At the Tiny Dice House, we love the idea that games aren’t just something you play — they’re something you design with and around. Thus, 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.

We brainstormed a long list of fun lawn games and giant board games that we could include in the backyard of the Tiny Dice House. See which backyard amenity and game made the cut in our post here.

If you’re also thinking of unique and fun ways to spice up your backyard landscaping – whether you're planning a party, upgrading your Airbnb, or just want to make your outdoor space more playful – try incorporating these fun, family-friendly lawn games and giant board game classics below that range from cornhole to bocce ball to oversized statement pieces like giant chess and Yardzee into your outdoor space. 

They’re easy to set up, put away and provide hours of fun for kids and adults. Plus, the right backyard game can be aesthetically pleasing, doubling as decor or a social centerpiece that’s part of a creative and cohesive landscaping design, and help create an experience your guests remember long after they leave.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• The best backyard games for different situations

• Ideas that work for small spaces or large gatherings

• A mix of DIY lawn games and design-forward outdoor features

Check out our list of ideas below of fun backyard lawn games that are actually worth setting up!

🎯 How to Choose the Right Backyard Lawn Games

Before jumping into the list, it helps to think about what kind of experience you want to create:

• For entertaining guests: Cornhole, bocce ball, giant Jenga

• For design-forward spaces: Giant chess, wooden dominoes, modern croquet

• For small yards: Connect Four, ring toss, tabletop games

• For budget-friendly setups: DIY ladder toss, backyard bowling

• For Airbnb experiences: Games that are easy to learn but memorable to play

If you’re curating your own space, you can also mix in indoor/outdoor crossover games from your collection (i.e. a version of Yahtzee for both indoors and outdoors!)

👉 Explore all of our best curated games HERE.

1. Giant Chess & Checkers (Statement Piece Game)

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. This game instantly turns your backyard into an interactive landscape feature.

• Best for: design-forward spaces, Airbnb wow factor

• Setup: large board grid + oversized pieces

• Pro tip: doubles as decor when not in use

• Design idea: integrate into stone or patio flooring

• Where to find this: You can find giant chess pieces here or if you're looking for beautiful Chess sets to play both inside or outside, check out our premium chess collection.

2. Scrabble (Popular Word Game)

Who says that Scrabble has to be played indoors? 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. An outdoor Scrabble setup can turn your patio or backyard into a more relaxed, design-forward game space.

• Best for: low-key hangouts, coffee-table style play
• Setup: oversized tiles or standard board on an outdoor table
• Pro tip: use a weighted board or tray to prevent pieces from shifting
• Design idea: opt for wooden or neutral-toned sets that double as decor

• Where to find this: You can DIY giant Scrabble tiles by painting on wooden squares or for a high quality pre-made Scrabble set that can be played indoors or outdoors, explore our Scrabble collection.

3. Jenga (High-Energy Party Game)

Giant Jenga features oversized wooden blocks stacked into a tower that players remove from. 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. The game ends when the first person causes the tower to collapse.

• Best for: parties, group energy, viral moments

• Setup: flat surface like a deck or patio

• Pro tip: taller towers = more suspense

• Design idea: use natural wood blocks to blend into landscaping

• Where to find this: You can DIY giant wooden Jenga with wood blocks or buy them pre-made (you can then paint them any color). If you're looking for beautiful Jenga sets that double as coffee table decor, check out our tumbling blocks collection.

4. Connect Four (Family Favorite)

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. For your backyard, make it a larger-than-life version of the classic board game.

• Best for: families, kids, casual play

• Setup: freestanding grid frame

• Pro tip: place near seating areas

• Design idea: choose wood or neutral colors over bright plastic

• Where to find this: You can get your giant Connect 4 set here, or if you're looking for something more portable, explore our Four in a Row collection.

5. Yardzee (Giant Yahtzee)

Yardzee is a giant outdoor version of Yahtzee-style gameplay. 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.

• Best for: groups, dice lovers (on-brand 😉)

• Setup: large wooden dice + score sheets

• Pro tip: easy to learn, addictive to play

• Design idea: display dice in baskets or crates

• Where to find this: There are many giant dice options to use for Yardzee. For something more portable and equally beautiful, check out our Yatzy dice collection.

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. Dominoes can double as both decor and gameplay.

• Best for: relaxed environments

• Setup: tabletop or lawn

• Pro tip: oversized sets add visual interest

• Design idea: choose modern or wooden sets

• Where to find this: this is another great DIY game that can be done using wooden boards that you can paint on. Or simply repurpose a classic, modern domino set to enjoy outdoors.

7. Cornhole (Classic Crowd Favorite)

Cornhole is one of the most popular backyard lawn games for a reason — it’s simple, competitive, and perfect for groups.

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.

• Best for: parties, tailgates, Airbnb guests

• Setup: two boards placed ~27 feet apart with bean bags

• Pro tip: make sure the boards are weatherproof for the outdoors

• Design idea: leave boards out as part of your patio setup

• Where to find this: there are many beautiful cornhole boards that can be customized to match your backyard. While wooden boards are beautiful and we've used several for our home, we now prefer aluminum boards that are more weatherproof and low-maintenance than a traditional wooden board.

8. Bowling (DIY-Friendly)

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. This is a fun and simple DIY lawn game.

• Best for: families, kids

• Setup: bottles or pins + ball

• Pro tip: works on grass or patio

• Design idea: use wood pins for a premium feel

• Where to find this: we personally love a colorful bowling set. Whatever you use, make sure the pins are tall enough for a more fun experience.

9. Bocce Ball (Relaxed Strategy Game)

Bocce ball is a slower-paced lawn game that blends strategy and social play. 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.

