The Best Backyard Games for Fun and Laughter with Family and Friends

There’s nothing quite like gathering in the backyard for a day of laughter, sunshine, and friendly competition. Whether you’re hosting a family BBQ, a birthday party, or simply making the most of your outdoor space, backyard games are the perfect way to bring people together.

In this article, you’ll discover the best games for backyard fun, carefully selected to ensure everyone has a great time.

At Can’t Stop Decking & Pergolas, we’re passionate about creating outdoor areas that families love spending time in. To inspire your next get-together, here are 9 of the best backyard games for adults, kids, and the whole family to enjoy.

Introduction to Backyard Games

Backyard games are the heart of any great summer gathering, turning ordinary afternoons into unforgettable memories with family and friends. Whether you’re planning a lively outdoor party or just looking for ways to keep everyone active, classic outdoor games like tag, hide-and-seek, and corn hole never go out of style. These outdoor games are perfect for all ages, offering a mix of active games and relaxed fun that everyone can enjoy. From the excitement of giant Jenga to the friendly competition of outdoor party games, there’s no shortage of ways to create laughter and connection in your backyard. So, gather your friends, invite the family, and get ready to make the most of your outdoor space this summer with some of the best backyard games around.

1. Cornhole (Bean Bag Toss)

Cornhole has quickly become an Aussie backyard favourite. It’s simple, addictive, and suitable for all ages. Cornhole is a popular game where players throw bean bags at a raised board with a hole in it, aiming to score points.

Why it’s great:

Easy to learn
Perfect for BBQs and parties
Great for teams or 1-on-1 play
Players score points by landing bean bags on the board or through the hole

The player or team with the most points wins, making winning all about skillful throwing and scoring.

You can even create a personalised cornhole set for themed events or weddings. Throwing bean bags at the board is the main action, and the fun comes from the competitive challenge of scoring points to win.

2. Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga is a classic game that has been enjoyed for generations, bringing suspense and excitement to any gathering. Players take turns removing blocks from a tall tower until it comes crashing down.

Perfect for:

Family gatherings
Adults enjoying a relaxed backyard afternoon
Kids who love tactile play

Set it up on a deck or patio for the best stable surface.

3. Backyard Cricket

A true Australian classic. Backyard cricket is typically played with two teams, using a bat and balls. Each person takes turns to bat or bowl, and players stand on the ground in designated positions. Throwing the ball is a key part of the game, both for bowling and fielding. You only need a bat, ball, and makeshift stumps to turn your backyard into the SCG.

Why everyone loves it:

Fun for all ages
Easy to modify rules depending on space
Great for family matches or neighbourhood games

A flat lawn or deck area is ideal for playing without tripping hazards.

4. Bocce or Boules

Bocce (also known as boules) is a timeless outdoor game loved by both adults and kids. Bocce is a great game played by throwing balls towards a target, called the jack, on the ground. Players throw or roll their balls, aiming to get as close as possible to the jack, and points are scored based on how close their balls are to the jack compared to their opponents. The balls are thrown with skill and precision, and the game is won by the player or team with the highest point total at the end—most points wins.

What makes it popular:

Low-intensity but competitive
Suitable for players of all ages
Perfect for entertaining outdoors

It works wonderfully on grass, gravel, or any open backyard space.

5. Giant Connect Four

A big, colourful version of the classic Connect Four game keeps kids entertained and lets adults unleash their inner strategist. Giant Connect Four is a fun game played on a large board, where the goal is to connect four pieces in a row to win. It’s a great game for all ages, and the winning player is the first to connect four.

Best for:

Family events
Kids’ birthday parties
Patio or deck setups

It’s also a fantastic option for weddings or outdoor celebrations.

6. Sack Races

A sack race brings nostalgic, old-school fun. All you need are large bags and a start–finish line. Each person stands at the starting line on the ground, ready to hop to the finish. Sack races are a fun game for all ages.

Why it’s a hit:

Hilarious for players and spectators
Great for kids’ energy
Fun for adults who don’t mind a laugh

Perfect for large backyards or open grassy areas.

