The Best Lawn Games for Goofing Off in the Sun

If regular Jenga is like performing delicate surgery, this extra large version from a different company is like performing a dangerous game of minesweeper. Be sure you’re confident in your choice of piece to remove and place on top, or you’re sure to have bruised shins for the next round. We like that this one comes with a carrying case, but you can also make your own set pretty easily with some wood and a chop saw.

Throughout the centuries, this bougie classic has been an excellent game (provided you have a nice lawn to play on). Pick your favorite color and smash your way through the wickets faster than the rest, with bonus points for launching your enemies as far as you can into the weeds. This set is pretty basic, but I've played numerous games on nearly identical sets (that may or may not be all made in the same factory). They all hold up well, as long as you keep them in the case between uses and don't over-tighten the mallet heads.

This game is almost as common as cornhole. You’ve probably seen people throwing balls strung together to swing onto onto ladder rungs for points. Believe it or not, this game is harder than it looks—like a 3D version of horseshoes for the millennial generation. It's lighter than cornhole, too, which makes it a better option if you're biking or hiking to wherever you're planning to play.

It requires a good amount of space but nothing has heated up our simmering family rivalries like a good game of badminton in the yard. We like this net because it’s relatively durable, but as usual, the rackets and birdies that come with this one leave a bit to be desired. Snag your own racket and some nicer things to hit if you’re serious. 

This also comes with a volleyball, which makes it easy to transition between games. You can find cheaper nets, but this mid-tier range is the level we'd recommend if you play reasonably often. Cheaper nets can break really easily during intense gameplay.

A good sprinkler or kiddie pool is really all you need to entertain younger kids (and many pets) in the heat. Grab a fun and kid-safe one like this model and watch your littles and their pets frolick with joy while cooling off in the yard. This even has a different center nozzle for a different spray pattern, if you get bored with the traditional spinning pattern.

Personally, it’s hard to be a parent in this day and age and still like guns. On the other hand, Super Soakers bear only the slightest resemblance to actual guns. And nothing delights my kids more than to launch a surprise water war on innocent parents, sitting in chairs across the lawn while trying to enjoy a beer and a chat with other adults. If your kid is under 7 years old, I would recommend only the cheapest of manually-pressurized air water shooters. They’re the simplest for little kids to operate, and you don’t want them to be too powerful or accurate or they might be able to shoot the drink right out of your hand. —Adrienne So

Bocce Ball is a fun game to play on grass, sand, dirt, and every surface in between. You throw the larger balls and try to get them as close as possible to the target ball. This set comes with 8 molded balls in different colors, plus a small white target ball. You can get bigger and bigger sets to accommodate the number of folks you plan to wipe the floor (or grass, or dirt) with. It has a carrying case for easy storage and transport.