If you’ve hosted barbecues, tailgates, or any other sort of outdoor get-together, you probably have a collection of backyard games. You may have purchased a bunch over the years, played numerous kinds at a friend’s house, or you’ve made your own. Sometimes it can feel as though you play the same few games over and over again. It doesn’t always have to be endless games of hide and seek with the kids, or cornhole with the adults. There are plenty of other cool backyard games out there if you look!

So if you’re trying to make your next outdoor get-together special, consider checking out some of these cool backyard games. They’re not the same old thing you’ve seen at every other barbecue, and will make your event stand out! These awesome outdoor activities will ensure that there’s not a boring moment the entire day. To make your next party extra special, take note of all the cool backyard games listed below!


Inflatable Jousting

Let out your inner Knight with inflatable jousting! This fun, competitive game tests your balance and arm strength as you stand on a blow-up platform, wobbling back and forth as you try to knock your opponent off with the inflatable sticks! It’s a great backyard game for an energetic group of people interested in sharing some laughs. There will be plenty, as someone is bound to fall off their inflated platform!

See who has the most upper body strength, balance, and jousting skills! You can even make it a tournament. You don’t see this activity in most barbecues and outdoor parties. That’s what makes it one of the coolest games to have for your backyard. May the best jouster win!

Giant Jenga

You might be thinking “everyone’s played Jenga before. What is this on a list of cool backyard games?” Well, this is a new twist on a game night classic! Jenga has always been a popular game to play, anywhere from the dining room table to a local brewery. But have you ever imagined a life-sized Jenga tower? Giant Jenga is an outdoor activity that can measure up to 6 feet tall, making it an outstanding part of your next outdoor get-together. It’s a fantastic game for an entire party to play, as you can gather around, drinks in hand, and watch the excitement unfold. A giant Jenga game is much higher stakes, because when it all crumbles down, it’s a way bigger occasion than a small set!

Glow-in-the-Dark Dodgeball

Dodgeball has been a popular activity since elementary school. You may not have played it in a while, but here’s your chance! From gym class to your next barbecue: dodgeball is an awesome team sport that energizes and excites. But what’s even better than playing dodgeball? Playing glow-in-the-dark dodgeball!

It doesn’t matter if the sun’s gone down, you can still have an incredible time playing outside with friends and family. You might even prefer to play this cool backyard game after dark. After-dark dodgeball players all wear glow stick necklaces and bracelets so they’re seen in the darkness. The dodgeball glows in the night, and you can see your competition zoom back and forth as you take aim. It’s a new, unique challenge that makes this backyard game even more awesome than before.

Night Bowling

Almost everyone in the world has been bowling before. It’s a fantastic group activity that people of all ages can enjoy. So how can you take that familiarity and fun and bring it to your own backyard? Wait until the sun goes down, and try your hand at night bowling!

You can buy a kit of this glow-in-the-dark activity, or create it on your own very simply. Slip some big glow sticks into empty water bottles, fill them up with tap water to further conduct the light, and you have some bright glowing pins! For the ball, you can buy a glow-in-the-dark one, or you can stick a couple of glow sticks inside of a hamster ball! People of all ages can enjoy it, at all times of the day! Night bowling is a cool backyard game to entertain kids once the sun goes down.

Thunder Bubble

If you’re a competitive spirit trying to elevate your outdoor activities and yard games, check out Thunder Bubbles. This incredible addition to your backyard activity lineup is one you won’t soon forget. Two people suit up in large, inflatable bubble outfits and can play a variety of activities. Whether you’re completing an obstacle course, trying to play soccer with them on, or jokingly wrestling, this inflatable suit makes it all the more interesting. It’s one of the coolest backyard accessories because you never know what shenanigans you’ll get up to with Thunder Bubbles on. It’s sure to be a crazy experience that will leave the whole group laughing.

With these awesome backyard games and accessories, you’ll go beyond the everyday outdoor activities people have come to expect. Have you ever tried any of these unique games? Know of any we should add? Let us know! In the meantime, head outside and enjoy the sunshine!