Classic Outdoor Games To Fuel Up Friendly Competition
Published Date: Mar 3, 2025
The excitement of college basketball season is reaching its peak and with it brings the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family, fire up the grill, and cheer on your favorite teams. But why let all the competition stay on the screen? Transform your backyard into an entertainment hub with classic outdoor games that spark friendly rivalries and keep both kids and adults engaged. Whether you're hosting a watch party or just looking for ways to maximize your outdoor entertainment space, these timeless games are the perfect addition to any backyard setting.
Backyard Games That Keep the Competition Alive
From precision-based challenges to strategy-driven showdowns, these games will guarantee your get-togethers are filled with laughter, camaraderie, and some good-natured competition. If you’re already itching to get into the action, check out our full selection of premium outdoor games right now in the SP Outdoor Store.
1. Cornhole
A staple of outdoor gatherings, cornhole is easy to set up and even easier to play. All you need are two boards and a set of bean bags. Players take turns tossing the bags onto the opposing board, aiming for the hole for maximum points. It’s a great way to keep the energy high between game-day commercials, and its versatility makes it a favorite for all ages.
Pro Tip: Elevate your cornhole experience by setting up LED lighting around your boards for nighttime play, making it a centerpiece of your outdoor living space design.
2. Giant Wood Blocks
Take the classic indoor game outdoors by supersizing it! Giant wood blocks are a fantastic game of patience and skill, where players remove blocks from a stacked tower without causing it to topple. It’s an engaging icebreaker that can be set up anywhere in your backyard.
Backyard Renovation Idea: A smooth, level paver patio is the perfect foundation for a Stacking Showdown. If your yard needs an upgrade, consider backyard landscaping ideas that include a designated game area with pavers to enhance playability.
3. Horseshoes
Nothing says classic outdoor gaming like horseshoes. This game has been around for generations and still delivers on entertainment and skill-building. Players take turns tossing horseshoes at a stake in the ground, aiming for a perfect ring.
Setup Suggestion: Incorporate a permanent horseshoe pit into your backyard renovation project. Framing it with stone pavers can enhance both function and aesthetics, ensuring it blends seamlessly into your outdoor space.
4. Lawn Bowling
Want to add a touch of elegance to your backyard games? Lawn bowling is an excellent choice. Using weighted balls, players aim to get as close as possible to a smaller target ball, known as the jack. This game works well on artificial turf, offering a smooth and even playing surface.
System Pavers Tip: Installing artificial turf in your backyard not only creates an ideal playing field for games like lawn bowling but also minimizes maintenance, keeping your look pristine year-round.
5. Hook and Ring
The hook & ring game is a deceptively simple yet addictive game involves swinging a ring on a string toward a mounted hook. It’s an easy add that brings an element of casual fun to your outdoor gatherings.
Enhance the Experience: Mount the hook on a pergola post or by your BBQ island, allowing guests to challenge each other while chatting or waiting for their next round of snacks.
6. Washer Toss
Washer toss, a cousin of cornhole, involves throwing metal washers into a box or cup for points. It’s a simple game with just the right amount of challenge, making it an excellent addition to any watch party.
DIY Outdoor Game Setups: Consider designing a dedicated game zone with convenient storage stations for accessories, making setup and cleanup effortless after every event.
7. Putt-Putt Challenge
Who doesn’t love a little putting competition? Set up a miniature golf course in your backyard with DIY obstacles using bricks, wood planks, or even a sand trap for added difficulty. It’s a fantastic way to entertain guests between game halves.
Outdoor Renovation Bonus: System Pavers can help design a sleek putting green using artificial turf, ensuring a smooth, maintenance-free surface that adds value to your home.
Tying It All Together: The Ultimate Backyard Game Zone
A well-designed outdoor living space should be more than just a place to sit. Your yard should be an interactive extension of your home. Whether you're working with a small patio or a sprawling backyard, incorporating game-friendly features can make your space the ultimate destination for entertainment.
Tips for an Ideal Backyard Entertainment Setup:
Designate Play Zones – Use paver patios or courtyards to create clear areas for different games, ensuring a well-organized and visually appealing setup.
Incorporate Lighting – Install landscape lighting to keep the fun going even after the sun sets.
Add Comfortable Seating – A cozy fire pit with surrounding seating keeps guests engaged even when they’re not playing.
Keep Refreshments Close – An outdoor kitchen or grilling station makes it easy to serve drinks and snacks without missing any action.
Use Multi-Purpose Features – A pergola decked out with string lights or a conveniently located sitting wall can enhance the overall functionality of your space.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Space with System Pavers
If your backyard could use a transformation, now is the perfect time to invest in a backyard renovation that will keep you and your guests entertained for years to come. From outdoor entertainment spaces featuring paver patios and turf to fully-equipped outdoor kitchens and fire pits, System Pavers specializes in creating dream backyards that are perfect for hosting game-day events, family gatherings, and everything in between.
Ready to level up your outdoor space? Contact System Pavers today for a free design consultation and start building a backyard that’s always game-day ready!