• Best for: casual hangouts, mixed-age groups

• Setup: a long strip of lawn or gravel

• Pro tip: works great in narrow or sloped yards

• Design idea: store balls in a wooden crate for a styled look

• Where to find this: another great lawn game to DIY, but if you're looking for a sleek, modern set, we love this timeless wooden set.

10. Croquet (Classic Lawn Elegance)

Croquet brings a vintage, design-forward feel to your backyard. 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.

• Best for: aesthetic outdoor setups

• Setup: hoops arranged across grass

• Pro tip: works beautifully on wide, open lawns

• Design idea: leave mallets and balls displayed in a stand

• Where to find this: there are many beautiful, colorful sets and depending on if you plan on storing them each time or displaying them outside, you can choose one with a storage bag or a wooden stand.

11. Archery (Skills-based Game)

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. This game adds a more focused, skill-based element to your backyard experience.

• Best for: larger properties, activity-focused spaces
• Setup: target + safe shooting distance with a clear backdrop
• Pro tip: always prioritize safety and proper spacing
• Design idea: create a designated “activity zone” separate from lounging areas
• Where to find this: you can get a simple archery set with a bow and arrows and target sheets to use on a tree or DIY target stand.

12. Axe Throwing (Adrenaline Game)

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. Axe throwing has definitely become a popular backyard activity for its novelty and adrenaline factor.

• Best for: adult groups, unique Airbnb experiences
• Setup: wooden target + throwing axes (with proper safety setup)
• Pro tip: install a sturdy backboard and define clear throwing lanes
• Design idea: use wood finishes to create a rustic, cohesive setup
• Where to find this: You can find plastic kid-friendly sets or DIY one with wood and a repurposed axe.

13. Spikeball (Active & Competitive)

Spikeball is a fast-paced, volleyball-style game played with a small net. The game involves players hitting 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.

• Best for: active groups

• Setup: circular net on grass

• Pro tip: best with 4 players

• Design idea: pair it with a cargo net hammock

• Where to find this: You can get the original set or many similar alternative sets for less

14. Kan Jam (Fun Team Game)

Kan Jam is a frisbee-based team game that’s easy to learn and quick to play. It 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.

• Best for: active groups, competitive play
• Setup: two goal containers placed apart + flying disc
• Pro tip: works well in medium-sized yards
• Design idea: lightweight and easy to store when not in use
• Where to find this: You can get the original set or alternative sets like this foldable travel kit

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! Mini putt-putt courses can be as simple or elaborate as you want, making them one of the most customizable lawn games.

• Best for: families, design-focused spaces
• Setup: putting surface + obstacles
• Pro tip: start with 2–3 holes and expand over time
• Design idea: integrate with landscaping, stone, or turf
• Where to find this: This will likely have to be custom made or DIYed,  but you can find variations like Bucket Golf for more convenience and portability.

16. Disc Golf (Casual Outdoor Fun)

Disc golf combines the best of golf and frisbee into a simplified fun outdoor game. It 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.

• Best for: larger yards

• Setup: targets/baskets spaced apart

• Pro tip: create a mini course, reusing the same buckets if tight on space

• Design idea: blend targets into landscaping

• Where to find this: lots of ready-made sets that include the target basket, disc golfs, carry bags, etc.

17. Ping Pong (Fun & Easy to Learn)

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!

• Best for: patios, covered outdoor areas
• Setup: table + paddles + balls
• Pro tip: consider a foldable table for flexibility
• Design idea: choose sleek or minimal table designs
• Where to find this: be sure to get one that is actually made for the outdoors or you'll be wasting your investment. This is our favorite outdoor ping pong table made by Stiga.

18. Ladder Toss (Easy DIY Option)

Ladder toss is one of the easiest DIY lawn games to build. It 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.

• Best for: budget-friendly setups

• Setup: ladder structure + bolas

• Pro tip: great for small yards

• Design idea: paint in neutral or muted tones

• Where to find this: many ready-made affordable options if you don't want to DIY

19. Horseshoe (Backyard Classic)

A timeless lawn game that’s simple but competitive. 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.

• Best for: traditional outdoor setups

• Setup: stakes in the ground + throwing shoes

• Pro tip: works best on dirt or sand

• Design idea: integrate into a permanent pit

• Where to find this: Easy to DIY or purchase a ready-made set

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. See how we made our own twist on this game here!

• Best for: parties, group events
• Setup: buckets arranged in formation + balls
• Pro tip: use water or sand to weigh buckets down
• Design idea: use neutral-colored buckets for a cleaner look
• Where to find this: Easy to DIY (we made our own Mario Warp Pong version with some flower pots, spray paint, and soft dodgeballs) or grab a pre-made kits

⛳️ Bringing Play Into Your Space

At the Tiny Dice House, we believe that great spaces aren’t just designed — they’re experienced.

Backyard lawn games are one of the easiest ways to:

• Make your space more memorable

• Encourage connection and play

• Turn your yard into something people actually use

👉 If you’re looking for games that work both indoors and outdoors, explore our curated collection here.

👉 Or try one of our free online games here that can be played anywhere and anytime

❓ FAQ: Backyard Lawn Games

What are the most popular backyard lawn games?
Cornhole, bocce ball, giant Jenga, and ladder toss are some of the most popular options.

What are easy backyard games for adults?
Cornhole, bocce, and Yardzee are easy to learn and great for groups.

What are cheap DIY lawn games?
Ladder toss, ring toss, and backyard bowling are affordable and easy to build.

What are some fun giant outdoor games?
Oversized versions of games like chess, Jenga, Connect Four, and dice games.

What are some of your favorite lawn games and backyard board game activities? Tell us in the comments below!