ARE THESE THE BEST BACKYARD GAMES OF ALL TIME?

Happy National Backyard Day! It's the one day that officially celebrates what we all know: backyards are where the real fun happens.

Whether you’re grilling burgers or just hanging out, nothing beats some good old-fashioned yard games. So, what’s your go-to game when you're out back? Here's a list of the 10 best backyard games of all time, ranked based on fun, accessibility, and popularity. See if you agree!

1. Cornhole
   Cornhole is the go-to game these days. With its roots in Cincinnati in the 1960s, it’s now a must-have for any backyard hangout. And fun fact: someone patented a similar game as early as 1883.
   
   
2. Bocce
   Easy to play and fun for all ages, bocce requires minimal setup. Whether you’ve got a proper court or just some open space, this game is always a crowd-pleaser.
   
   
3. Wiffle Ball
   All thanks to a guy from Connecticut who invented the Wiffle ball in 1953, this is backyard baseball made safe and fun for everyone.
   
   
4. Two-Hand-Touch Football
   When flag football is just too much, two-hand touch steps in. Just grab a rag, toss it in your belt, and you're good to go.
   
   
5. Kickball
   Known in the UK as football rounders and in Canada as soccer baseball, kickball is a nostalgic playground classic that never gets old.
   
   
6. Horseshoes
   A bit tougher for younger players, horseshoes is still a great game for those who enjoy a bit of challenge. You’ll need a proper setup for this one, though.
   
   
7. Badminton
   While it might not be as trendy as it once was, badminton is still a solid backyard choice. Just prepare yourself for a little setup and takedown of the net.
   
   
8. Ladder Toss
   Gaining popularity in the last 20 years, ladder toss is a fun, competitive game. It all started with a mailman in Pennsylvania in 2005, and now it’s a staple at backyard BBQs.
   
   
9. Lawn Darts
   The original lawn darts were a little too lethal, but the modern version is still plenty of fun. Throw darts at a circle to score, and watch out for those sharp points!
   
   
10. Croquet
    Once a popular game, croquet has fallen out of favour in recent years. But if you’ve got the proper setup and a few friends, it’s still a classic backyard game with a touch of class.

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Honorable Mentions:

• Playing Catch is a classic, but it’s not technically a "game" in the competitive sense.
• Spikeball, Kan Jam, Garbage Can Frisbee – All great, but some require a bit more space or equipment.
• Beer Pong – For when you’re of age and have the right crowd!
• Ultimate Frisbee – Perfect if you’ve got a big backyard (or a lot of energy).

What's your favourite backyard game? Let us know in the comments! 🏸⚾