Giant Lawn Games

Touch Football

• An impromptu game of flag football is a great way to pass the time. All you need is two even teams and a football. Select areas for the end zones and decide beforehand what rules you want in place. Most touch football games allow the opposition to stop play simply by touching the player carrying the ball, while some games require a touch with both hands. Another option is flag football, where each player wears a flag attached to his shirt or pants. Play is stopped when an opposing player removes the flag completely.

Disc Games

• Throwing around a flying disc is a favorite activity in the backyard, and there are a number of disc games ideal for a giant lawn. One example is disc golf, where the yard becomes a one-hole golf course. Using a hula hoop placed on the ground at one end of the yard as the "hole", you begin at the other end and see how many shots it takes to land the disc in the hoop. Move the "hole" around as you see fit to provide different challenges.

Croquet

• A staple of backyards since the 19th century, croquet is an entertaining game for anywhere from one to four players. A giant lawn allows for a long and complex game, requiring plenty of time, patience and precision hits. Be sure to space the wickets out in a way that takes advantage of the vastness of the yard.

Other Backyard Games

• There are many other games well-suited to a large lawn. If football isn&'t for everyone, a game of soccer might do the trick. It&'s similarly easy to set up, since all you need is a ball and some items to mark off the goalposts. Other fun games include lawn darts (more for an adult crowd due to safety concerns), volleyball and tag.