“Life is more fun if you play games.” - Roald Dahl.
Almost every family has that special game that serves as a sacred tradition and has produced dozens of countless memories.
No matter the game, any game can bring people together and bring out that undeniable competitive spirit in all of us.
While we think of playing games as childish, games form an important part of any culture and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. That’s why we say that no party or get-together is truly complete without the right games!
Most importantly, it doesn’t matter if you have a big backyard or a small patio; you can still optimize any space into a game area that can serve as the centerpiece to any summer party.
We’ve prepared a list of our ten favorite patio and backyard game ideas to bring the whole family or neighborhood together.
1. Ping Pong
Whether you have a small deck or outdoor patio space, you can get the party started with a fun ping pong tournament. Outdoor table tennis offers an affordable and long-lasting investment to test your tennis skills on a small, portable table.
Unlike some other lawn and patio game ideas, table tennis provides aerobic exercise and requires strong concentration. For this reason, ping pong is the perfect middle ground for the more competitive/athletic members of the family and those looking for a fun and silly time.
2. Shuffleboard
Shuffleboard is a super fun and competitive game that doesn’t take up that much room. While typically preferred by the older generations, shuffleboard has seen a comeback in recent years as one of the hottest purchases for patio renovation projects.
Thanks to its space-saving and narrow design, an outdoor shuffleboard table is perfect for longer patios and even backyards. A smaller 9ft. shuffleboard table can sit on the side of any patio without taking up too much space, or you could even construct your own premier shuffleboard court. Either way, shuffleboard is the perfect game for all ages that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your patio.
3. Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga is affordable, fun, and full of laughs. This beautiful mess of a game is perfect for any sort of outdoor celebration, and most kits can be custom painted DIY to make them unique to you.
4. Giant Connect 4
Another giant iteration of a famous game, Giant Connect 4 is the perfect patio game for kids that also doesn’t take up too much space. The board may be a little big, but it actually serves as fun decor year-round and can be played any time, whether you’re having a party or just hanging out on your patio with some friends and family.
5. Outdoor Pool
While we don't often think of billiards as an outdoor or summer game, it’s actually an amazing addition to any patio and party. An outdoor pool table is similar to a regulation pool table, except it’s been fully weatherproofed.
As a result, an outdoor pool table can be played in nearly any condition and stored outside without fear of your pool table falling apart.
Nothing says luxury and fun quite like an exquisite outdoor pool table.
6. Cornhole
For those with a medium or large-sized backyard, yard game activities are a great way to transform your party.
While slip-and-slides and pools are great, you can host an amazing party with just a set of cornhole boards.
Cornhole is a wildly popular outdoor lawn game and can be built DIY to save you a little extra money. With tons of customization options available, a pair of cornhole boards could add some unique personality to your yard.
7. Badminton
Finally, who doesn’t love badminton for a fun family tournament? Similar to table tennis, badminton is a fun game that promotes healthy competition amongst the family, aerobic exercise, and can be played by people of all ages.
Similar to bocce ball, badminton can be played anywhere you have open space on your lawn, so you’re not taking up too much space near the grill or where people are eating. Best of all, badminton is cheap and will be a hit at any party you throw.
Conclusion
Outdoor games are the perfect way to elevate any party, and most game tables can serve as great decor when they’re not in use. The best part is you don’t have to limit yourself to just one game as many of these games can be played in a small area, livening up your party and providing plenty of activities to keep your guests occupied.
There are also dozens more outdoor patio game ideas and yard activities you can purchase or build DIY, from outdoor foosball tables to building your own giant chess board set. To find the best outdoor patio games, shop our wide selection at our Gaming Blaze website. We offer free shipping on all items and professional installation to help get your outdoor game table set up and ready to use.