7. Ring Toss / Quoits

Ring Toss (or quoits) is a fun game and a great game that never gets old. It is played by throwing rings at a board with pegs, aiming to score points. Players take turns throwing the rings, which are thrown from a set distance, trying to land them on the pegs to earn points. The player with the most points at the end wins, making winning all about skill and accuracy.

Great for:

Kids learning coordination
Adults looking for casual fun
Small backyards or patios

Easy to pull out anytime guests drop by.

Water Balloon Games

In warmer months, water balloon tosses or relay races are ideal for cooling off while still enjoying energetic fun.

Why families love it:

Cheap and easy to set up
Kids stay active
Adults can join in or supervise with a smile

Just be sure to collect balloon pieces afterwards to protect pets and wildlife.

9. DIY Obstacle Course

Create an obstacle course using cones, ropes, stepping stones, pool noodles, or just about anything around the backyard. For a fun game, add water balloon challenges where players must throw filled balloons at targets or at each other, or try to reach the other side of the course without getting hit by a thrown water balloon. Use a large bucket to hold all the water balloons before they are thrown. Everyone will have a blast playing these energetic games.

Why it’s one of the best:

Completely customisable
Fun for all ages
Encourages fitness and creativity

Kids can race through the course, while adults compete for best time or “most stylish attempt.”

Family Reunion Activities

A family reunion is the perfect time to bring everyone together for some classic outdoor fun. Outdoor games are a fantastic way to break the ice, get everyone moving, and create lasting memories across generations. Set up a friendly competition with a corn hole tournament or giant Jenga challenge, or organize a water balloon toss that will have both kids and adults laughing. Scavenger hunts are always a hit, encouraging teamwork and a bit of friendly rivalry. For a more relaxed vibe, lawn games like bocce ball or croquet are great for all ages. Don’t forget to add a DIY photo booth or a creative game station to capture the fun. With a mix of active games and laid-back activities, your family reunion will be filled with laughter, connection, and plenty of outdoor games everyone will love.

Outdoor Games for Kids

Outdoor games are essential for kids, offering the perfect blend of fun, exercise, and social interaction. Younger kids love classic games like duck, duck, goose and red light, green light, which are easy to set up and guarantee lots of giggles. For more active play, try organizing a backyard obstacle course using hula hoops, cones, and pool noodles—kids will have a blast racing through and showing off their skills. Water balloon games and sprinkler tag are perfect for hot days, keeping everyone cool and entertained. Creative options like sidewalk chalk art or bubble games add a playful twist to outdoor fun. No matter the size of your backyard, there are endless outdoor games to keep kids engaged, active, and smiling all summer long.

Make Your Backyard Game-Ready

Backyard games are even more enjoyable when your outdoor area is functional, comfortable, and inviting. A well-designed backyard is perfect for yard games and fun outdoor party games that require only a few materials. Adding a swimming pool can open up even more game ideas, and some games can also be played in local parks for extra variety. Creating a DIY version of a classic game is a great idea to boost the party atmosphere and make gatherings so much fun. That’s where we come in.

A well-designed outdoor space can include:

A spacious deck for social gatherings
A covered pergola or patio roof for year-round entertaining
Open lawn areas perfect for games
Outdoor lighting for evening competitions
Custom seating for spectators and family members

At Can’t Stop Decking & Pergolas, we build outdoor spaces that bring people together—whether you’re hosting a BBQ, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying time with loved ones.

Ready to Upgrade Your Backyard?

If you want a space that’s perfect for games, entertaining, and everyday relaxation, we can help.

👉 Explore our services: https://cantstopdecking.com.au
👉 Request a free quote today and let’s build a backyard you’ll love spending time in.

Conclusion

Backyard games are the secret ingredient to making any outdoor gathering a hit, whether it’s a family reunion, birthday party, or a simple weekend get-together. With so many classic outdoor games and creative ideas to choose from, you can easily create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for guests of all ages. From active games that get everyone moving to relaxed games that encourage laughter and connection, there’s something for every family, group of friends, and backyard. So gather your loved ones, set up your favorite games, and enjoy the outdoors together. With these backyard game ideas, you’ll be well on your way to hosting memorable events and building cherished memories that last for years to come.