10 Inexpensive Outdoor Games for Adults That Are Actually Fun
This post is all about outdoor yard games for adults.
Kids shouldn’t be the only ones having fun at a party. Summer is one of my favorite times to have people over. The sun’s shining, and the BBQ is going. Everyone seems more relaxed and ready to have fun in the summer. The only problem is that it’s hard to find activities that will help everyone have a great time at the party.
Until now.
Games have this way of giving guests something to do, leading to more conversation and playful behavior. Planning fun games for friends to play doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are ten affordable, fun outdoor games that will keep your guests laughing.
How to Plan for Outdoor Yard Games
It shouldn’t be a requirement that people play games while they’re at your house, but there’s nothing better than having a few set up outside for those who want to keep their minds and bodies active.
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Fun Outdoor Games for Adults (and Kids alike)
1. Giant Jenga
Estimated set up time: 2 minutes
Everyone loves the classics. Jenga is a fun, silly way to get a few people up from their chairs. What I love is that it’s a game that practically any skill level can play. Plus, it can be used again and again.
You can either buy a Giant Jenga game or an off-brand version or you can make your own.
Use 4 pieces of 2x4 lumber that are 8 feet long, and cut into 54 7 inch blocks. Sand the edges to get them smooth, and you've got a game that creates excitement as the tower grows taller and eventually comes crashing down.
The best part? Your DIY giant set can be reused for countless parties.
Budget tip: At the time of writing this, the DIY version would cost you around $20 to make.
2. Water Balloon Volleyball
Estimated set up time: Manual water balloon fill, 10 minutes. Quick fill, 1 minute. Net 5 minutes. If you want quality quick fill balloons, I can attest to this brand working well!
Help your guests cool down by setting up a volleyball net or string a rope between two trees.
Instead of a volleyball, play with water balloons!
The teams must work together to keep their balloon from popping while getting it over the net.
Budget tip: A pack of quick fill water balloons typically costs around $5-10 on Amazon.
3. Lawn Twister
Estimated set up time: 20 minutes
Create a supersized Twister game on your lawn using spray chalk or flour to mark colored circles on the grass.
Use a homemade spinner or a smartphone app to call out the moves. It’s a fun, inexpensive game that adults and kids will enjoy.
4. Ring Toss
Estimated set up time: 5 minutes
This carnival-inspired classic is perfect because anyone can participate. You don’t have to be overly athletic to have fun. Set up several bottles or wooden stakes in the ground in a pattern.
Standing a set distance away, players take turns tossing rings, trying to get them around the targets. Label different bottles/pegs so they can be worth different point values.
Budget tip: Create a DIY set using empty plastic bottles and embroidery hoops or make rings from rope wrapped in colorful tape
5. Horseshoes
Estimated set up time: 5 minutes
I remember my dad playing this when I was a child. It’s a classic that everyone enjoys.
Set up the two metal stakes in the ground about 40 feet apart. Players take turns tossing horseshoes, trying to ring the stake or get as close as possible. Points are awarded for ringers and close throws. Try this set if you're looking for a quality horseshoes set.
Budget tip: Search Facebook market to find a used set.
6. Cornhole
Estimated set up time: 5 minutes
This might be the most frequently played game at any of our parties. If you already own a cornhole set, organizing a tournament costs nothing extra.
Don't have one? A DIY version can be made with plywood, paint, and bean bags for around $30-40, creating a party game you can use for years.
If you are looking to buy a set, this set here is the one I purchased for my school events. It's pretty sturdy and cleans up well.
Budget tip: While my husband may disagree, if building your own isn't an option, simple bean bag toss games using buckets works well, too.
7. Water Cup Relay Race
Estimated set up time: 5 minutes
Divide guests into teams and have them line up. The first person fills a cup with water from a bucket, passes it over their head to the next person, who passes it between their legs to the next, and so on. The team that fills their empty bucket at the end first wins!
Budget tip: Since this uses household cups and buckets—essentially free!
8. Blanket Volleyball (No Net Required)
Estimated set up time: 3 minutes
No volleyball net? No problem!
Have teams of 4-6 people hold the edges of a blanket or sheet. Place a lightweight ball in the center of the blanket.
Teams must work together to launch the ball to the opposing team's blanket. If a team drops the ball, the other team scores a point.
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9. Sponge Tag
Estimated set up time: 3 minutes
It’s a great game for those who don’t mind getting a little wet.
Similar to freeze tag, but the person who is "it" carries a water-soaked sponge. When they tag someone by touching them with the sponge, that person becomes the new "it."
Budget tip: Grab your sponges from the dollar store.
10. Giant Tic-Tac-Toe
Estimated set up time: 5 minutes or less
Create an oversized tic-tac-toe grid using rope, sticks, or spray paint on the grass. Use different colored frisbees, paper plates, or bandanas as the X's and O's.
This simple game becomes much more strategic and physical when played on a larger scale.
Budget tip: Go to the dollar store near you to purchase paper plates, so it can be created for under $10.
Outdoor Games Should Be a Party Staple
The best outdoor party games don't require expensive equipment or elaborate setups. Think about what your guests would want to do. I’m hoping I’ve inspired some ideas from classic games to goofy DIY fun.
Remember that the most important aspect of any party game is bringing people together. Sometimes the simplest activities create the most meaningful connections and memories!
What outdoor games for adults have been hits at your parties? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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