Hosting a summer party and want to keep your guests entertained without feeling like they’re stuck at a kid’s birthday? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ, poolside bash, or Fourth of July cookout, having the right games can take your gathering from “just okay” to unforgettable.
We’ve rounded up the best outdoor party games for adults—specifically the ones you can buy and set up with zero DIY stress. These games are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, whether your guests are competitive or just there for a laugh (and another drink).
1. Cornhole
We’ll get this one out of the way first. Personally, I’m a little tired of cornhole because of it’s popularity but I appear to be the only one with that opinion. Everyone loves cornhole. It’s easy to learn, hard to master, and perfect for team play while holding a drink in one hand. You can find stylish sets that match your backyard aesthetic or even paint boards for weddings and big birthdays.
2. Tipsy Toss
This game brings out peak summer chaos in the best way. Teams take turns trying to knock a bottle off a stick with a frisbee—while the opposing team tries to catch both the bottle and the frisbee. Oh, and you’re supposed to play with a drink in one hand. It’s competitive, hilarious, and surprisingly athletic.
3. Yard Yahtzee
Giant dice = giant fun. Yard Yahtzee is basically regular Yahtzee, but with oversized wooden dice that make it a full-body experience. Bonus: it’s low-key and can be played while lounging in a patio chair.
4. Ladder Toss
Another lawn party classic! Toss the bolas (a fancy name for two balls connected by a string) onto a tiered ladder. Simple scoring, tons of laughs, ladder toss is perfect for all skill levels.
5. Kan Jam
This frisbee game is a great pick for smaller spaces. You and your teammate work together to jam a frisbee into a can—easy to learn, addicting to play.
6. Spikeball
Think volleyball meets trampoline. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and ideal for sporty groups. Fair warning: this game gets intense. Wear sneakers.
7. Giant Jenga
There’s something about a 5-foot-tall Jenga tower that draws a crowd. The suspense, the crashes, the gloating—it’s the perfect low-effort, high-drama addition to your yard.
8. BucketBall
Basically beer pong but oversized and played with buckets and tennis balls. This game is perfect for tailgates or parties with a drinking game vibe.
9. PutterBall
Mix golf and beer pong and you get PutterBall. It’s a putting green game with holes set up in a beer pong triangle. Even non-golfers will get into it.
10. Bean bag Tic Tac Toe
A fun twist on the classic game of tic tac toe. Bean bag tic tac toe is an easy game to lay out for a BBQ or outdoor party that any age can pick up and play. Change the difficulty level easily by changing how far back you have to throw from.
11. Kubb (The Viking Game)
This Swedish lawn game involves throwing wooden batons to knock down blocks and the “king” piece. It’s strategic, relaxing, and feels a little like adult bocce meets chess.
12. Giant Connect Four
An oversized take on the childhood game, but somehow it gets way more intense when it’s huge and public. Great for all ages and surprisingly fun with a drink in hand. Great for kid friendly parties, adults can play too! This set even has a carrying case for parties on the go or destinations like lakes and beaches.
13. Tetris Tumble XL
The original balancing game of tetris except now it has oversized tetrimino blocks up to 6′ high! This is a costoc exclusive so you have to hunt for one or buy online.
14. Molkky (Finnish Skittles)
A fun and lesser-known game where players toss a wooden pin to knock down numbered pins. It’s a mix of luck and skill—and feels totally fresh for guests who’ve played everything else.
- Bocce Ball
Bocce is a relaxed but satisfying game that feels fancy but approachable. Great for grass or gravel surfaces, and easy to play while sipping cocktails.
- Bonus: Giant Golf Darts
I haven’t personally played this one, unlike the others, but I found it upon my search and it looks epic! I can’t personally vogue for if it’s worth the price but it looks like a lot of fun. In giant golf darts, you use a golf club to hit velcro balls onto a 6’ blow up velcro dart board. Let me know in the comments if anyone’s tried this!
The Secret to a Great Outdoor Party Game
The best yard games for adult summer parties are ones that are easy to explain, quick to play, and just a little bit silly. Pick a few crowd-pleasers, set up drink stations nearby, and let the fun unfold. Whether you’re aiming for chill vibes or high-stakes competition, these games will keep your guests talking (and laughing) long after sunset.
Looking to throw the ultimate summer bash that doesn’t fizzle out after sunset? These 15 backyard games are designed to keep your guests laughing, competing, and playing well into the evening. From glow-in-the-dark cornhole to giant Jenga and adult-friendly relay races, this list has something for every kind of party-goer. Perfect for birthdays, BBQs, reunions, or impromptu gatherings—these lawn games turn your backyard into the ultimate late-night playground. Don’t forget the string lights and snacks for the full experience!
Who says outdoor games are just for kids? This curated list of 15 games is strictly adults-only—designed for laughter, a little competition, and maybe even some tipsy fun. Whether you’re hosting a boozy birthday bash or a laid-back neighborhood get-together, these games range from strategic to hilarious. Think giant beer pong, tipsy ring toss, adult trivia toss, and more. Make your next event memorable and give your guests an experience they’ll beg to repeat!
Some things are just better together—like a crisp summer drink and a lawn game under the sun. Whether it’s a craft beer, spiked lemonade, or mocktail, this pin shares the best games to enjoy while holding a beverage in one hand. Think cornhole, ladder toss, can jam, and chill trivia-based games that don’t require breaking a sweat. Perfect for summer BBQs, rooftop parties, or beach hangs. Cheers to playing (and sipping) your way through summer!
Let’s face it—musical chairs had its moment. It’s time to level up your game-night lineup with outdoor party games that are actually worth playing as an adult. This fun collection introduces you to the best upgraded group games that are nostalgic, hilarious, and perfectly suited for grown-up energy. Expect a mix of movement, brainpower, and beer-in-hand compatibility. Great for family reunions, weddings, or just a chill night in the backyard with friends.
We’re two sisters with a passion for wearable style and interior design mixed in with some self-care and family tips. Our blog is dedicated to helping you find your unique fashion formula, both in your wardrobe and your living space. Follow us for style tips, home décor inspiration, self care ideas, family advice that help you create changes that reflect who you are.