Aside from making the actual Tiny Dice House structure fun and playful, we wanted to make the outdoor space equally playful and aligned with the theme of creativity, board games, and play. Naturally, we brainstormed a long list of fun and awesome lawn games and giant board games that we could include in the backyard of the Tiny Dice House. Check out our list of ideas below!
If you’re also thinking of unique and fun ways to spice up your backyard landscaping, try incorporating these fun, family-friendly lawn games and giant board game classics into your outdoor space. They’re easy to set up, put away and provide hours of fun for kids and adults. Plus they can be aesthetically pleasing and double down as creative landscaping design features and amenities.
1. Giant Chess & Checkers
Giant chess and checkers involve oversized boards and pieces, offering a fun twist on these two traditional games. Players move large, easily visible pieces across a spacious board, making these games engaging and visually appealing for outdoor play. Bonus: you can be creative with landscaping to create the chess/checker board such as using pavers, deck tiles, artificial turf, etc.
2. Scrabble
Outdoor Scrabble uses large, weather-resistant tiles and a sturdy board, allowing players to form words and score points under the open sky. It's a blend of vocabulary skills and strategic placement of letters.
3. Jenga
Giant Jenga features oversized wooden blocks that players stack into a tall tower. Participants take turns removing one block at a time and placing it on top, aiming to keep the tower standing as long as possible before it tumbles.
4. Connect Four
This game involves two players who take turns dropping large colored discs into a vertical grid. The objective is to be the first to connect four of their discs in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
5. Yardzee (Giant Yahtzee)
Outdoor Yahtzee aka Yardzee uses large dice and a durable rolling surface, where players roll to achieve specific combinations and score points. It's a game of luck and strategy, ideal for a fun-filled day outside.
6. Giant Dominoes
Giant dominoes consist of large, sturdy tiles that players match end-to-end, following traditional domino rules. It's an engaging way to enjoy the classic game in a more physical and outdoor-friendly format.
7. Cornhole
Cornhole involves players or teams taking turns tossing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole at one end. Points are scored based on where the bags land, with the aim of getting them through the hole for maximum points.
8. Bowling
Outdoor bowling uses a set of pins and a ball on a flat surface, typically with a makeshift alley. Players roll the ball to knock down as many pins as possible, scoring based on traditional bowling rules.
9. Bocce Ball
Bocce ball is a lawn game where players take turns throwing balls toward a smaller target ball (the pallino), aiming to get their balls closest to the target. It requires skill and strategy, and is often played on grass or sand.
10. Croquet
In croquet, players use mallets to hit balls through a series of hoops embedded in the lawn. The objective is to navigate the course in the correct order and hit a final stake, requiring precision and planning.
11. Archery
Outdoor archery involves shooting arrows at a target using a bow. Participants score points based on how close their arrows land to the center of the target, requiring accuracy and control.
12. Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is a fun activity where participants throw axes at a wooden target, aiming for the bullseye. It combines skill, precision, and a bit of daring for a unique outdoor activity.
13. Spikeball
Spikeball is a fast-paced game where players hit a small ball onto a round net, aiming to make it difficult for the opposing team to return. It's a mix of volleyball and four square, played in teams of two.
14. Kan Jam
Kan Jam involves teams of two players taking turns throwing a disc toward a large can with a slot. Teammates deflect the disc into the can or through the slot for points, combining throwing skills with teamwork.
15. Mini Golf/Putt Putt
Mini golf, or putt-putt, is a miniature version of golf where players putt balls through a series of creative obstacles and themed holes. It's a fun, low-stress game that can be enjoyed by all ages. The best part is the amount of creativity you can incorporate when building your own mini putt putt course in your backyard!
16. Disc Golf
Disc golf involves throwing a disc toward a series of metal baskets situated throughout a course. The goal is to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible, similar to traditional golf.
17. Ping Pong
Outdoor ping pong, or table tennis, is played on a weather-resistant table with paddles and a lightweight ball. Players rally the ball back and forth, aiming to outscore their opponent by making it difficult to return shots. There are many beautiful outdoor ping pong tables you can purchase that also serve as a dining table or beautiful outdoor furniture piece!
18. Ladder Toss
Ladder toss involves throwing bolas (two balls connected by a string) onto a ladder-like structure with rungs at varying heights. Points are scored based on where the bolas land, requiring both skill and strategy.
19. Horseshoe
In horseshoes, players take turns tossing horseshoes at a stake in the ground, aiming to encircle the stake or land closest to it. It combines precision with a bit of luck for a classic outdoor game.
20. Yard Pong
Yard pong is an oversized version of beer pong, using large buckets and a ball. Players or teams take turns throwing the ball into the opposing team's buckets, aiming to eliminate all of their buckets first.
What are some of your favorite lawn games and backyard board game activities? Tell us in the comments below!