myths. Keep rounds bite-sized, scoring optional, and jokes plentiful. Readers love sharing stumpers—drop your toughest question and we’ll feature a few in upcoming posts.

Inclusive, accessible play for every guest

Use porch lights to cast big, funny silhouettes; act out grill gadgets, picnic foods, or summer activities. Provide seated guessers with paddles or cards. A little bug spray, a lot of laughter—share your funniest shadow misread with us.

After-dark glow games when embers flicker

Define safe zones with rope lights, assign glowing flags, and brief everyone on no-contact rules. A quick whistle system keeps it organized. Got a legendary jailbreak move? Tell us how you pulled it off without losing the glow.