Beyond BBQs: Unveiling the Top 10 Locations to Play Lawn Games That Aren’t Your Backyard

by Matt Grear

  While backyard gatherings and barbecues have long been synonymous with lawn games, it's time to explore new and unique settings that elevate your gaming experience. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover new locations and events where you can unleash your competitive spirit and have a blast with family, friends and even strangers. From urban parks to the beach, we've curated a list of places to indulge in the thrill of lawn games. Get ready to join us as we uncover these hidden gems:


  1. Community Block Parties

  • Community block parties are a wonderful way to bring neighbors together and foster a sense of belonging. What better way to enhance the festivities than by incorporating lawn games? Lawn games provide an opportunity for people of all ages to engage with each other. A classic like Cornhole is a perfect choice that can easily be set up on a blocked off street or a game like Rollors works great too in someone’s front yard.  These games are easy to learn and accommodate players of various skill levels. They also encourage interaction and create a lively atmosphere that will foster the culture of the community.


  1. Charity Fundraisers

    • When it comes to charity fundraisers, incorporating a variety of lawn games can make the event even more enjoyable and engaging. Even if the event is centered around one of the classics like cornhole and its culture, consider including other games that appeal to a broad range of participants. Games like spikeball or fowling (football yard game) can be played while spectators are waiting to watch their favorite players.  Additionally players that have been eliminated but want to stick around to support the charitable cause can be entertained with these other games.


  1. Music Festivals

    • Lawn games and music festivals go hand in hand, creating an unforgettable experience for festival goers. These games provide a fun and interactive element that complements the vibrant atmosphere of the event. From casual games that encourage socializing to competitive challenges that get the adrenaline pumping, there are plenty of options to choose from. Classics like frisbee and bottle bash are easy to travel with and provide a chance for festival attendees to take a break from the music, connect with friends, and even make new ones. Whether it's a quick game between sets or an all-out tournament, lawn games add an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the music festival experience. 


  1. Outdoor Movie Screenings

    • A perfect addition to an outdoor community movie screening is a lawn game. These games offer a fantastic way to engage with friends and family before or after the main feature. Similar to a music festival, you’ll want simple to travel with games like washer toss or the above mentioned bottle bash to provide entertainment while waiting for the movie to start. For a more relaxed atmosphere, you can also bring along your favorite board games or a deck of cards to enjoy while lounging on blankets or in lawn chairs. Whatever games you choose, they add an interactive and social element to the movie experience and help pass the time while everyone waits for it to get dark enough for the show.  


  1. Farmers Markets

    • Lawn games can add a lively and interactive element to the vibrant atmosphere of a farmer's market. They provide an opportunity for attendees to take a break from shopping, connect with friends and family, and engage in friendly competition. Simple and versatile games that everyone knows and can play are perfect choices. Games like giant Jenga or giant Connect Four can attract both children and adults, creating a fun-filled environment for all. By incorporating lawn games into the farmer's market, it creates a welcoming space that encourages community engagement and draws in prospective customers.  


  1. Food Truck Stops

    • Food truck stops are already buzzing with delicious food and a lively atmosphere, and adding lawn games to the mix can take the experience to a whole new level. Lawn games provide entertainment for food truck enthusiasts of all ages while they wait for their scrumptious meals. Games like the cornhole variation Triple Threat or ladder toss are excellent options as they are easy to set up, accommodate multiple players, and create a friendly competitive spirit while indulging in the flavors of the food truck scene. 


  1. Beer Gardens

    • Lawn games and beer gardens are a match made in heaven and create a convivial atmosphere where people can enjoy refreshing drinks and friendly competition. These games add an extra layer of fun and engagement to the laid-back ambiance of a beer garden. Games like bocce ball or BulziBucket  are perfect choices, as they can be played with a drink in hand. They provide an opportunity for patrons to socialize, bond, and showcase their skills while sipping on their favorite brews. 


  1. Urban Parks and Plazas

    • A fantastic way to maximize the enjoyment of urban parks, lawn games make the most of their open green spaces. Urban parks provide a much-needed oasis amidst the bustling cityscape, and lawn games add an element of playfulness and community interaction to these serene settings. Games like Disc Warrior, or Cliff Hanger can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. They offer a chance to engage in physical activity as a respite from being confined to the office or apartment buildings.


  1. College Campus 

    • College kids need to release all that pent up energy somehow and lawn games bring a welcomed outlet for them to most college campuses.  These games serve as a means of relaxation, socialization, and friendly competition. Games like cornhole, Kan Jam, or ladder toss are staple lawn games of the college experience whether it be between classes or tailgating for the weekend football game.  If you can find a little green space or an open parking lot on campus, that is all you need.   


  1. Beach Boardwalks

    • Lawn games are a perfect addition to the lively atmosphere of a beach boardwalk, providing entertainment for all. These games add a playful and competitive element to the beach experience, allowing people to take a break from sunbathing. Games like beach volleyball, chippo, and turtle ball are popular choices, as they take advantage of the sandy terrain.


As we wrap up our exploration of the top 10 locations to play lawn games that aren't your backyard, we hope you're inspired to venture beyond the familiar and discover new horizons of outdoor fun. From community block parties to beach boardwalks the possibilities are nearly endless. The next time you're looking for a change of scenery, grab your favorite lawn games, gather your friends and explore these unique locations.

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