I don't know about you, but I love a good barbecue. Having lots of family and friends over is tons of fun. My siblings and I collect every and all outdoor games we can find from the garage and set them up throughout the yard. These games are a great way to spend time with family and friends before, during and after you eat your barbecue. Of course, don't forget to finish off the night with a campfire and smores. What's also great about these games is some of them you can build yourself.
Check out these 10 barbecue games to take your next outdoor party to the next level:
1. Cornhole
When I think of lawn games, Cornhole is the first one that comes to mind. Everyone has most likely played this American classic at least once during his or her lifetime. To play, players take turns throwing bean bags at the boards, three points for a bag in the hole and one point for a bag on the board. First one to 21 wins. A side project to keep you busy instead of bored is to build your own cornhole boards.
2. Bocce Ball
Popular in Europe, Bocce Ball is another fun BBQ lawn game. Played one-on-one or in teams, the smaller ball, or the “jack,” is thrown first. Then players take turns rolling or throwing their balls, aiming as close to the jack as possible. The team with the closest ball to the jack is the only team who can score points that round. The scoring team earns one point for every ball closer than the other team. The game is typically played until 7-13 points.
3. KanJam
Originally called “Garbage Can Frisbee,” KanJam was created in Buffalo, New York. Played with teams of two, this game is similar to disk golf. The goal is to throw or deflect the flying disc into the goal. The team with exactly 21 points wins the game.
4. Volleyball
Volleyball is a good game for large groups of people. So if you're having a large family reunion or get together, make sure to set up the volleyball net. To play, the ball is served from one team to the other; the receiving team has three tries to keep the ball from touching the ground and getting it back to the other side. Attach string lights and play at night too!
5. Badminton
The volleyball net is good for more than just volleyball! Keep the net up and play a game of badminton. This racquet game is usually played with one or two people per side. Use the racquets to hit the shuttlecock to the other side. A point is scored when the shuttlecock hits the ground.
6. Spikeball
I don’t know a college student, especially a Penn State student, who doesn't know what Spikeball is. In teams of two, four, six or really how ever many want to play, gather around the small trampoline. The goal is to bounce the ball off the trampoline keep the ball from touching the ground. Points are scored by the opposing team’s inability to return the ball to the Spikenet. The game is typically played to 21 points.
7. Kickball
Another great game for large groups of people, kickball is a classic BBQ lawn game. Using an inflated rubber ball, the game combines elements of baseball and soccer and is fun for everyone. Make it even more official and make t-shirts for everyone!
8. Ladder Toss
Ladder Toss, also known as ladder ball, is a lawn game played by throwing bolas, the two balls connected by a string, onto a ladder. The top rung is one point, middle two and the bottom rung three points. The first team to 21 points wins. You can easily make your own ladder with PVC pipes as well.
9. Giant Jenga
What’s better than Jenga? Giant Jenga! Purchase a Giant Jenga set or even make your own by cutting 2x4s. This game is great outside since there's plenty of room for the blocks to fall. First one to knock over the set loses.
10. Water Balloons
A final American classic, water balloon fights are a great way to cool off during a day in the sun. Have a balloon toss competition, hit them with baseball bats or simply throw them at one another! There's no way to go wrong with water balloons, just make sure to make enough for everyone!
