Popular Lawn Games

Croquet

• Croquet is a lawn game that became popular during the Victorian era. This game is played in turns, with the object being similar to golf. Arrange the croquet wickets around a well-trimmed lawn so the croquet balls roll easily. The object of the game is to maneuver your ball, turn by turn, through the maze of wickets. This civil summer game can become competitive because the rules allow players to knock other players off the court.

Horseshoes

• Horseshoes is another lawn game that is popular among outdoor lovers. Insert a metal pole, about 2 feet high, into the ground. Give your game players colored horseshoes to toss at the pole. To be fair, allow everyone equal tosses at the stake. The person to ring the stake first or get their horseshoes the closest is the winner. Use spray paint to make a line for players to stand behind. You may have to set two lines to allow a shorter distance for younger players.

Cornhole

• You can play this game by the official rules, but if you have younger players, you should shorten the tossing distances. You will need beanbags stuffed with corn and a playing board painted with glossy paint. The glossy paint allows the beanbags to slide for extra play action. The cornhole board should rest on solid ground and have several holes in the board to catch the beanbags. The board should rest at an angle, which makes the game tougher to win. Players take turns throwing the beanbags different distances. The person to sink the most bean bags in the holes is the winner.

Badminton

• Badminton is a game any age can play. Set up a badminton net in an area of your lawn that is free of holes. Take into consideration the height of the players before setting up the net. While the net should be several feet off the ground, it should not be so high little ones can't get the ball, or shuttlecock, over it. Separate the players into two teams and give everyone rackets. Each team takes turns batting the shuttlecock over the net and then passing it back and forth without dropping it. The team to return the shuttlecock most without dropping it, wins.