The Best Lawn Games for Goofing Off in the Sun

If regular Jenga is like performing delicate surgery, this extra large version from a different company is like performing a dangerous game of minesweeper. Be sure you’re confident in your choice of piece to remove and place on top, or you’re sure to have bruised shins for the next round. We like that this one comes with a carrying case, but if you're handy, you can also make your own set pretty easily with some wood and a chop saw.

Where I come from, ladderball isn’t just a leisurely game; it’s a fierce competition between teams of two, beer in hand, to see who will emerge the ultimate rope-slinging victor. Those cheap plastic ladderball sets are OK if you’re only after some short-term fun, but I can tell you from experience, they will break down over time. If you’re looking for longevity, the Pro Steel is worth the extra coin. I’ve been tossing at this powder-coated steel set for over four years now, and it’s still going strong. We love the buy-it-once philosophy here at WIRED, and this set is built to last. —Ryan Waniata

It requires a good amount of space but nothing has heated up our simmering family rivalries like a good game of badminton in the yard. We like this net because it’s relatively durable, but as usual, the rackets and birdies that come with this one leave a bit to be desired. Snag your own racket and some nicer things to hit if you’re serious. 

This also comes with a volleyball, which makes it easy to transition between games. You can find cheaper nets, but this mid-tier range is the level we'd recommend if you play reasonably often. Cheaper nets can break really easily during intense gameplay.

And now for something completely different. You may think of a chipping set as more golf gift than yard play, but this baby isn’t just for honing your short game—it’s also a helluva lot of fun. The slick design folds down, origami-style, for travel, and it comes with good accessories, including both regular and practice balls and dual practice mats to keep beginners from destroying your yard. I use a ladderball-style system, following 3-2-1 scoring from the top pocket down. Just add a pitching wedge, and you’ve got a unique addition to any lawn party that your golfing friends will love. —Ryan Waniata

A good sprinkler or kiddie pool is really all you need to entertain younger kids (and many pets) in the heat. Grab a fun and kid-safe one like this model and watch your littles and their pets frolick with joy while cooling off in the yard. This even has an alternative center nozzle for a different spray pattern, if you get bored with the traditional spinning pattern.

Personally, it’s hard to be a parent in this day and age and still like guns. On the other hand, Super Soakers bear only the slightest resemblance to actual guns. And nothing delights my kids more than to launch a surprise water war on innocent parents, sitting in chairs across the lawn while trying to enjoy a beer and a chat with other adults. If your kid is under 7 years old, I would recommend only the cheapest of manually-pressurized air water shooters. They’re the simplest for little kids to operate, and you don’t want them to be too powerful or accurate or they might be able to shoot the drink right out of your hand. —Adrienne So

Bocce Ball is a fun game to play on grass, sand, dirt, and every surface in between. You throw the larger balls and try to get them as close as possible to the target ball. This set comes with 8 molded balls in different colors, plus a small white target ball. You can get bigger and bigger sets to accommodate the number of folks you plan to wipe the floor (or grass, or dirt) with. It has a carrying case for easy storage and transport.